Aloha from Karen,
How did you get into writing? How many books do you have published? What are a few of your latest titles?
I had a boss who believed in developing his employees’ potential. And he believed I could write, so he spent a chunk of his budget to get me some training. Today I’ve authored or coauthored sixteen books with traditional publishers and two self-publishers. My latest titles include Premium Roast with Ruth and Cappuccino with Colossians (AMG) in the Coffee Cup Bible study series—and the medical suspense novel, Informed Consent. (Cook)
Take note: Having someone who believes in you is wonderful and inspiring. If you don't have someone now, pray for a supporter/cheerleader. And look around to spot that person. Ask him or her to be your personal supporter.
How did you get your first book contract?
I pitched an idea to a novel, which the publisher rejected, but during the meeting it came out that the editor’s daughter had just experienced a failed adoption—as had I. So he asked me to write a book on infertility and pregnancy loss.
Sandra, that reminds us of the importance of face-to-face meetings. These are available at conferences, so invest time and money in attending a conference that includes editors who might be interested in your book. That means editors who publish your genre but don't already carry competing titles.
What mistakes or wrong assumptions did you make with the marketing of your first book? Did those mistakes cause you to change? If so, how?
I thought it was the publisher’s job to sell books. I also assumed my friends and family would buy—not knowing many of them think authors get hundreds of free copies to sign and give away. I wish I had started compiling a list of contacts years ago. I can’t let myself think about how many potential buyers have slipped through the cracks because I failed to stick a sign-up sheet on the book-sales table.
I agree. Contacts are so important and an area where I am sorely lacking. Facebook is a great way to start a list if you don't have one. And be sure to gather names everywhere you speak and go.
What has helped you promote your books the most?
Speaking. Getting in front of an audience is, in my opinion, the best way to sell books.
You indicated that speaking helps you most in promotion. How have you grown your speaking? Where did you first start speaking?
The doors first opened for me to speak at my church's women's Bible study. Then I went to seminary, and as I grew in my Bible education, I found that opportunities multiplied. Now that I've published the Coffee Cup Bible Study series, I find that groups going through the series want to "meet the author."
Speaking opportunities often start in person's own backyard and church. We need to network with people we know for opportunities.
Is there something you did that really helped with marketing your books?
Getting my book on marital intimacy into the hands of someone who spoke at marriage conferences was the single best contact I made. That has resulted in thousands and thousands of sales of that book.
How did that happen?
Ah, this didn't come from my own networking. I coauthored a book on marital intimacy, and my coauthor (an ob-gyn) delivered the baby of a husband/wife speaking team with FamilyLife. They picked up a copy and liked the male/female we're-not-married-to-each-other-so-have-a-less-myopic perspective, and passed it along to the book buyer at FamilyLife. Sexual Intimacy in Marriage is now sold at FamilyLife seminars. That did a lot to boost sales.
That's great and a good lesson for all of us: Find connections and organizations who will want your material. It's amazing how this can drive up sales.
What do you try and do before a book’s release to help launch the book?
I build a section of my web site offering resources in addition to the book. For example when I released Premium Roast with Ruth, I developed a section with links to commentaries, biblical art relating to the Book of Ruth, lists of Ruth-based novels, and other resources. I do that for each book in the series. I also get postcards printed and mailed. And at times I've hired a publicist.
People are drawn to free material and information. That in turn builds your reputation and expert status. You become the go-to person.
What have you given away to draw people to your site?
I have given away free books--both my own books and others'. I also have articles and resources (including two online videos about how to get published) that people can read or download without charge. My email signature will often include a link to my site. And for my birthday my friend Mary DeMuth made me beautiful bookmarks with my URL, my slogan (Thinking that Transforms), and the covers of two books. On the back it lists tips for How to Study the Bible--so the bookmark serves as an education piece with value to the reader rather than merely an advertisement for my own gain.
Did you see God open any doors you never expected in the promotion of your books?
Yes. My biggest surprise has been that girls in the 15-20 age range love the Coffee Cup Bible studies. I targeted those for the 30-40 crowd. But never underestimate the draw of a Starbucks addiction!
Now that you have been writing a while, what do you find works best for you in promoting your work and why?
Continuing to build the same series has helped me pull in interested buyers who go back and buy the whole set. That really increases the shelf life of existing works.
Sandra, you've shown us how sales come as you build your name with a line of books and that building your expertise also builds your readership.
What are your top tips for aspiring writers with their first book contract?
To check out Sandra check her blog and her profile
Thanks,
Karen my website
I mentioned Randy Ingermanson. His website is Rand'ys home page and His great fiction marketing materials
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