The Secret of a Bestselling Ebook

Posted on May 3, 2012 by admin


Fifty Shades of Grey, an ‘erotic’ e-book by E.L. James, has become one of the best selling ebooks of recent months. It hit the New York Times bestseller list, shocking the literary world. Now they’re talking about a movie!

So what makes some books sell like hot-cakes off the digital shelf while others languish in obscurity for all time? Here’s a few of our thoughts on the matter…

Bestselling e-books tend to revolve around a ‘hot’ theme like the supernatural (vampires being the most common thanks to movies like the Twilight series).


Sell-out authors often write a series of related books. Take Amanda Hocking for instance, her book Switched, part of the Trylle Trilogy, took the publishing world by storm last year. Caleb Warnock outlines her path to success on his blog:

She published her first book, My Blood Approves, to the Kindle Store in April 2010. A week later, she made the sequel available too. Here is what happened next:

  • In April 2010, she sold 45 ebooks in two weeks by word of mouth.
  • In May 2010, she sold 624 ebooks and made $362.
  • In June 2010, she sold 4,258 ebooks and made $3,180.
  • In July 2010, she sold 3,532 books and made $6,527.
  • That same month, one of her books hit #25 on the Kindle sales list, and she made $1,200 IN ONE DAY from ebook sales.
  • In August, she sold just under 5,000 ebooks and made $10,000.
  • And in January, she sold nearly half a million books.

Readers couldn’t wait to gobble up her books.

They’re addictive. Once you’ve started the story you want to find out what happens next. So you buy the sequel, and so on… a handy marketing gimmick.

They’re easy to read. Readers can shoot through the transparent prose in no time at all. It doesn’t require any depth of concentration or understanding to read one of these books. Consequently the story can be devoured faster than you can say “New York Times Bestseller”!

They have hundreds of positive reviews. This seems to be a key to getting ranked highly on Amazon.com or other e-book platforms. Positive reviews generate trust in the book. You know you’re about to download something worthwhile. You’re not wasting your money. Ping – another sale.

Word of mouth. The most valuable marketing technique by far… These bestselling books achieve almost a cult status. Everyone is talking about them. In schools, in colleges, in the workplace. News gets around. Before long everyone is logging on to see what the fuss is about.

Easy to acquire. With Amazon.com, Barnes & Nobel and the iBookstore, self-pubbed writers are spoiled for choice when it comes to getting their books out there. Formatting seems to be the major barrier to entry in this arena, but if you’re willing to spend a few bucks, your book can suddenly be accessed by every e-reader in the world.

Pricing. E-book prices are more affordable than hardback or even paperback novels. Bestselling writers (or e-book phenomenons as they’re being called) usually start out by offering their debut books practically for free. Price is not a barrier to entry. 99c Seems to be the norm, although pricing varies and the e-book pricing debate is flourishing.

Social networking seems to play an important role in the propergation of e-books, word of mouth and ultimate success. The younger generation put us adults to shame when it comes to this field of marketing. Amanda Hocking reveals on her blog how she used social networking extensively in the beginning, to raise awareness of her books.

If you have noticed any other elements that are consistant with these bestselling e-books, then please let us know by commenting below. It’s an interesting study, which as authors, we should all be following.

 

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Effective Self-Promotion Tips

Posted on May 2, 2012 by admin

Liz Fenwick, author of The Cornish House (Orion Publishing) believes as a writer, you need to think through your promotional efforts carefully before you put time and energy into them.

As a writer you don’t have heaps of free time, and that which you do have can always be put to better use. So embrace the 80/20 principle. Put 20% of your effort into marketing efforts that will reap 80% of the rewards. Not the other way round…

Top tips for self-promotion:

1. Who is your intended audience? Fellow writers or readers? With social media you are much more inclined to attract fellow writers and people in the industry than readers, although as you become better known, readers will also visit your fan page if they want to follow you. They’ll go there for publication dates, covers, book signings appearences etc. So you have to cater for both. Facebook is a great way to follow other writers and wrting groups. This way you will be kept abreast of the goings-on in the writing world. You’ll get heads-up about conferences and workshops, books signings and events, which you can then attend at your leisure, use for networking or inspiration. The same applies to Twitter. Use whichever social networking platform has the most appeal to you. Do you need both? Well, possibly. Some groups use Twitter exclusively while others use both, but you wouldn’t want to miss out, so even if you don’t actively Tweet as well as Facebook, you can still follow both. Just make sure you give yourself limited time on each, as we all know how easy it is to get carried away when you should be writing!

