Today, I attended a church picnic after the Sunday service. I didn’t sell any books, at least not directly, and not today.
I could have. The rear window of my car displays the first book in my series, and I have boxes of books in the trunk, but it wasn’t the right time or place to sell.
Instead, I didn’t say a word about my novels. But people mentioned them anyway.
“Oh, Bill, I have your book on my nightstand, along with others I plan to read this Summer.”
“Let me know what you think when you get to it,” I said.
“I was told you have three out now. I have to catch up.”
Note to self: record that conversation for future reference.
I sell books to people I know.
I spend my time getting to know people and have them get to know me.
No one bought a book from me today. But several people talked to me about my books and expressed interest in reading them.
What do you do when you attend a book club with a dozen members who have read your book? Do you try to sell them another in your series?
Why not give it to them?
The question is simple. What do you want? Buyers or Readers?
It’s a silly question, I know. We all want buyers, but when we get an opportunity to be in the presence of someone who has read the entire book, don’t you want to know what they thought, who they liked, who they hated, what they want next?
Every reader you spend time talking with is someone added to your marketing team. A satisfied reader who has a connection with you, the author, is an advocate. They will talk about your books. They will share them with family and friends. They will show up for future events. They will love it when you send them a special story written just for them.
I am sure you have read or heard that we authors are selling ourselves. We are the brand. But personal brands don’t last. Our stories will survive us. Someone will read about our characters long after we are gone.
The only chance you have to connect to your readers is now, and that should be your priority.
We have all been told to build a funnel. Sign people up for your email newsletter. Give them something special as an incentive to learn more about your books. And then send them a call to action so they make a purchase.
By all means, do that. But do something else as well. Meet with them. Get to know them. Let them get to know you. Visit their book clubs. Go to their towns and shop in their stores. Post a video from their local bookstore. Let people know where you will be.
I will be at Killer Nashville in August. I will be collecting email addresses and giving away special book boxes. If you are planning to be there, let me know. Let’s get together and chat.
My goal is to develop 1,000 dedicated readers. If you have read one of the books in The Old Cranberry Ladies Garden Club Series, let me know. Email me, and I will send you a special story that is not in the books. I will also send you a free ebook, print book, or audiobook (when available).
Become one of our 1,000 readers.
This is how I plan to market my books.
We have to market and sell our own books. No one will do it for us. None of the remaining traditional publishing companies does this anymore.
We indies are on our own, but we can work together. Be someone else’s reader and help spread the word.