Libraries...would never have thought of that one...thanks for the tip.

 

Saigon - A lot of writers overlook this priceless asset, and librarians are so eager to help.  They're the most undervalued resource writers have.  Check them out for a venue to read your work there and cultivate people in that community.
 

Awesome advice... keep it coming
 

Thanks so much.  I'm studying marketing in a big way, and it's a fascinating field.  You owe it to yourself to put your book in all possible hands of those who will love and appreciate it.
 

Your advice on self publishing and your desire to do it yourself is uplifting for those who thought they dared not try.  Keep on keeping on.

 

You two are so helpful with your remarks.  I wouldn't give anything for the uplifting messages I get from you and others.  Keep them coming.

Best,

Francine
 

this is good to know.   I have thought aout libraries but didin't know how to approach them.
 

 

Independent bookstores are one of the best places a writer can go to get the word out for their book. They're more open to stocking self-published authors because they have no contractual obligations to the big print houses.  If they like a book, they're often willing to help promote it, especially if the book targets a specific audience.  Also, they're willing to do booksginings with authors (provided they bring their own inventory) and help promote local authors and their works. Stores like Hue-man in Harlem often get most of their inventories from self-published authors.

Libraries are another good place to go for promotion. I've been doing research on it. 

 

Again Shawn, I thank you.  You've given me my lift for the month.  I've always been with major romance publishers and they did all the heavy lifting in marketing (and kept all the money - not quite:)  Tell us on this site more about how you approached the booksellers, where you got the lists of independent bookstores, etc.  I'm all ears.

Best,

Francine
 

Francine:

To promote The Cassandra Cookbook I did a Google search of my genre: African American bookstores and Black Bookstores.  Then I called up the bookstores and designed a sell sheet. Basically a sell sheet is a flyer with detailing:


the book's hook,
a picture of the book cover
the ISBN
the price
the back cover synopsis
Publisher discount,
and my contact information. I put this into a press kit which consisted of book club reviews, and my press release.

These packages  were mailed to some retailers like Azizi Books in Chicago Books for Black Women in Nevada (I think) and other retailers like Hue-Man in New York I visited and gave copies to. I also went out  and gave books to vendors who lined Harlem's 125th Street.


These are some of the lists I used (might be a little dated):

http://www.smallbusinesses.com/BlackBookstores1.htm
http://www.ebonypages.org/blackbookstores.html

Hope this helps.

 

Thanks for another winner, Shawn.  There's so much info out there and so much work to be done, but we want people to read our books and share our vision.

Best,

Francine