Here are a few bits of useful information I picked up from a webinar about self-publishing e-books. It featured an interview with Brad Costanzo, founder of Costanzo Marketing group:
- The "give a book away free in hopes they'll want to buy your other books" strategy doesn't work too well anymore. So many people are doing it that a freebie will get lost.
- Getting reviews is important; Amazon doesn't allow you to reward people for leaving just a favorable review, but you can and should encourage them to leave an honest review.
- When you publish another book, go back and promote it within the books you've already published--being able to do things like that is one of the advantages of digital publishing.
- If you have another product that you think will appeal to potential readers, you can tell them you'll give it to them if they send you a copy of the receipt they get when they buy the book.
- There have been cases where an author has given away the pdf version of a book and invited people to buy the paperback version...and many people did.
- You have to start building relationships a year before you launch your book. Get to know the influencers in your market. Think about how your book can help these people serve or entertain their followers not just how they can help you sell your book. Ask every contact for their suggestions regarding who else might be interested.
- If you can afford to put some money into promoting the book, consider buying an ad in a newsletter.