2. What is your goal? Is it to increase traffic to your website/blog or fan pages, or is it to sell more books. As a writer your primary goal should be to make sales. Whether you do this actively or passively is up to you. But your goal should be clear. Your promotional messages must all revolve around your latest book release. These days even traditional published authors have to do some degree of self-promotion. The more you market yourself, the more books you’ll sell, the more money you’ll make from your craft.

3. Blogging is an interesting subject. All writers need a website or blog as a hub for their social media platforms, for fans to find you and your books, for agents and publishers to check you out and so on… Blogging is valuable because it allows you to add fresh and interesting content to your site. This works with the search engines, it works with the fans. But when you concentrate too much time on blogging and not enough on writing, it’s time to change. Remember the 80/20 principle above?  There are numerous best practices when it comes to blogging as well. A unique voice, unusual subject matter or hot topics within your industry fare well. Blogs of interest to your target audience are a must. At all times, remember who you are writing to. Answering comments on your blog is essential to gaining followers and getting necessary feedback. Commenting on related blog posts can generate extra traffic to your blog. All worthwhile endeavours, if done smartly.

4. Google +. Join Google + because it allows you to hit the + button at the bottom of posts, which ranks them higher with the search engines thus making them more visible. In terms of social networking, Google + may not reap the same rewards for authors as FB and Twitter (or even Pinterest) but it’s on the rise, so it may be worth experimenting with.

5. Keep your goal in mind. To sell books. So as a writer trying to sell books, you shouldn’t be too controversial, don’t mention the obvious (who cares what you have for breakfast, unless it affects your writing), don’t use your fan page as a soap box, avoid politics, religion and other hot topics. Stick to what is relevant for you to achieve your goal. Keep the tone casual, chatty. Make friends. Be sincere. Network. That’s what it’s all about.

6. Give back. As Liz Fenwick says, “Everybody needs a hand.” If a local magazine promotes you, promote them back. If someone retweets one of your comments, thank them for it. Follow the pin boards of people who are following you, and re-pin if relevant.

7. Think of yourself as a product. What is your USP (Unique Selling Proposition)? If you aren’t sure then go and make a cup of coffee right now and think about it. Your writing, your ‘voice’ is unique to you. What kind of romance do you write? Market yourself accordingly. Focus on your own brand.

In conclusion, unless you’re Danielle Steele, the future of your book sales depend on the effort you put in to your marketing and self-promotion. Scary as it sounds, the time to get to grips with your promotional mix is now. So choose a few avenues, explore them and get to work. It’s worth it when you reap the rewards.

Thanks to Liz Fenwick for providing the inspiration behind this post.

Liz’s debut novel, The Cornish House will be published by Orion in May 2012.  It’s available for pre-order from booksellers and on-line with Amazon UK, The Book Depository (who deliver world-wide for free), Play.Com and Hive.co.uk

Visit Liz at http://lizfenwick.blogspot.co.uk/

 

 

 

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Writing the Perfect Blurb

Posted on May 2, 2012 by admin

So you’ve finished writing the manuscript and now you want to pitch it to an editor. What you need is a kick-ass pitch letter and a blurb that really grabs their attention. Read this fabulous blog post by Tara Lain (originally posted on DirtyBirdiesAuthors.com) on just how to do that.

Your pitch letter. It makes the strongest writer’s knees tremble. What if you mess it up? You won’t. It just takes some thought on how to craft a blowout blurb to describe your book.

A pitch letter should start with a simple declaration.

Attached is a 56,000 word, MMF contemporary, paranormal, erotic romance tentatively titled “Mary Had a Little Lambshifter”.

