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John Kremer’s Marvelous Book Marketing Strategies
Git-er-Done NOW Book Marketing Tip #2 - Get Testimonials from at least three famous people. |
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 Welcome to Marvelous Book Marketing Strategies, a new monthly column based on book marketing expert John Kremer’s 24-Point Book Marketing Action List, a list John compiled specially for the participants in his Book Marketing Blast-Off seminars. The actions on the list range from writing press releases and networking, to contacting Oprah and getting to know your bank’s president. The underlying value of the list may be that it encourages you – the independent author and/or publisher – to focus on ACTION. As an independent author, self-publisher, or owner of a small publishing house, it all depends on YOU and your ability to GET THE JOB DONE. Self-promotion, guerilla marketing, and effective networking strategies are all vital elements of getting the BUZZ for yourself and your books that lead to SALES.Each month we’ll list one of John Kremer’s Marketing Action suggestions, and elaborate a bit on why it’s important and how to make each action happen effectively and efficiently. Prepare to TAKE ACTION, IMPROVE YOUR MARKETING, and SELL MORE BOOKS! Book Marketing Action Tip #2: To obtain three good testimonials, you'll need to send reading copies or sample chapters to at least ten people. Make a list of those celebrities, subject experts, or authors you'd like to read your book and say something good about it. Then send them a personal letter along with the manuscript or sample chapters. Ask them to fill out a comment sheet that elicits good testimonials or statements about your book. When selecting testimonials to highlight in your press releases and book cover copy, pick ones that really say something about the benefits of your book. Here's a really effective testimonial: "If you want to sell 24,000,000 books like we have, read this book." That's the testimonial Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen gave for my book, 1001 Ways to Market Your Books. How can you find the celebrities that might give you such a testimonial? First, browse the bookstore shelf in your topic area for well-known authors. Scan the books for contact info or search online for direct contact or publisher contact info. Remember, many authors are eager to see their names in print to expand their name recognition. Next, research experts and personalities in your field. If your book is about sports, consider coaches and television commentators. If it's a cookbook, find celebrity chefs and restaurant owners. Again, research contact info online or contact television shows and/or networks. Get googling! Aim high! Don't be afraid to ask -- you never know who might respond. Aside from research, don't forget to talk about your book to everyone you meet, and make sure everyone knows what you do, and that your book is about to come out. Whether flying on an airplane or mingling at a party, always be on the lookout for networking connections. As we stated in Action Tip #1, have your "elevator speech" ready at all times! * * * * * Previous Marketing Action Tips: Tip #1: Develop a 25-Word Key Statement * * * * * Want to get more of John Kremer’s book marketing advice? Find many affordable products here. Other John Kremer links: |
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