Increase Book Sales: When a Book is No Longer Just a Book for Sale
Do you have books sitting in your garage that you haven't sold yet and looking for ways to move them? Then you will want to know about these five outrageous ideas that aren't difficult and can be just plain out fun.
Dede Hall, author of The Starving Student's Cookbook had very poor sales for her books. Then one day an outrageously light bulb moment appeared. She added an inexpensive skillet with the book and shrink-wrapped them. Then she took 150 of them to two stores that she thought wouldn't sell them. Yes, to her surprise, all 150 sold in two days. Dede stumbled on an outrageous idea and it worked out big time. She sold over 100,000 copies in a few months. Where did she sell them? Thought you would never ask. Price Clubs and K-marts.
Do you have a book that could be packaged with something else and create outrageous sales for yourself? It's Christmas time and no it isn't too late. But before you dart off to come up with an outrageous idea for your book, continue reading so that you can get all the facts.
Another cookbook was repackaged with a scarlet ribbon and some imported cinnamon sticks and then sold at department stores in the housewares and gift sections. The book couldn't sell at $5.95 but flew off the shelves at $10 and went into second printing in 30 days.
Would your book sell well in a three-ring shrink-wrapped binder? Why not create and audio or CD version of the material. Just read directly from the material. You do not have to be fancy. Add "read by the author" language to the outside in big letters. Or maybe "F-R__E-E Bonus, Limited Time Offer, Free Audio read by the author" in big letters.
Another key is to look for an item that makes the package larger than the book. This requires a larger space and then bigger visibility.
What about a book on money? Add a mug labeled, "Millionaire" and watch it fly off the shelf. Do not forget the second part of the formula -- the place you are going to sell it. When you add the mug, it is now considered a gift item. This opens the doors to more stores and places.
Try all the independent gift shops, especially at the airport. They are always looking for these type of unique combinations.
Have an exercise book? Add a "walking meter" with it. The one that measures how many miles you are walking. Have no clue what they call those things but I have bought three over the past few years. Again, now it is a gift item. How about contacting a sports equipment vendor and selling them copies of your book that would be a freebie for a limited period with a purchase.
Get the store to add a sign, "limited quality" and watch them go even faster. What is great about this angle is that gift stores, department stores and similar stores are much more open to add things to their shelf. They will work with you much better than a bookstore.
Now that you brain is going a mile a minute with ideas, best wishes for selling many more books!
Catherine Franz is a Marketing & Writing Coach, niches, product development, Internet marketing, nonfiction writing and training. Additional Articles: http://www.abundancecenter.com blog: http://abundance.blogs.com
Need a Fresh Look At the Market?
Wizetrade is America's most popular investment training and software.
Related Articles:
"The Revenge of Little Crow" Historical Fiction Novel Makes an Excellent Holiday Gift Idea
One hundred and forty-five years ago on December 26, 1862, while the Civil War raged in the south, 38 Sioux Indians were executed by hanging at Mankato, Minnesota. This execution, the largest in US history, was ordered by President Lincoln as the result of Minnesota's bloody Sioux massacre which left nearly 1,000 settlers dead or wounded. "The Revenge of Little Crow," historical fiction by Steven M. Ulmen, tells the tale.
Kevin M. Weeks Blends Urban Fiction with a Twist of Crime Fiction in Sophomore Novel
Award winning author Kevin M. Weeks incorporates the best elements of Urban Fiction and Crime Fiction together in his sophomore novel titled: The Street Life Series: Is It Passion or Revenge?
Outskirts Press Announces Satan's Bulge, the Latest Highly-Anticipated Fiction/ Science Fiction Book from Upland, CA Author J R Kapz
Outskirts Press, Inc. has published Satan's Bulge: A recounting of the Palmdale dragon hysteria as reported by by J R Kapz, which is the author's most recent book to date. The 5.5 x 8.5 Paperback in the Fiction/ Science Fiction category is available worldwide on book retailer websites such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble for a suggested retail price of $13.95. The webpage at www.outskirtspress.com/satansbulge was launched simultaneously with the book's publication.
