Selling books online is faster, easier and more profitable than traditional book store sales, yet most authors are missing out on most of these sales because they haven’t learned the secret to online book promotion.
I am going to tell you the secret, and give you a quick action plan to start using the secret right now.
The secret is simple. It comes from my marketing mantra “Find out what they want and get it for them.” In online book marketing, you know where the market is. Your readers are on the Internet, in social networking groups, web sites, blogs and media sites. They want to find meaningful discussions on topic that interest them.
You have to be there to be seen.
That the secret — To sell more books online, you and your book have to BE ONLINE.
Selling Books Online is Simple
I said it was simple. Now, ask yourself.. have you put off:
- Building an online mail list
- Writing a blog about your topic.
- Making comments on other blogs
- Creating a profile on social network sites
- Tracking your online reputation.
I know the answers for most of us.. “I’m going to get to that when…” No more excuses. Let do something today.
Today’s reader starts by reading about you on the Internet. If they know you, they may be searching for you on Amazon.com, but more likely, they search for word or phrases that they are interested in.
So let’s find out where you are.. right now. Open a browser search and type in the key words or subject of your book. Look at the top page or two of results.
You and your book should be at the top of this list. Let’s talk about what best seller authors do to get to the top and stay there.
While you have the list in front of you, take a look at what does come up. I’ll be there are other books, blogs and videos. Find one that is interesting and see if they have a community, comment section or area to join. Get on the list, post a comment and find a way to participate.
Don’t SPAM the site. Add value to the discussion and put one link back to you and your book website. This is not a place for a promotional message.
There are millions of blog sites out there. Do a search by adding the word “blog” and you’ll see plenty of places to join a discussion. All these writers and readers are interested in YOUR topic.
Get involved in the conversations that are already happening online.
There are forums, social networking sites, photo sharing sites, video sites, podcasts and more.
The secret to this is to get started. Then make it a habit to spend a few minutes each day (or a few times a week) to check in with sites where your potential readers hang out.
Here’s a place to start. Drop by my Twitter page and say hello. 140 characters… that’s simple.
You are already online surfing the web, checking email. You are reading a blog right now. The next step is to network online and build relationships that will promote you so you can be selling books online.
Will Selling Books Online Work for My Book?
Timothy Ferriss, author of the New York Times Bestseller “The Four Hour Work Week” told me that networking with blogs and bloggers was a primary marketing tool for his rise to the top.
High tech “social marketing” authors are turning out books in this new field. Many are instant best sellers because they have a following they have build up on their blogs. In the tech world, online relationships and networking are everywhere. If you don’t have a high tech topic, you are at an advantage.. you still can be at the start of this revolution.
Don’t just “go online” .. today you want to “be online”
By now, you’ve left at least one comment on a relevant blog. (if not, what are you waiting for?) Post another comment here and tell me what you think of this article. As long as it’s relevant to the topic, it’s okay to add a link out to your own book site.
Hi Warren,
I think you are the King of Online Social Marketing. If your clients and friends just follow you, they will sell more books.
I found that offline social marketing works well too. I think I’ll become the Queen of Event Social Marketing. Are you going to NSA next week?
Social Marketing On and Offline
http://www.bamboowomen.com/blog/?p=60
Joy~
Jeanette
Hi Warren,
I think you are the King of Online Social Marketing. If your clients and friends just follow you, they will sell more books.
I found that offline social marketing works well too. I think I’ll become the Queen of Event Social Marketing. Are you going to NSA next week?
Social Marketing On and Offline
http://www.bamboowomen.com/blog/?p=60
Joy~
Jeanette
Jeanette: You are right. Offline works better in many situations. The connection you make face to face is much stronger.
Today we need both. As you know, the online part is much easier now.
Thanks for the comment
Jeanette: You are right. Offline works better in many situations. The connection you make face to face is much stronger.
Today we need both. As you know, the online part is much easier now.
Thanks for the comment
Good stuff, Warren! There’s some real gems here.
I love what you say about go online vs. be online.
We really have to show up in a whole variety of ways and places to maximize our visibility and presence.
I’m following your lead on book marketing – you’re the go-to guy for sure! My mentor coach has a book coming out Feb 29 and is seeking JV partners for cross-promotion – full scoop at:
http://www.upping-the-downside.com/bonus/
Good stuff, Warren! There’s some real gems here.
I love what you say about go online vs. be online.
We really have to show up in a whole variety of ways and places to maximize our visibility and presence.
I’m following your lead on book marketing – you’re the go-to guy for sure! My mentor coach has a book coming out Feb 29 and is seeking JV partners for cross-promotion – full scoop at:
http://www.upping-the-downside.com/bonus/
Great post – Warren – what do you see as the best social networking sites out there? These days every week there seems to be a new one we “just have to check out.”
What are your favorites?
Peace, Anita
Great post – Warren – what do you see as the best social networking sites out there? These days every week there seems to be a new one we “just have to check out.”
