Archive for Virtual Book Tours
It’s a New Era in Publishing–Perhaps the Best Era
Posted by: | CommentsI recently conducted a Virtual Book Tour for a first-time author. She did it from her bedroom, in her pajamas for all I know.
There were at least 250 people signed up, and around 50 on the call. That may not seem like much, but actually it’s very good, considering the size of her list and the fact that most physical, in-store book signings don’t get nearly that many people. Many more people will listen to the replay–and pass on the word to friends.
Now that the VBT is finished, the author has a tool which she can use to market her book, find and develop her audience, and build a list of people who are interested in her message. In fact, I’ve identified 26 ways one can use a teleseminar Virtual Book Tour to build a list of loyal followers who will buy the book, tell other people about it, and come back to the author for more of the message. (Provided the author use the VBT in the ways I suggest.)
Not incidentally, this author got a call from a major magazine and did an interview, which appeared in the magazine. VBTs are great for generating interest from the media.
More recently, I conducted another Virtual Book Tour with another first-time author. There were 500 people on that call; nearly 2500 signed up. We sold a lot of books, and continue to sell them.
Contrast this with Read More→
What Sells Books?
Posted by: | Comments“What sells books?” was the question posed on the #bookmarket Tweetchat yesterday. (These happen at 3pm Central on Thursdays. You need a Twitter account to participate, and you go to www.tweetchat.com and search for #bookmarket, to the left of the Go button on the top of your screen. If you don’t have a Twitter account, get my free Twitter report on how to set one up in 10 minutes.)
It was a lively discussion, and I’ve been thinking about it ever since.
Here’s my take on the answer. It all boils down to three essential ingredients.
1. A great “package.” This includes eye-catching title, cover, interior, great endorsements on the cover, etc. The package must be excellent. (For more information on titles, check out my “How to Choose Your Bestselling Title” Special Report.) “Package” also includes the author credentials.
2. Great content. Word of mouth sells books, and nobody will talk about your book unless it’s wonderful. If it’s just ho-hum, rehashed material–even with great marketing, you probably won’t sell lots of books. While plenty of great books languish for lack of good marketing, few books sell much if the content doesn’t get people excited. (Not to mention, you’ll never sell a commercial publisher on the idea in the first place, if you want to go that route.) You must be passionate about the content, and then others must be passionate as well.
3. Exposure. The more people who know about it (and of course, read it and talk about it), the better. This category, of course, is huge, and covers publicity via the media, social media, virtual book tours (which I think is just about the best way to market your book, for these reasons), reviews, book signings at bookstores, speaking gigs, youtube videos, etc., etc.
So there you have it, succinctly–the PCE Method of becoming a bestselling author.
Speaking of becoming a bestselling author, I am now reviewing Mark Joyner’s Bestseller Blueprint course. It’s pretty comprehensive, including what Mark did to become a 4-time #1 bestselling author. More info here. A review will come soon.
The replay for today’s Publishing Coach Weekly call is ready!
(To get to the teleseminar replay, scroll past the article–which is related, so please read if you are considering publishing at all.)
Questions answered on this call:
- “What do you think of Virtual Book Tours? Do you have a recommendation as to whom to hire to help promote?” (Debbie)
- “I need a refresher on how to make outlines. Although I like the freedom of straying from the outline, to have something organized on paper helps me focus, yet I run into difficulty making that outline.” (Margaret)
(I revealed the mind-mapping technique that I use for virtually everything I plan. It will give you an outline for your book–or anything, even a vacation–in minutes! Also guaranteed to beat writer’s block.) - “I have sent submissions to 6 publishers, got turned down by 4 and accepted by 1- Tate Publishing. But they want $3,400 up front to do ‘everything.’ Is it normal for publishers to want money up front? I need understanding on the best route to take with publishers by knowing what is the norm and what is more of a scam.”–Cindy
The Tip covered 5 questions to ask yourself to determine whether self-publishing or mainstream publishing is the best publishing path for you. (Only you can decide!)
The call is just under 45 minutes. Make sure you print the Resource Guide to get the most out of the class, okay?
