It’s the morning of Thanksgiving. While those of you in the East are already up and your kitchens are a-bustle with activity, here in the West most people are still in bed only contemplating the busy day ahead. We are hosting a group of ten this afternoon.
Of course, this is the season of giving. We start by giving thanks and then we move quickly into the giving of tangible and heartfelt gifts to our loved ones. Something else happens this time of year. I notice that book sales, inquiries from potential new clients and SPAWN memberships are on the rise this time of year. Why? I believe it has something to do with the fact that people are home. They are on the computer. And they are doing some of the research or taking care of some of the details they’ve been putting off.
Folks are looking for gift books. They are making plans to finish the one they are writing and need assistance. They are taking their writing more seriously and decide to join an organization that could give them additional help. I typically get some unexpected activity both at the SPAWN site and my websites this time of year. How about you?
Are you prepared to welcome visitors? Do you have something at your site to keep them there for a while—to encourage them to purchase your book? Do you ask visitors to sign up for something so you can, perhaps, connect with them again? Is your site interesting and/or informative so that people will want to return? Are you checking your email often during the holidays so you can reply promptly to inquiries?
If you have books or services to offer, this is no time to wander too far away from your computer. While you are enjoying your Thanksgiving feast and festivities with family and friends, make sure to also check your email occasionally throughout the long weekend. Field the questions that come to you. The few minutes you spend responding could result in a new client or a book sale.
Keep in mind that this person is probably bored and is using this time to contact several authors with books on aviation, breeding rabbits, sports figures, beauty tips, etc. And you can be sure that he will most likely purchase a book from the person who responds most promptly and aptly to his questions.
If you are ready to take a course designed to walk you through the book proposal, book promotion or the self-publishing process—if you want to start an article-writing business, learn more about publishing and book promotion, etc., or if you need editorial help, visit my websites this week: