Inside Publishing

Now that your book is finished, what happens next? We're here to guide you through the publishing process, from editorial to distribution and sales.

Why Pre-Publication Book Marketing is Essential to Success

by Penny C. Sansevieri
Bowker | Tue Sep 17, 2019

Publishing is not a field of dreams. They will not come just because you build it. It's surprising that so many authors today still make that assumption. Unfortunately, that’s just not how things work, at least for most of us. If you expect sales you need to set up your book marketing plan well ahead of actual publication.

When to Begin Marketing Your Book

Writing (and publishing) a book that will sell actually starts before the book is published.

Yes, post-publication book marketing is a huge part of selling more books, but authors need to place more value on what they do before the book is up for sale.

A Big Dose of Reality from a Literary Agent

Jane Friedman recently interviewed a literary agent about the changing landscape of fiction. While it focused heavily on how authors can get a publisher, these tips are equally relevant to indie authors.

Inside Publishing

Marketing & Publicity

Read more about Why Pre-Publication Book Marketing is Essential to Success

The Key to Planning and Running Successful eBook Promotions

by Penny C. Sansevieri
Bowker | Tue Sep 3, 2019

Authors either love or hate discount eBook promotions. Regardless of how you feel about them, the reality is that they can be insanely lucrative — especially if you know what works for your genre and market. In fact, once you find your comfort level, discount eBook promotions will become a key part of your book marketing plan.

If you’re still struggling to find your sweet spot, here are some things to consider as you plan how to price your book.

The Power of Free

You can still get fantastic exposure without making your eBook free, which is welcome news for authors who have a hard time stomaching ‘free.’

With that said, there are some valid reasons that featuring some free promotions throughout the year can really help you out.

You Want Books in as Many Hands as Possible

Inside Publishing

Marketing & Publicity

Read more about The Key to Planning and Running Successful eBook Promotions

How to Get an Appointment with a Prospective Buyer

by Brian Jud
Bowker | Tue Aug 27, 2019

There is an enormous opportunity to sell your books to people in local businesses and large corporations. Your prospect may be the owner of the business or a corporate marketing, sales or Human Resources manager. Regardless of your prospective buyer’s title, you must get an appointment with him or her in order to make your pitch.

There are a several ways to make initial contact, but one of the best is to call first. By so doing you can confirm that the person you are trying to contact is still in that position. Do not assume you will get through to people quickly. Most people use voice-mail messages to filter out those with whom they do not want to speak.

Inside Publishing

Marketing & Publicity

Read more about How to Get an Appointment with a Prospective Buyer

Selling to Non-Bookstore Retailers

by Brian Jud
Bowker | Tue Aug 6, 2019

There are many non-bookstore, brick-and-mortar retailers through which you can sell your books. These include airport stores, supermarkets, gift shops, discount stores and others. Your current distributor may already be selling to them, so check with them before pursuing retailers on your own.

Otherwise, creating a retail-distribution channel is a good way to start your special-sales efforts because it is much like selling through bookstores. You work through distribution partners, the discount structure is similar, and books are displayed on shelves. Fiction usually outsells non-fiction in the retail setting. On the other hand, unsold books are returned, and you are paid in 90 - 120 days. Here are some things you can do to profit from selling through retailers.

Inside Publishing

Marketing & Publicity

Read more about Selling to Non-Bookstore Retailers

Inside Publishing

Why Pre-Publication Book Marketing is Essential to Success

The Key to Planning and Running Successful eBook Promotions

How to Get an Appointment with a Prospective Buyer

Selling to Non-Bookstore Retailers

Pages

Getting Started

Create a Culture of Quality in Your Publishing Company

FAQs about ISBNs

How to Write a Business Plan as Narrative (Part 2 of 2)

A Novel Planning Technique for Book Publishers (Part 1 of 2)

Do You Have the Write Stuff?