Thursday, December 2, 2010
Marketing Moment
Yesterday, 6 ABC News Anchor Woman, Tamala Edwards interviewed me about Fish and Grits. Great moment in time!
Raising a Book
Wow, a lot has happened in the last few months. Fish and Grits official went on line on Kindle in August, followed not so quickly with Smashwords, LuLu and finally Barnes and Noble. I've found out quite bit since publishing. Let me share a few things with you.
In addition to electronic publishing, I ordered 500 copies of Fish and Grits. The first week I sold about 70 at book - true book hustling - by asking any and everybody at my place of employment "if they would like to try my book." I found out, people will buy just to support you, because you've always been friendly, smiled and said "good morning". At first I worried whether they would like the book until a friend of mine reminded me about all the books she's purchase which has gone unread and remains to this day permanent dust collectors. That taught me that when you are publishing your book your have to because a salesperson. You have to sell your book like a product, and no like it's your baby that people will look at and judge. Some people will give you feedback, most won't. That doesn't mean that they don't like the book, they just don't know how to respond to it. Either way, your job is now the retail salesperson and you must take that just as seriously as the position of writer.
Second, I used every form of free media I could think of, Facebook, Twitter, E-mail, etc. to reach out to a new audience. I befriended and accepted the friendship of every and anybody on Facebook and advertised, advertised, advertised my book.
I created commercials using family and friends and posted them on my Facebook page and sent them out as emails.
I designed postcards and fliers to hand out about Fish and Grits.
I had a all out book launching party which included a Fish and Grits brunch where the guests received brunch, and a signed copy of my book. TURN OUT WAS TERRIFIC! Your family and friends do want to be apart of your success. Use them until they stop taking your calls and ignoring your email messages.
Very Important: I scoped out and joined on-line community groups on Amazon, LuLu and Barnes and Noble.
I went where I was invited and prepared myself to sell my book: Always carry a Sharpie, a table cover, and at least a small amount of your books. Wear a smile and try to keep your fingernails looking decent (people will be looking).
Talk about your book to anyone who is willing to listen, and to a few people who are not. Often they are your best buyers. Be prepare to give some books away.
Ask for reviews from your readers. REVIEWS SELLS BOOKS!
Get in involved with a community organization. That is a great way to make friends and get a lot of help with your personal goals while helping others.
Ask others for help.
Just think, my book is only 3 months.
Tina
In addition to electronic publishing, I ordered 500 copies of Fish and Grits. The first week I sold about 70 at book - true book hustling - by asking any and everybody at my place of employment "if they would like to try my book." I found out, people will buy just to support you, because you've always been friendly, smiled and said "good morning". At first I worried whether they would like the book until a friend of mine reminded me about all the books she's purchase which has gone unread and remains to this day permanent dust collectors. That taught me that when you are publishing your book your have to because a salesperson. You have to sell your book like a product, and no like it's your baby that people will look at and judge. Some people will give you feedback, most won't. That doesn't mean that they don't like the book, they just don't know how to respond to it. Either way, your job is now the retail salesperson and you must take that just as seriously as the position of writer.
Second, I used every form of free media I could think of, Facebook, Twitter, E-mail, etc. to reach out to a new audience. I befriended and accepted the friendship of every and anybody on Facebook and advertised, advertised, advertised my book.
I created commercials using family and friends and posted them on my Facebook page and sent them out as emails.
I designed postcards and fliers to hand out about Fish and Grits.
I had a all out book launching party which included a Fish and Grits brunch where the guests received brunch, and a signed copy of my book. TURN OUT WAS TERRIFIC! Your family and friends do want to be apart of your success. Use them until they stop taking your calls and ignoring your email messages.
Very Important: I scoped out and joined on-line community groups on Amazon, LuLu and Barnes and Noble.
I went where I was invited and prepared myself to sell my book: Always carry a Sharpie, a table cover, and at least a small amount of your books. Wear a smile and try to keep your fingernails looking decent (people will be looking).
