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Post by bnlippy on Mar 30, 2011 13:02:43 GMT -5
I love to dream and when I do I go BIG!!! So here are a few of my ideas. Some I borrowed from Brian Lies and his marketing that took him all the way up the best seller list.
Good dragon/Bad dragon vinyl decals ~ one down each side of my van and tied to a "report dragon sightings" on my web site; with van being driven to each signing. (borrowed from Brian Lies.)
Good dragon/Bad dragon crafts and cookies to be available at book signings/library and school visits.
Do a blitz of signings by contacting every book store and independent book seller within a day or two drive and go every weekend; following up with thank you cards of appreciation.
These are only some of my different ideas to go along with all the normal stuff. I literally have a small notebook full of ideas including my employers (I'm a book merchandiser), the stores I service, my home schooling groups and virtual school, the art's councils (I belong to several and have started a writer's group), to outright shameless self promotion.
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Post by bnlippy on Mar 30, 2011 17:08:31 GMT -5
Caught up in the marketing idea, I approached one of my store managers this afternoon. It is a pharmacy chain with quite a few stores within 50 miles. The manager said that even if my employers do not pick up my book (Yes, one day I will be published) that I can get in at least 15 of their stores with proper display and guaranteed sales. Guaranteed sales means that if the book is not sold within a reasonable amount of time the publisher agrees to take the product back and give the store a credit, which is standard practice with my employers. See, I said I like to dream BIG!! Now all I have to do is get published.  |
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ella
New Member
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Post by ella on Mar 31, 2011 8:52:21 GMT -5
Wow, that's awesome. I'm glad you have so many connections. And so many great ideas!
I wonder about the book store signings. I've heard those can be not so good if a person doesn't already have a name for themselves. (And I've certainly seen my share of ones that just looked sad... a person sitting there, waiting for people to come up.) Now, if you tie it to story time or some other activity, then I believe you get better results.
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Post by bnlippy on Mar 31, 2011 9:26:53 GMT -5
Really, any book signing can be disappointing. I have talked with several well known authors and they all have the same advice ~ "Walk around the store and get familiar with where everything is. You will be the information desk." I have also been told to learn to knit. It helps the time pass at signings. lol
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Post by Buried Editor on Mar 31, 2011 12:18:54 GMT -5
Even book signings linked with story time can still have low turnout. Sometimes I think our customers don't come when we DO advertise it as having an author present. You could consider turning the book into a puppet show (a narrator reads while the puppets act out and do the dialog) based on the book. People always come out for puppet shows, and then with a larger crowd you might be able to up the sales and signings of the actual books.
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gwen
New Member
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Post by gwen on Mar 31, 2011 21:13:19 GMT -5
The dragon wagon! I like it. I think people would stop and take notice.
I've seen contests between elementary school classes work to draw families. It's usually for a larger event at a bookstore or school where several authors are present and there are readings and interactive activities (or puppet shows!). There's a sign in sheet and whichever class has the most kids attend wins a fabulous author visit that includes theme-appropriate prizes or treats. And of course, the visit is also a chance to get more people excited about your book, so it works out for everyone.
Also, I would just like to add that I am insanely jealous of your job. What an awesome way to spend your days.
Best of luck to you!
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