How To Sell Your Debut Novel

I came across this article the other day and
as I read it I wondered how many authors
read this piece and took action… Really!

It has some great nuggets in it that will
ignite some new and old ideas. So take
a minute or two read it!

After you’ve read it, Talk Back! What did
YOU find valuable and what were really
looking for with a title of “How to sell
your debut nove!”?

Enjoy! ;o)

Won’t Be Denied,
C.F. Jackson

P.S. Be sure you download your free 60 Minute
Audio Tutorial on Online Book Marketing… It’s
right over to the right, on the home page!

How to sell your debut novel

In an overpopulated market, how do you compete with known writers
and celebrities whose work is promoted at every bookshop, website,
magazine, television show and newspaper?

A publisher doesn’t invest that much PR in first-time writers unless
you’ve been recommended on Richard and Judy’s Book Club or been
hailed as the next best thing. However, there are options available
that can help dramatically increase sales.

Depending where you live, anywhere up to 50,000 people read the
local papers, which are desperate for interesting stories, especially
if there’s a local interest. In addition to London, my debut novel was
set in Belfast, Southampton, Harrow and Milton Keynes The publicity
generated from these local papers was invaluable in shifting hundreds
of copies. Same applies for local radio (lots of fun) and the town websites.

Acclaimed author of ten novels, Carole Matthews, hosts a fun website
and monthly newsletter promoting her hilarious novels to new and
established readers. Include a biography, sample chapter, contact details,
reviews and photos of yourself. Too many authors cram their website
full of material and excessive colour. Simple and straightforward is best.
Check out the websites of Stephen King, Anthony Horowitz, Sarah Webb
and Carole Matthews.

Adrian Magson, crime writer and author of No Sleep For The Dead, sells
many books courtesy of book signings. His novels are displayed at the
entrance of the bookshop and he gently approaches customers, asking
if they enjoy crime writing. If it’s a “yes,” he talks about his work and
often sells a copy. If they’re interested in another genre, he thanks them
and moves on. Book readers enjoy meeting authors in their favourite genre.

If you are nervous or shy about selling, Chris Cardell offers advice on
how to sell your business. His coaching tips are highly recommended a
nd free, although if you have the money, he’s worth hiring for advice.

Bookmarks, pens, mugs. Bookstore managers appreciate these items,
especially independent bookshops, who’ve placed my work at the front
of their shop alongside John Grisham and Eoin Colfer, when they received
complimentary promotional mugs. Bookmarks are universal and more
cost-effective.

Donating a portion of your sales to good causes helps raise your profile.
I gave 50 copies to my daughter’s school. £3 to raise money. £4.99 to
yours truly. Teachers and parents talked about it for weeks and valuable
publicity ensured more copies were sold.

For romantic comedy novels, have a valentines day competition. For horror,
take advantage of Halloween. Crime – well, anytime in winter. Local press
appreciates and supports competitions.

Although you will experience some jealously from others, most friends,
family and work colleagues happily buy copies. People love claiming that
they know authors that have actually produced books rather than those
who simply talk about it.

Using the above methods, I’ve sold 1455 copies of my romantic comedy,
Heaven’s Delight, in the first two months. To read the opening chapter,
go to my website.

The article How to sell your debut novel can be found here.

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Okay! Talk Back! What did YOU find valuable and
what were really looking for with a title of “How
to sell your debut nove!”?
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