Talk about your book to anyone who is willing to listen, and to a few people who are not. Often they are your best buyers. Be prepare to give some books away.
Ask for reviews from your readers. REVIEWS SELLS BOOKS!
Get in involved with a community organization. That is a great way to make friends and get a lot of help with your personal goals while helping others.
Ask others for help.
Just think, my book is only 3 months.
Tina
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Selling Your Book Ain't Easy
So, I've spent the last couple of weeks doing absolutely everything I could possibly think of to market Fish and Grits. Let me catch you up: (1) Advertised on Facebook; (2) Put book up on Lulu and joined community groups on site; (3) Put two additional videos up on Facebook and YouTube; (5) Participated in community groups on Smashwords and Createspace; (6) Joined http://www.wattpad.com/ a wonderful literary community group where writers can share their work, read the works of others, and give feedback; (7) emailed everyone I knew and asked them to email their contacts; and (8) purchased ads on Facebook and Mosaic.
Seems like a lot, seems like it should have attracted some attention right? Maybe, maybe not. First, remember not to depend to heavily on friends and family. Although they tend to have good intentions, good intention don't buy or sell books. Second, don't be to worry if your book doesn't sell a lot of copies at first. Whether selling electronically or in person, buyers want the opportunity to mull over their book buying decision. Third, keep telling yourself the first two things and you shouldn't lose all of your hair.
Bottom line - selling your book ain't going to be easy, just continue to work hard. Someone told me once that "I'm only responsible for the effort, not the result." That feels like pretty good advice to me right now.
Seems like a lot, seems like it should have attracted some attention right? Maybe, maybe not. First, remember not to depend to heavily on friends and family. Although they tend to have good intentions, good intention don't buy or sell books. Second, don't be to worry if your book doesn't sell a lot of copies at first. Whether selling electronically or in person, buyers want the opportunity to mull over their book buying decision. Third, keep telling yourself the first two things and you shouldn't lose all of your hair.
Bottom line - selling your book ain't going to be easy, just continue to work hard. Someone told me once that "I'm only responsible for the effort, not the result." That feels like pretty good advice to me right now.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Newborn Book
Well Fish and Grits is officially PUBLISHED! I've pressed the red button people and ain't no turning back now. Let me catch you up on process. Over the last month I've been totally engrossed in the editing process of Fish and Grits. Rule # 1 - Just 'cause it's electronic, don't mean it don't have be right! The readers of electronic books (E-Books) expect the same well written, mistake free product that they would buy in the their local bookstore.
Therein lies the problem. Most E-Book writers don't have the money to afford a professional copywriter (thanks to some very good friends, I did) and we struggled to produce a quality product with no financial means. I caution you to be creative and trying to produce the quality product because it will be expected.
Second, don't assume that your book will sell itself. It won't. You MUST do some marketing of your book. Join the Amazon, Smashwords, and Lulu Discussion Boards and check on them fairly often. You will find a whole community of e-readers there who will share their work and allow you to share your own.
Do use social networking. Take advantage of Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and any other FREE networking tools available to publicize your book.
Third, talk about your book project with anyone who will listen, and they talk about it some more. These people are not just your family, friends, co-workers, etc., they are also your customers and they want as much information about your product as they can get before buying.
Fourth, research and read up on any information you can find about the electronic publishing industry.
Fifth, you will be afraid, like every new mother or father, do it any way.
Six, links, links and more links. Create links to your work everywhere. The internet offers you a world of customers. Grab as many as you can get
Seven, take advantage of the chance to up your own book review of your work. Write your own review, leave question if you like about the book and the journey. Ask people to review your book and bite your tongue when they do so. You want honest criticism of your work - that is the only way you get better at it.
Eighth, enjoy the journey. Independently publishing is a lot of hard work. Remember that and allow yourself time away from the project.