What are your favorites?
Peace, Anita
Warren,
Great article. Thanks for sending it out.
I am about to release a book for Working Moms called: Work Your Own Way: The Working Moms Guide to Success… AT HOME…
I know that this is just the information working moms have been waiting for… Although there are many resources that offer working Moms reasons NOT to feel guilty going to work.. many more that offer tidbits about how to succeed AT WORK… BUT what keeps my market “up at night” is how they are measuring up in the role most dear to their heart. That is precisely what my “home study system” offers.
My system comes from a Christian worldview, although only ONE chapter is focused on “Christian Characteristics of Women who Work Their Own Way”… and it has been reviewed and endorsed by a national TV co-host. (www.carolyncastleberry.com)
I am looking for JV partners to help promote it… any ideas for me?
Thanks again for your article and for your time!
B. Michelle Pippin
http://www.moms-work.com
Warren,
Great article. Thanks for sending it out.
I am about to release a book for Working Moms called: Work Your Own Way: The Working Moms Guide to Success… AT HOME…
I know that this is just the information working moms have been waiting for… Although there are many resources that offer working Moms reasons NOT to feel guilty going to work.. many more that offer tidbits about how to succeed AT WORK… BUT what keeps my market “up at night” is how they are measuring up in the role most dear to their heart. That is precisely what my “home study system” offers.
My system comes from a Christian worldview, although only ONE chapter is focused on “Christian Characteristics of Women who Work Their Own Way”… and it has been reviewed and endorsed by a national TV co-host. (www.carolyncastleberry.com)
I am looking for JV partners to help promote it… any ideas for me?
Thanks again for your article and for your time!
B. Michelle Pippin
http://www.moms-work.com
Warren,
Thank you so much for the solid info and the reminders to actually DO the things we may already know to do. It’s so easy to get distracted.
From now on, my mantra is “Be online”.
Brennan
http://setourteachersfree.com
Warren,
Thank you so much for the solid info and the reminders to actually DO the things we may already know to do. It’s so easy to get distracted.
From now on, my mantra is “Be online”.
Brennan
http://setourteachersfree.com
All good advice, Warren. Thanks.
The thing that has me puzzled a bit — a lot of people (including you) suggest it just takes minutes to do the comments thing on blogs and/or in forums. Minutes? Try hours. Unless the number of “minutes” is actually in the mid two or even lower three digits.
Either that, or I’m missing something. Is there a trick to speed-reading/accessing blogs and forums to leave meaningful contributions? I can’t seem to figure it out. Any suggestions would be great!
Thanks!
Elisabeth
All good advice, Warren. Thanks.
The thing that has me puzzled a bit — a lot of people (including you) suggest it just takes minutes to do the comments thing on blogs and/or in forums. Minutes? Try hours. Unless the number of “minutes” is actually in the mid two or even lower three digits.
Either that, or I’m missing something. Is there a trick to speed-reading/accessing blogs and forums to leave meaningful contributions? I can’t seem to figure it out. Any suggestions would be great!
Thanks!
Elisabeth
Hello Warren,
You are exactly right in your article here. It’s the discipline of daily working to build relationships online which will make the difference for authors who want to have consistent visibility in today’s marketplace.
Another great tool is the The Askdatabase where you can easily survey your audience or market about what they want then fill that need.
Keep up the good work here. Thank you for consistently teaching writers.
Terry
The Writing Life
Hello Warren,
You are exactly right in your article here. It’s the discipline of daily working to build relationships online which will make the difference for authors who want to have consistent visibility in today’s marketplace.
Another great tool is the The Askdatabase where you can easily survey your audience or market about what they want then fill that need.
Keep up the good work here. Thank you for consistently teaching writers.
Terry
The Writing Life
I believe both offline and online marketing have their specific advantages depending on the situation.
When it comes to marketing books, every platform/media must be taken advantage to the fullest.
Marsha
I believe both offline and online marketing have their specific advantages depending on the situation.
When it comes to marketing books, every platform/media must be taken advantage to the fullest.
Marsha
Mari
Right. The secret is really “get started”
All promotion works. And if someone it doing none, it doesn’t matter which they choose first.
Today goal was to give one thing that an author could do right away.
Good luck to you on your Mike Jay promo.
Warren
Mari
Right. The secret is really “get started”
All promotion works. And if someone it doing none, it doesn’t matter which they choose first.
Today goal was to give one thing that an author could do right away.
Good luck to you on your Mike Jay promo.
Warren
Anita
I talk about a lot of social network sites for authors… but my point today is this.
THEY ARE ALL BETTER THAN DOING NOTHING!
(emphasis intended for the lurkers.. not you Anita)
When I help an author promote, I do exactly what the article above says. I research the best blogs on the topic and get into the conversation that is already going on.
Trust me.. it’s a lot easier than starting your own conversation, like I’ve tried to do here.