Fill in  your data as appropriate. Then comes the blurb and this is your chance to shine. Trouble is, writing a blurb is nothing like writing a book. My day job is in advertising and PR, so I know that writing a blurb is more like writing an ad than a story. While they tell you that the blurb can be a couple paragraphs, I advise against it. I think a short paragraph is usually the best. This sounds scary, but the process will help you understand your book so much better!

Where to start? With your central POV character. What is his problem? (LOL. I write mostly MM so i say “he” but this can be your heroine.) We don’t want to know all his problems. Not every detail of his dilemma. Just one snappy statement that captures the essence of the book. If it takes too long to explain it, then you haven’t gone deep enough. Here is an example:

In my new book, Beach Balls, which comes out on May 4th the first line of the blurb I included in my submission letter was –

Adam James is so far in the closet he could find Narnia. 

The editor said it was the best first line she’d ever seen in a blurb.  LOL. Then you go on and explain a little further:

But coming out would threaten all he’s built as the lead attorney for WMA Development, and the million dollars he can get when he finishes pushing  a big land remediation project through the City Council. Then on an early morning scuba dive, Adam meets a tall, lean rebreather diver named Sky who makes him want to live a different life. But Adam’s dreams are shattered when he walks into the council meeting and finds the fire-breathing environmentalist who’s screwing up  his chances of winning is none other than that same beautiful man. 

Then turn your attention to the other hero or heroine. What does he or she want?

Sky Sea Mickeljohn doesn’t compromise, so how could he find himself lusting after a damned developer? And what happens when somebody open’s Adam’s closet door? 

Then conclude with a statement:

These two better start telling the truth if they’re ever going to find world peace.

Some people will tell you not to use questions in your blurb.  I disagree. Yes, you can overuse them, but sometimes it’s simply the best way to create a little drama. Choose active, colorful words — threaten, shattered, lusting. Be a little mysterious but not too much–”ever going to find world peace.”

So that’s the blurb and the heart of your pitch letter. Following that, you can tell the editor why you chose their publication in a few words and go on to say a little about how you actively promote your books (an important piece of the pie).

If your blurb is good enough, you can use it later as the blurb when the book goes to publication. It may take a few drafts to get it right. If it seems to be getting complicated, stop and choose another pathway into the blurb. Keep trying until you feel you’ve captured the book’s essence. Writing blurbs is fun–and a good one makes your pitch letter a winner!

Just for fun, here’s the cover of the book I was describing above. More about that later.

To visit Tara Lain’s website, click here.

 

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Review Sites – Best Practice

Posted on April 29, 2012 by admin

What better way to get your name out there than with a great book review? Great idea in theory, but in reality it can be a lot trickier. Editors and readers of book review sites are drowning in manuscripts… and with internet sales increasing those lists are only going to get longer. Even digital imprints of traditional publishers are struggling to get their books reviewed by third-party and impartial reviewers.

So you’re wasting your time if you’re waiting for a book reviewer to find you. You have to approach them and often even that isn’t enough. You’ve got to give them a good reason to read and review your book. As novelist and book reviewer Lynne Connolly says, “These days, reviewers are inundated with requests to review. The best way is to contact the reviewer with a blurb, and an easy link or better still, a reply option to get the book.”

That’s great advice. The best practice would be to contact the reviewer directly, if possible, if not you’ll have to go through their website, and include an enticing blurb (click here to see how to write a blowout blurb!) that hooks the reader from the get-go. Then send the reviewer to a link where they can download your book for free, or arrange to email them a copy. The idea is to make it as easy as possible for them to get hold of your latest release.

You could also outsource to a promotions company who will do all the hard work for you, but for a price. Some sites offer a central review service, such as Manic Readers’ Review Depot, which allows authors to submit reviews that are passed on to all review sites in the depot.

A good piece of advice is to start a review site spreadsheet and list sites that you’d like to review your book. Then slowly work through the list, contacting each site, using the tips above, and request a review. Getting reviews is a time consuming practice, but it is rewarding when they come back.

