Okay, You've Written a Children's Book.
You even have a publisher willing to publish it. . .
or
You've taken the "big leap" and self-published.
Now, you want to promote your book, and sell oodles of copies. . .
But, how do you get the book into Amazon, Borders, K-Mart, Wal-Mart, and all the other Marts out there, where parents, relatives, and friends go to buy books for kids?
. . .
IT ALL DEPENDS ON THE BOOK, AND WHO PUBLISHED IT.
Promoting and Selling Your Self Published Book:
It is difficult to get self-published books into the big online outlets and stores. Never take NO for an answer, and keep trying, is my best advice. There are professionals that can help you promote your book, IF you have a bunch of cash to spare: otherwise you are on your own. You will need to outlay some money, plus huge amounts of time and energy. RESEARCH and Thinking Out-of-the-Box is the name of the book promotion game, mates. Make the Internet your best friend.
. . .
. . .
*Make sure your website is cool, fun, and kid friendly.
*Write a killer Press Release.
*Research to see if your book has a niche market. Then, send a Press Release and cover letter to every place that fits that niche. Visit, e-mail, write, or phone them with the glad news about your book.
*Research to see if your book has a niche market. Then, send a Press Release and cover letter to every place that fits that niche. Visit, e-mail, write, or phone them with the glad news about your book.
*Offer website fun that interests kids and parents: a print out puzzle or coloring sheet, a competition with your book as a prize, autographed copies from your website.
. . .
*Work up a great school program and contact schools near and far.
*Work up a great school program and contact schools near and far.
*Do library readings
*Send out Press Releases, followed up by phone calls, to the smaller newspapers, TV and radio stations in your area - and out of it.
*Contact local stores, and the managers of the larger chains in your area. Ask about a book signing, and if they will stock your book. Offer a DEAL they can't resist. A far smaller profit per book is better than nothing - right!
*NEVER leave planning to the store. YOU need to micro-manage everything so it goes smoothly - window signs, book supplies, balloons to attract interest, a table, a chair, and handouts. Even to reminding them that you will be there TOMORROW!
*Put your e-mail, web address and book's name on everything - your name too.
*Put your e-mail, web address and book's name on everything - your name too.
*Make your appearances fun events - dress up as a character in your book, have cuddly toys that represent your characters, forget your inhibitions, go for kid level fun and goofiness. This will pay off in sales, and even requests for return engagements.
*Give out freebies - bookmarks, coloring sheets, puzzles. Whatever fits the theme of your book.
Promoting and Selling Your Traditionally Published Book:
Any good traditional publisher, big or small, will get your book into Amazon, and other great online outlets. Brick and mortar stores, both large and small, are another thing altogether. Many are reluctant to deal with smaller publishers, because they have a return of unsold books policy. Some smaller publishers can't afford this, and that's when you smack into a brick wall.
Publishing today is in flux, so things change all the time. Make sure you know everything about your publisher's sales policies before you sign on the dotted line. And if the smaller stores in your area do not stock your book, a charming and gentle, in-person visit from you, could change their minds. A call to your publisher will have your books on their shelves ASAP. Even a
"special-order" request is better than nothing.
Again, see if you can work a deal between your small publisher and your book seller, or the local branch of that giant outlet. Anything is possible if you smile, and keep up a gentle insistence. When the going gets tough - offer a DEAL! Your publisher wants to sell books too.
"special-order" request is better than nothing.
Again, see if you can work a deal between your small publisher and your book seller, or the local branch of that giant outlet. Anything is possible if you smile, and keep up a gentle insistence. When the going gets tough - offer a DEAL! Your publisher wants to sell books too.
Large publishers will put you in more stores, but often are less flexible regarding the small stores in your area. In these instances, nurturing a good relationship with your editor can be very helpful. These days, the BIG Guys still expect you to hit the pavement (or the Internet) running, and promote your book like mad. Books that do not sell do not get second or third printing runs. Publishers want sales that translate into profits. So, if your first book sits like a lump on bookstore shelves, and is returned to to the publisher by the truckload, they will not be too keen on publishing your next book - GOT IT.
. . .
Unfortunately, most of what I suggested above, to sell your self-published book, still applies if you have a traditional publisher - big or small, advance or no advance. So study my starred suggestions with care. Think about what would persuade you to buy a children's book from an author signing copies in a store - then DO THAT!!
I am sure there are other things you could do to promote and sell your book, however, at this moment I am plum out of ideas.
If I havent't listed the idea - be my guest
INVENT IT YOURSELF!
INVENT IT YOURSELF!
PS - June 20th
Read comments by Karen and Jessica.
They both added terrific NEW information
(Comments Welcome)
5 Comments on DESPERATE TO SELL YOUR BOOK? Read Great PROMOTIONAL IDEAS, last added: 7/10/2008
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Thanks for the great tips, Margot!
Mayra
The key is to keep your expenses down. It is just like the stores who don't want to carry your book because it costs to return them.
Consider dealing with the readers direct. It may seem like torurous work, but if you put a small piece of advertising into the hands of everyone you meet you will start to see an increase in sales.
Margot is right about schools. And if you can find a way to let a school make your books more visible, you will sell them.
Thanks for the great post.
Karen Syed
www.quakeme.com
Ooh just thought of an idea. Karen's comment made me think of it. You could get several writers together and create a flyer for kids to use for a fund raiser with several books listed.
My original idea has to do with making temporary tattoos with a picture of a character from your book.Include your web address. Give them to doctors to hand out after doctor appointments., to teachers, librarians, school nurses, counselors.You can get 1,000 for $60.
I don't know if making stickers is cheap and bookmarks could be used the same way.
Offer a prize drawing. For each receuipt acompanied by name & contact info.
Blessings
Jessica Kennedy
The Differently-Abled Writer
www.jessicakennedy71.blogspot.com
Jessica, Mayra and Karen, thanks for your kind words + the great added suggestions. I will add a PS to this blog entry that directs readers to both Karen and Jessica's terrific advice.
Much appreciated mates!!
Thanks Margot for such wonderful information. It will come in handy in a few months.
Joy aka Zebee, or is it the other way around?