Reading this article has given me food for thought. We all remember how Robert Galbraith published The Cuckoo’s Calling, gathered critical praise, but sold a measly 1,500 copies during its first four months. (Actually, I think 1,500 copies sold in a month is pretty good....)
When the news broke that “Robert Galbraith” was a pseudonym for J.K Rowling, sales of the book skyrocketed to 225,000 copies in a single month and proves how important Author branding is in selling books. With the recent shift towards digital publishing and online selling, it is now more important than ever for authors to build a strong fan base.
What can authors do to reach new fans and build their brand? Lots, it seems. Many authors maintain blogs, Facebook pages, Twitter and email lists, so loyal followers keep up with their latest news and releases. Using these channels, authors communicate with fans, listen to feedback, and even offer special contests.
Authors grab attention by offering a limited number of copies of their book for free. It is a good way of getting people to join your mailing list. (I must push my English reticence about self-promotion to the back of the cupboard under the stairs and get on with it. Grits teeth...)
Free promotions attract the attention of those who browse for ‘free,’ and hopefully persuade them that your book is worth reading - and that they'll go out and buy something else you've written. Then there's something called "flash sales."
"In a recent Forbes.com article, branding expert David Vinjamuri called flash sales a “powerful tool” for authors looking to build a following. Many authors, for example, will discount the first book in a series, hooking readers early through a price promotion. Additionally, authors may use promotions to prime the pump for a new release by discounting older titles."
BookBub service works with authors to promote limited-time deals.
Bella Andre, an independent, bestselling romance author has this to say: “Limited-time price promotions — mine are often 24 hours — are a fabulous way to help gain visibility for my books.” Read what she says by following the link: recent interview. And then read the original article that started me thinking about this:Why Bestselling Authors Give Away Their Ebooks For Free
April 7th, 2014
April 7th, 2014
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