Are you an author with a website? What do you have at your site? I imagine that you display your book cover and a description of the book. Most likely you have a merchant account or PayPal, so folks can buy your book on the spot. Or, at least, you provide a link to Amazon or another book selling site where they can purchase it. You may also have “about us” and “contact us” pages.
But what else do you have that will hold the visitor’s attention? What will make him or her want to stay long enough to establish a connection with your book—to trust you enough to want to purchase your book? Do you even know what it would take?
For a nonfiction book, history, biography, children’s book or a memoir it may be a resources page.
I have a huge resource section at my website where I attempt to provide the links and other access to the material authors and freelance writers need. I post dozens of articles on the subject of writing, publishing, book promotion and even public speaking. And, of course, I provide this informative blog.
What can you do to attract your readers’ attention? You could have a page where you tell the back story to your memoir or post some photos and excerpts from the book. These could certainly entice a browser to become a customer. Or you might go a step further and provide links to some of the better research sites for writing history or for locating the best children’s books. If your book focuses on a particular illness or affliction, provide links to sites that offer additional information. Maybe your book features a unique educational application. Offer links, articles and other resources on this topic.
What would attract readers/customers to the site of a novelist? How about a page of links to online book clubs and discount online bookstores? If your novel fits into a category, such as romance, historical, Indian lore, etc., consider reciprocal links with authors of similar books. We all know that an avid reader of novels can’t stop with just one.
More than ever before, we’re noticing that creativity and generosity is key to making the sale. So let’s all find ways to be more giving. Let’s weave creativity into our marketing efforts. In fact, I’ll start!
This is a first-time offer and I’m making it good for one week only. It expires September 14, 2009. Anyone who signs up for my online Book Promotion Course this week gets a FREE copy of my hallmark, 5-star book, The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book. The course starts Tuesday, September 8 and runs for 6 weeks. However, if you sign up even as late as September 14, I will help you catch up with the other students. Learn more about this book here:
http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html.
Sign up for the course here:
http://www.matilijapress.com/course_bookpromotion.htm
Once you’ve signed up for the course, contact me to receive your free book. PLFry620@yahoo.com.