Thought-provoking New Science Fiction Novel Relates Concept of Time to Current Events
Author Bizhan Karimi makes a liberal statement regarding the existing USA-Iran conflict in Romeo and Leila & the Enigma of Time
'1919 - Misfortune's End' Listed Among Top 10 Books in Historical Fiction
The novel is listed as one of the most original, brightest and best selling on the market.
Outskirts Press Announces Destiny, the Latest Highly-Anticipated Fiction/Historical book from Author Don Helling
Outskirts Press, Inc. has published "Destiny: A Love Story from the Ashes of Despair" by Don Helling, the author's most recent book to date. The 5.5 x 8.5 Paperback in the Fiction/ Historical category is available worldwide on book retailer websites such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble for a suggested retail price of $9.95. The webpage at www.outskirtspress.com/destiny was launched simultaneously with the book's publication.
New Non-Fiction "Diet" Book Focuses on Healing and the Power of the Truth
Wayne Nickens, M.D., has created Eat Me: The Ultimate Diet as a prescription for affecting change in our lives that goes way beyond what we place in our mouths. Dr. Nickens encourages readers to discover the poisonous influences that lie inside our brains and control our urges, drives, desires, attitudes, emotions, and behaviors. He then challenges readers to rise up out of ignorance and embrace the truth that comes from God, allowing the Power of the Spirit of Life to do the healing. Complete healing is the only solution to brain injury.
Historical Fiction Novel Depicts 'Red Summer' Riots, Observing 89th Anniversary
1919-Misfortune's End Creates and Develops Authentic Characters Who are Placed into Historical Events to Reveal Lessons that Mirror Today.
Black Author Brings New Voice to Science Fiction and Fantasy
African American sci-fi/fantasy author R. A. Baker shares his views on the genre, and the future of black speculative fiction
Hypnosis Explained - Fact or Fiction - Free E-Book Launched To Celebrate Decade of Healing
To celebrate its 10th year, the Ontario Hypnosis Centre in Toronto Canada is offering a free e-book to help dispel the myths and show how accessible hypnotherapy is for everyday use.
First Private Equity Funding of Non-Fiction Book
The Complete Kant.
Outskirts Press Announces Envisioned, the Latest Fiction/Fantasy Book from Aiken, SC Author Montana Hintermann
Outskirts Press, Inc. has published Envisioned by Montana Hintermann, which is the author's most recent book to date. The 5.5 x 8.5 Paperback in the Fiction/ Fantasy category is available worldwide on book retailer websites such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble for a suggested retail price of $10.95. The webpage at www.outskirtspress.com/Envisioned was launched simultaneously with the book's publication.
5th Better Sex Erotic Fiction Contest: Largest Prize for Amateur Erotic Fiction Writers
BetterSex.com (http://www.bettersex.com) will award $5,000 in cash and prizes to amateur erotic fiction writers on Valentine's Day 2009. Submission deadline for the company's fifth erotic fiction contenst is midnight Sunday November 1st. Complete contest details may be found at the company's web site.
Two Works of Fiction by Local Authors Highlight Youth Homes Auxiliary Annual Book Review
Two book readings, "Clear of Clouds" and "The Cultivation of Weeds", followed by a question and answer period with Mr. Leigh Robinson and Dr. Emory Menefee, the books' authors and close personal friends, will be the highlight of the annual Youth Homes Auxiliary book review to be held on Thursday, October 25, 2007 at the Hope Center Covenant Church (2275 Morello Avenue, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523). Funds raised by Youth Homes Auxiliary support neglected and troubled youth in Contra Costa County.
Golden Age Stories Launches Interactive Pulp Fiction Book Website
The new GoldenAgeStories.com interactive Flash Website Pulp Fiction universe showcases 153 fiction stories in books and audio books by L. Ron Hubbard via immersive and engaging Flash video, audio, print, drawings, and iTunes Podcasts from 80 classic books.