Do I have a Christmas gift for you! It’s straight from Oprah—well, via my friend, Angela Hoy at http://www.writersweekly.com. In her current newsletter, Writer’s Weekly, she offers this link to a whole list of topics coming up on Oprah’s show. If you have a book, check out these topics and see if you would be an appropriate guest at any point in 2009. http://www.oprah.com/pluglist.jsp?teamTypeName=TOWS
And let us know if you get on. I’d love to share your successes with other readers.
My clients are getting ready for Christmas. They’re finishing up their manuscripts and proposals and sending them to me for editing. They’re ready to move forward with their holiday plans now that they have taken their projects off of their plates. But now their projects are on my plate. And I am grateful. You’ll all just have to understand that I can’t get to anything that takes any amount of time or concentration until after the big day—that’s Christmas. I’ll probably add to the blog, dabble with my cat stories book and respond to emails—so it’s okay to send your questions. But otherwise, I’ll be really busy cleaning, baking, wrapping, cooking and preparing for a crowd of 20 here on Sunday. Next week, it’s more baking and Christmas parties here and there and then Christmas day, which we split between two large families. I’ll be back to work on Friday, December 26.
In the meantime, what are you doing to promote your book or your freelance writing business? Have you talked about your book to at least ten people this week? Have you mentioned, during your company, church or club Christmas party that you will write for money? Are you spreading the word? There’s a realtor in town who, once a month or so, she walks around various neighborhoods leaving a rose or a small package of seasonal tea along with her promo piece on every doorstep. I will remember her if I ever decide to sell my house or if a friend asks about a realtor because she keeps reminding me.
Are you reminding your potential customers and clients about your products and services? Or do you expect them to remember you when they are struggling with a writing project or want a good novel as a gift? They will certainly remember you for about 2 minutes after hearing about your book or your services the first time. You want to remain in their minds. And you can do that by reminding them from time to time that you and your book exists. How? Here are just a few ideas:
• Create and maintain a blog related to your book or services and promote it.
• Establish a newsletter and promote it.
• Send periodic emails to your list announcing new books, awards, reduced price, add-on products, etc.
• Mail gifts, such as bookmarks, origami art, greeting card or discount coupon to customers/clients occasionally.
• Make news locally and nationally and report it in all appropriate publications.
• Write articles/stories on your topic or in your genre and get them published all over the place.
• Participate in related blogs and forums.
• Join organizations that will help you learn more about publishing and marketing.
Is your Christmas wish for greater success? Do you hope to attain success in 2009? Then you MUST take steps to make it happen. Join SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network) in order to keep your finger on the pulse of the publishing industry and for the resources and information to help you sell books. You’ll also receive valuable tips and opportunities designed to help you build your freelance writing business. http://www.spawn.org.
The other thing you must do if you are thinking about writing a book, working on a book, seeking a publisher, contemplating self-publishing or promoting a book is to purchase The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book. http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html.
I just had an order from a gentleman who had found this book in his library. He liked it so much that he knew he had to own a copy. In fact, he sent me a letter saying that he couldn’t find, on my website, how much we charge for shipping. I can understand his concern. I have been bilked out of money for shipping when I’ve purchased multiple items, for example. I mean $6.49 per $8.95 items for shipping is quite a bit over the top. I didn’t learn until after I ordered 6 of the items (each weighing less than 2 pounds) that this company literally meant $6.49 shipping charge per item—all items coming to the same address!!! Sinful. I complained loudly and was made whole. But I don’t think they changed their practices.
So I could understand this gentleman’s concern. I assured him that we charge quite reasonable fees depending on the weight of the book. And I, in fact, sent him a copy of the book immediately priority mail and asked that he send a check by return mail—which he did.
I have since put a statement on each book ordering page letting customers know that the shipping cost will be $2.00 to $5.00 for orders totally $6.50 to $25.00.
Happy baking, shopping and wrapping. And safe partying.