 

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Applying for an ITIN

Posted on April 29, 2012 by admin

I recently got a letter from Amazon.com telling me that they are withholding royalties on my e-book sales because I have not got an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number or ITIN. If you’re in the same boat as I am, or if you’re selling books on Amazon.com, you will also require an ITIN. Here’s how to go about it (from people who have done it).

  1. Download the W7 form from the IRS website. Be sure to fill this form in acurately, they are very picky and will reject your form for the smallest error. If you’re in London it’s best to visit the US Embassy in Grosvenor Square and fill out the W7 form with one of the consultants there. That way you avoid any mistakes which might prevent you from getting your ITIN.
  2. If you’re visiting the Embassy, take your passport with you (they will make a notorised copy) and a letter from your publisher or in the case of Amazon.com the letter/email they sent you telling you they’re witholding payment, or if they haven’t yet, download this letter from their website.
  3. The Embassy will then send your form and accompanying documents off to the IRS for you.
  4. Alternatively you can post your W7 form, publisher’s letter, notarised copy of your passport and pastille (if you need one to claim tax back, for example) to the IRS at Internal Revenue Service, Austin Service Center, ITIN Operation, P.O. Box 149342, Austin, TX 78714-9342.
  5. Yet another option is to make an appointment with a local notary – your local solicitor should be able to recommend someone . The notary will help you fill in your form (or check you have done it correctly) and verify your passport. They can also send the form away for you. In addition they will arrange a pastille if you need one. Notary fees vary, so make sure you check these up front.
  6. In a couple of months (anything from 3 to 5 months have been reported) the IRS will send you your ITIN in the post.
  7. While you’re waiting, your publisher can defer any payments to you, meaning they hold onto them until they can legally pay it over.
  8. Then fill out the W8-BEN form and send it to your publisher.

Resources:

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Work that Writing Conference

Posted on April 29, 2012 by admin

Before you attend the many writer’s conferences coming up this summer, be sure to read this useful blog on how to get the most out of your conference experience, featuring guest bloggers A. Catherine Noon and Rachel Wilder. You may even walk away with a request for a partial…

Rachel and I are attending Spring Fling, the conference of the Chicago North chapter of Romance Writers of America.  A large regional conference, it focuses on workshops and activities for aspiring and published authors, as well as a reader event that includes a book-signing.

Having just gone to the RT Booklovers Convention earlier this month, I am beginning to “get the hang” of how I like to “do” conferences.  I figured I’d pass along some tips that work for me and Rachel:

1.  Plan ahead.  Look up the schedule on the Internet before you go, so you know what you want to attend and where, if any, slack exists so you can relax.

2.  Come early to get the lay of the land, check in, and get your “swags.”  Most conferences give various freebees, from books to pens, mirrors, and even candy in naughty shapes.

3.  Many people use conferences as networking tools, so pay attention to the lounge and lobby areas.  Editors and authors like to just hang out, rather than attend every workshop; impromptu discussions can take place.  You never know who you might meet.

4.  Don’t be afraid to have some fun.  Most conferences offer parties of various kinds, from relatively mild receptions to full-blown extravaganzas with costumes, models, and stage productions.  It’s not all serious, so lighten up and let your inner child play.

5.  Bring business cards.  Collect business cards.  Even if your cards are simply your name and email, you have the opportunity to make connections and put a face to your branding.  Folks are more apt to connect with a real person, which is invaluable as you’re starting out.

6.  Take care of your appearance.  You might want to dress up in order to give a good first impression.  While jeans and a t-shirt are comfortable, you are representing you and your brand.  Dress the part.

7.  Remember to drink plenty of water and bring snacks.  There’s no reason not to spend money at the hotel or convention center if you’ve budgeted for it, but why pay seven dollars for a bottle of water when you can bring it with you?  Plus, you might not want to leave a workshop just because you get the nibbles.

8.  Bring something to take notes with.  Don’t be afraid to ask questions.  People love to talk about their craft.  The more you ask, the more you’ll learn.

9.  If you see an author you like, go up and talk with them.  They’re here to connect with the fans.  Take advantage of that and be a fan.  Just don’t bother them if they’re trying to have a quiet meal or already in conversation with someone.