The following is my many links to my work and my email address.
I wish you good writing and Godspeed.
Tina
Email – tsmithbrown@gmail.com
Website – www.Creativetina.com
Amazon Link Kindle Book - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0040JHQWC
Createspace Purchase on Demand - https://www.createspace.com/3470369
Amazon Book Purchase on Demand - http://www.amazon.com/Fish-Grits-Tina-Smith-Brown/dp/1453709517/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1282969206&sr=1-3
Smashwords E-Book Link - https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/22477
Therein lies the problem. Most E-Book writers don't have the money to afford a professional copywriter (thanks to some very good friends, I did) and we struggled to produce a quality product with no financial means. I caution you to be creative and trying to produce the quality product because it will be expected.
Second, don't assume that your book will sell itself. It won't. You MUST do some marketing of your book. Join the Amazon, Smashwords, and Lulu Discussion Boards and check on them fairly often. You will find a whole community of e-readers there who will share their work and allow you to share your own.
Do use social networking. Take advantage of Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and any other FREE networking tools available to publicize your book.
Third, talk about your book project with anyone who will listen, and they talk about it some more. These people are not just your family, friends, co-workers, etc., they are also your customers and they want as much information about your product as they can get before buying.
Fourth, research and read up on any information you can find about the electronic publishing industry.
Fifth, you will be afraid, like every new mother or father, do it any way.
Six, links, links and more links. Create links to your work everywhere. The internet offers you a world of customers. Grab as many as you can get
Seven, take advantage of the chance to up your own book review of your work. Write your own review, leave question if you like about the book and the journey. Ask people to review your book and bite your tongue when they do so. You want honest criticism of your work - that is the only way you get better at it.
Eighth, enjoy the journey. Independently publishing is a lot of hard work. Remember that and allow yourself time away from the project.
The following is my many links to my work and my email address.
I wish you good writing and Godspeed.
Tina
Email – tsmithbrown@gmail.com
Website – www.Creativetina.com
Amazon Link Kindle Book - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0040JHQWC
Createspace Purchase on Demand - https://www.createspace.com/3470369
Amazon Book Purchase on Demand - http://www.amazon.com/Fish-Grits-Tina-Smith-Brown/dp/1453709517/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1282969206&sr=1-3
Smashwords E-Book Link - https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/22477
Friday, July 9, 2010
Art Sanctuary Dinner and A Reading
Recently I attended the Art Sanctuary's Volunteer Celebration which was a wonderful event dedicated to the people who are the backbone of our organization. Held at the home the Founder and Executive Director of Art Sanctuary, Lorene Cary, the evening was memorable.
A warm Tuesday at dusk, the evening air over-flowed with the sweet taste of music and art, laughter and conversation, questions and answers. It was a night pregnant with gratitude and thanks to a group of people who'd un-selfishly sacrificed their time and energy throughout our 2009-2010 Artistic Season, highlighted by the kind and generous treatment of the Art Sanctuary Staff and the North Stars Teenagers.
As volunteers arrived they were warmly greeted and treated like honored guests for the evening. "There was an electric vibe in the room," one of the volunteers, Enyotta Watkins said remembering the night. Event Volunteers mingled with North Star parents, Board Members and Staff sharing magical moments and suggestions for improvement. North Star Teens would not allow us to touch our plates as they rushed to serve us food and drink to show their appreciation.
"The dinner was very informative. It gave the volunteers the chance to share their opinions on how Art Sanctuary can "make it better"," said Pam Payton. She added, "The environment was very friendly and it was great to meet people that you normally don't have a chance to talk to because you're working."
Delicious light fair, cool drinks, royal service, and my first reading. What a night!
I had the opportunity to read a segment of Fish and Grits, and then listen as Lorene read from If Sons then Heirs. My first reading from Fish and Grits, and it was an amazing, humbling experience. That's what I love about this organization - Art Sanctuary gives opportunity to the seasoned professional and the "new kid on the block".
