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You And The City
As you probably know, book clubs have exploded into every nook of our country. Ranging from a few to many participants, these are readers who band together and take their books seriously. Oftimes they have favorites, but most are willing to give all authors a chance. Remember, they want to be helped and/or to be entertained.
To find out about book clubs, again google with all your might. Always start with a specific question, then winnow those headings with still more specific ones. (And this also holds true for independent book stores and libraries.) I put in “Give list of book clubs in (give area)”. That came back with many pages of listings. On the first page was info giving me available lists of book clubs, and I chose one that was very helpful. You get the idea. Just check to see that it’s a current listing.
Make up a really good flyer that has a photo of your cover, front and back, your photo, and all pertinent publishing information, such as ISBN, and, hopefully, a note that your book is listed in W.W. Bowker’s Books In Print. Be sure to state terms of purchase and that all returns are honored. I’d advise you to get a professional to make up this flyer, unless you have a firiend who’s an expert, or you are. See that it’s something you’re really proud of.
You may be a highly verbal person who likes talking to others. If so, place a call and be your most charming in selling your book. However, and I cannot stress this too strongly, listen, and listen well. Many a sale has been lost by authors who failed to listen.
Selling to others isn’t hard once you get used to it. Just remember to focus on what they need and want, not what you need and want. Think deeply about what you feel is the value of your book to the people they will be buying for. Believe in yourself and your book, and every time you’ll come out ahead!
March 17th, 2010 at 6:01 pm
Excellent words of wisdom Francine!
There are thousand of books published each year and book clubs simply cannot read them all, though we would like to!
I cannot tell you how many authors have walked up to me through the years and say, “my book is a must read!” I always chuckle when I hear this because no book is a must read for everyone! At least that is the case when they try pushing their books to a club that doesn’t particularly read the genre they’ve written in. So I really wish authors would stop saying that. Then I have some authors who claim they’ve definitely written a best-seller (at least they feel it demands Oprah’s attention). Yet, they won’t learn to package, market, and promote their books like they are best-sellers. Go figure!
So I truly appreciate all of the advice you give in this post to authors about ways to approach book clubs and reading clubs about their books!
March 18th, 2010 at 10:29 am
Oh, did this ever hit me where I live. You provide info that I simply had not gotten from other places I’ve checked. Thank you so much.
August 24th, 2010 at 6:39 am
I really was enjoy reading your blog, great stuff. I’m happy that I went right here.
August 24th, 2010 at 6:47 am
I love your blog. I will definitely be looking into it again.
August 24th, 2010 at 7:14 am
I like your blog. I will undoubtedly be looking into it often.
August 24th, 2010 at 12:31 pm
Sherwood, I have to make apologies to you. I just got your comment which I deeply appreciate. I have to find out why so long.
August 24th, 2010 at 12:32 pm
Thanks Byron. I really appreciate your taking the time to tell me so. I just got your comment and am answering immediately. I have to find out why it took so long.
August 24th, 2010 at 12:33 pm
Theodore, thank you. I appreciate your comments. It has taken forever, I know, but I just got this comment and will look into the delay.
September 4th, 2010 at 6:32 pm
I wonder if Oprah ever will do anything else than TV.
September 4th, 2010 at 7:34 pm
I’ve certainly wondered about that, Margaret. Of, if she doesn’t, will someone else pick it up. I hope so..