10.  Be a sponge.  Keep your eyes open.  You never know when you might see the next idea for your novel, idea for a cool promotional concept, or a new friend.  Let the world around you stimulate you.  After all, that’s what you paid for.

A. Catherine Noon and Rachel Wilder

Website:  http://noonandwilder.com/

Blog:  http://taurusandtaurus.blogspot.com/

Blog:  http://acatherinenoon.blogspot.com/

Check out BURNING BRIGHT, available now from Samhain Publishing.
Watch for EMERALD FIRE, coming soon from Torquere Publishing.

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Mother’s Day Promotion Ideas

Posted on April 25, 2012 by admin

Mother’s Day is for celebrating Moms. After all where would we be without them?  Mine plays a big part in my life and I like to spoil her on Mother’s Day.

Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity for shoppers to purchase Kindles, E-books, and of course paperback romance novels for their moms. And as a romance writer you’re in the perfect position to help readers find that perfect gift!

Here’s our Mother’s Day promotional advice.

1. Plan early for Mother’s Day. Select your perfect Mother’s Day titles and promote them up front on your website. Arrange your titles into groups for easy scanning by readers. Some moms might prefer a tamer read, while others might like a juicy one.

2. Offer 2 for 1 deals to encourage multiple purchases. Not only does this get your name out there, but people will read more of your work and if they like it, you’re half way to gaining another fan.

3. Give away a freebie with every e-book/book purchased. Not everyone can afford to do this, but if you can, you’re enhancing your readers experience and making them even more familiar with your work.

4. Offer your earlier releases at vastly discounted rates in conjunction with any Mother’s Day sale, or even or free. Back lists make great promotional gifts and special offers. If they’ve outlived their shelf-life, add them to current purchases to give readers more of your particular brand of romance.

5. Create a Mother’s Day Gift Guide. Either with your own books or related products. Use affiliate advertising to generate some extra income. Sign up for affiliate programmes to sell related products such as the Amazon Kindle, B&N Nook or Apple iPad. You get commission if someone buys one of these products from a link on your site.

6. Send out a pre Mother’s Day email to everyone on your list informing them of your onsite promotions and specials. That way they can purchase your e-books or novels with plenty of time to spare.

7. Send out a Happy Mother’s Day email to everyone on your list to encourage good relations with your subscribers, and of course to offer any last minute specials or promotions for Mother’s Day. The beauty of the internet is that downloads are immediate, so if anyone has forgotten to get their mum a gift, you’re providing the perfect solution: A last minute download to their Kindle.

8. Chat about your Mother’s Day promotions on your social media pages, Facebook, Twitter, etc. Using a chatty tone, casually mention your Mother’s Day promotions. Word of mouth spreads quickly, so your fans, friends and family may pass the info on to others who they think may like to take advantage of your special offers.

9. Blog about what Mother’s Day means to you, and mention your promotions there too. It’s best to cover all bases. Remember not to be pushy, but rather use a chatty, friendly tone. No one likes a hard sell.

10. Guest blog, if you can, or advertise, if you can’t, on websites that your target market will be interested in such as online gift shops, flower shops, chocolate boutique shops etc. Think out of the box. If you’re on a budget try to negotiate an ad-swap or a mutual link exchange instead of paying for an ad.

11. PPC Ads can drive traffic to your site or landing page for special Mother’s Day promotions. I wouldn’t recommend this for general promotions but if you’re running a big competition or attracting a large market segment, PPC ads can be very effective.

12. Blog about other mothers who are successful in your field. Creating quality content is rated highly by search engines. If you know of a mom who’s achieved great success or who’s story is worth telling, why not blog about it. Interest stories will attract traffic to your site and then those visitors will stumble upon your Mother’s Day Promotions without you having to do anything.

Good luck!

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Networking for Romance Writers

Posted on March 30, 2012 by admin

Networking is all about cultivating relationships. Whether it’s with your publisher, editor, agent or fans, having a network is vitally important to a romance writer. Here are some of the reasons why?