Dinner and A Reading - Art in the Community "for real".
Tina
A warm Tuesday at dusk, the evening air over-flowed with the sweet taste of music and art, laughter and conversation, questions and answers. It was a night pregnant with gratitude and thanks to a group of people who'd un-selfishly sacrificed their time and energy throughout our 2009-2010 Artistic Season, highlighted by the kind and generous treatment of the Art Sanctuary Staff and the North Stars Teenagers.
As volunteers arrived they were warmly greeted and treated like honored guests for the evening. "There was an electric vibe in the room," one of the volunteers, Enyotta Watkins said remembering the night. Event Volunteers mingled with North Star parents, Board Members and Staff sharing magical moments and suggestions for improvement. North Star Teens would not allow us to touch our plates as they rushed to serve us food and drink to show their appreciation.
"The dinner was very informative. It gave the volunteers the chance to share their opinions on how Art Sanctuary can "make it better"," said Pam Payton. She added, "The environment was very friendly and it was great to meet people that you normally don't have a chance to talk to because you're working."
Delicious light fair, cool drinks, royal service, and my first reading. What a night!
I had the opportunity to read a segment of Fish and Grits, and then listen as Lorene read from If Sons then Heirs. My first reading from Fish and Grits, and it was an amazing, humbling experience. That's what I love about this organization - Art Sanctuary gives opportunity to the seasoned professional and the "new kid on the block".
Dinner and A Reading - Art in the Community "for real".
Tina
A Book is Born
I'm exhausted - Isn't every mother after the birth of her child? But Fish and Grits is finished the copy editing stage, which felt like labor and delivery to me. This is the segment when the book is totally out of your control and you can do nothing else but PUSH PUSH PUSH and hope your kid comes out with 10 fingers and 10 toes or in the case of a book, no errors and no holes.
Working with your copy editor is like working with your obstetrician, both of them open you real wide and sometimes you see things you don't want to see. Whether it feels uncomfortable to you or not working with a copy editor is as good of an idea as working with your doctor is. Through the process can be painful at times, the end result is worth the hours of back and forth. Your copy editor, if she's good, like mine (who was great) will help you take your book to the next level. Don't ever think you can't get better or the story can't get better - We can all "Make it more better" as Denzel said in Mo' Better Blues.
I'm constantly reminding myself that before a mother takes her child home she plans for the homecoming. The homecoming of Fish and Grits involves me locating a publishing corp. that I trust with my project (I'm sticking with Createspace), plotting out an marketing course and building a marketing team, writing/re-evaluating my budget, considering distribution courses of actions and options. All of which takes patience. Unfortunately for me, patience is my biggest weakness.
Tina
Working with your copy editor is like working with your obstetrician, both of them open you real wide and sometimes you see things you don't want to see. Whether it feels uncomfortable to you or not working with a copy editor is as good of an idea as working with your doctor is. Through the process can be painful at times, the end result is worth the hours of back and forth. Your copy editor, if she's good, like mine (who was great) will help you take your book to the next level. Don't ever think you can't get better or the story can't get better - We can all "Make it more better" as Denzel said in Mo' Better Blues.
I'm constantly reminding myself that before a mother takes her child home she plans for the homecoming. The homecoming of Fish and Grits involves me locating a publishing corp. that I trust with my project (I'm sticking with Createspace), plotting out an marketing course and building a marketing team, writing/re-evaluating my budget, considering distribution courses of actions and options. All of which takes patience. Unfortunately for me, patience is my biggest weakness.
Tina
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Fish and Grits Cover Design/Author Photo
Well you voted, you've waited while I recovered from a stomach virus, and now - "Fish and Grits" the cover, and the author's photo that you chose!
Thanks so much for voting.
Okay, I cheated on the cover. I went with the fish face, which was the most popular, but I lightened the design a bit.
Tina
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