  • Mentors provide valuable feedback on your manuscripts which you can t hen implement on your journey to publication.
  • Word of mouth enables fans and followers to talk about your book to their networks.
  • Forums and writers groups enable you to learn and share knowledge, keep informed of developments in the industry such as new publishers, those looking for submissions, and any tips on getting published.
  • Networks provide valuable information that could work in your favour, such as submission guidelines, insider tips, agents looking for writers, or new niches.
  • Research becomes a lot easier when you can connect with people via the internet or soical networking.
  • Sharing of industry service providers, those who are the best, or the cheapest etc.
  • Sharing marketing costs with fellow writers, like book tours, signings or talks.
  • Attention book signings and events of fellow writers or people in your network is an opportunity to pass on your promotional material too.
  • Drive traffic to each other’s websites through reciprocal links and ads, blog posts or interviews.
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Sure-fire Inspiration Tactics for Romance Writers

Posted on March 30, 2012 by admin

All writers have moments of self-doubt. Whether you’re a first time author or a published author expected to produce a manuscript of the same standard as before. Follow these guidelines to raise your spirits and squelch that fear whenever it raises its ugly head.

1. Write a glowing book review. Study other book reviews of your favourite romance authors, look on Amazon.com for the best reviews or on romance review websites. Mimic their style and write your ideal book review.

2. Design and write the copy for a full-page advert for your book. Use the RT or USA Today as a guide. Read how to create the perfect cover design here. Attention-grabbing ads are also an art, so for some design tips, read my blog post, Attention-grabbing Ads that Convert.

3. Write the front copy for your book and the back blurb. Again, study other published romance novels on amazon.com for inspiration and to see how much copy is needed. Once you’ve done these three things, print them all out in full colour and stick them above your computer. Next time you feel even a smidgeon o f self-doubt, look up and be inspired!

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10 Marketing Secrets for Romance Writers

Posted on March 26, 2012 by admin

These days writing books is only half of the business of being an author. The other half boils down to marketing. With the e-book explosion authors can stand to make a lot of money, if they marketing themselves effectively. Here is MarketingForRomanceWriters.com’s top 10 list of marketing secrets you really need to know.

1. Content – You have to start with a well written, engaging book. No amount of marketing can sell a book that doesn’t deliver. So pay attention to your content, edit and format it properly and make it interesting or engaging and  your marketing efforts will pay off.

2. Commitment – Stick to your promotional plan. Once you have decided what marketing elements you’re going to use, commit to putting them into practice. Do something every day.

3. Investment – Marketing your book is an investment into your future. Some marketing tactics are free or very low cost like social networking and building a website, while others may cost a bit more, like promotional efforts and print marketing.

4. Consistent – Make sure your promotional plan is sustainable and consistent. That means frequency of blog posts, attention to detail and delivering top end promotional material every time.

5. Credibility – Build your own credibility by being consistent and well-written. Your readers will get to know you and become confident in your ability to deliver quality work, whether its an e-book or a blog post. This boosts your credibility as a writer.

6. Patience – very few marketing efforts will turn you into an overnight success. Marketing takes time. You have to persistently plug away at your promotional efforts and slowly but surely they will begin to pay off.

7. Mix it up – An assortment of marketing methods is the best approach. Don’t try to do everything all at once though. Pick a few marketing tactics that appeal to you, that you can do consistently and that you think will work for your type of books and target readership and stick to those.

8. Be Different – Put an element of amazement into your marketing. Don’t be boring. There are so many marketers out there using the same boring tactics. Strive to be different. Delight, astonish or interest your readers. Make them laugh.

9. Engage – Reader interaction is an important part of promotional marketing for romance writers. Engage with your Facebook fans, Tweet regularly with your Twitter followers, build a comprehensive email list of dedicated followers. Building a loyal fan base takes time and effort but the results are exponential.

10. Monitoring – Online marketing is pretty easy to measure. Your web traffic can be recorded and analysed through a program like Google Analytics, your book sales can be measured through your e-book publisher or by setting Anatlyics Goals on your sales pages, Facebook and Twitter have statistics available. Montior what’s working for you and what isn’t, and focus on the big hitters and put less effort into the promotional elements that aren’t paying off.

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