Check out this post on some of my favorite social networking sites for authors
http://www.bestsellerauthors.com/blog/2008/02/02/connect-online-easy-new-way-to-sell-your-book/
Anita
I talk about a lot of social network sites for authors… but my point today is this.
THEY ARE ALL BETTER THAN DOING NOTHING!
(emphasis intended for the lurkers.. not you Anita)
When I help an author promote, I do exactly what the article above says. I research the best blogs on the topic and get into the conversation that is already going on.
Trust me.. it’s a lot easier than starting your own conversation, like I’ve tried to do here.
Check out this post on some of my favorite social networking sites for authors
http://www.bestsellerauthors.com/blog/2008/02/02/connect-online-easy-new-way-to-sell-your-book/
Michelle
Great title. I’ve done a few books in that space.. “Briefcase Moms” was a very good book, and the promo site is still up for “Coaching Millions”
http://CoachingBestSeller.com
“Coaching Millions” is by Milana Lewinsky. She’s a work at home home that have leveraged here business tremendously on the web. Great book too.
I would not apologize for your worldview.. but I would not lead with it either. Linking to the Carolyn Castleberry site is good, putting a video up of the endorsement on YouTube or your site is better.
People will promote for you when they know you have already promoted for them. If you are a member of http://ZeroCostPromoitons.com, make sure you participate whenever you can. Buy a copy of the book, post a review on Amazon (or elsewhere) and send a note to the author so you can keep in touch.
You have a great niche for using what I taught today. I look forward to hearing off your success.
Warren
Michelle
Great title. I’ve done a few books in that space.. “Briefcase Moms” was a very good book, and the promo site is still up for “Coaching Millions”
http://CoachingBestSeller.com
“Coaching Millions” is by Milana Lewinsky. She’s a work at home home that have leveraged here business tremendously on the web. Great book too.
I would not apologize for your worldview.. but I would not lead with it either. Linking to the Carolyn Castleberry site is good, putting a video up of the endorsement on YouTube or your site is better.
People will promote for you when they know you have already promoted for them. If you are a member of http://ZeroCostPromoitons.com, make sure you participate whenever you can. Buy a copy of the book, post a review on Amazon (or elsewhere) and send a note to the author so you can keep in touch.
You have a great niche for using what I taught today. I look forward to hearing off your success.
Warren
Elisabeth
It just take a few minutes to post a comment. I’ll have this one done in under 60 seconds.
If you are reading anything online that doesn’t allow comments and discusssion, consider switch to a site that does.
FYI.. I have a new self-help blog site. Come join the conversation just getting started at
http://RichProsperity.com
Warren
Elisabeth
It just take a few minutes to post a comment. I’ll have this one done in under 60 seconds.
If you are reading anything online that doesn’t allow comments and discusssion, consider switch to a site that does.
FYI.. I have a new self-help blog site. Come join the conversation just getting started at
http://RichProsperity.com
Warren
Terry
I use the Ask Database all the time.. and the methodology in just about every project… it’s at the hear of “find out what they want and get it for them” marketing
I think blogs and comments do it even better. Takes some time to answer these in comments.. but I assume there are 40 more readers for every comment posted.. most have the same questions.
Thanks for your input. I look forward to working with you again soon.
Warren
Terry
I use the Ask Database all the time.. and the methodology in just about every project… it’s at the hear of “find out what they want and get it for them” marketing
I think blogs and comments do it even better. Takes some time to answer these in comments.. but I assume there are 40 more readers for every comment posted.. most have the same questions.
Thanks for your input. I look forward to working with you again soon.
Warren
Marsha
Right.. the more promotion you have, the better you will do.
When I meet with Mark Victor Hansen, we talk about how he wants to reach more people… and he has sold 150,000,000 books!
Mark talks about book marketing:
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.channel&ChannelID=134903136
Thanks for your comment
Warren
Marsha
Right.. the more promotion you have, the better you will do.
When I meet with Mark Victor Hansen, we talk about how he wants to reach more people… and he has sold 150,000,000 books!
Mark talks about book marketing:
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.channel&ChannelID=134903136
Thanks for your comment
Warren
very useful tips to get off your butt and get started. most authors are clueless on this stuff.
That’s sound advice – particularly the one about writing about your subject. I read a blog recently with over 100 entries about growing tomatoes! That’s indepth complete knowledge!
very useful tips to get off your butt and get started. most authors are clueless on this stuff.
That’s sound advice – particularly the one about writing about your subject. I read a blog recently with over 100 entries about growing tomatoes! That’s indepth complete knowledge!
Hi Warren,
Your articles and blogs are always informative and encouraging when it comes to marketing books.
Last month, I purchased a copy of your book ‘1001 ways to market your book’, and must say I am more than pleased with the volume of practical advice I received in it…all 700 plus pages of it.
There is one area where I needed additional information, though – Can you give a little more information on syndicated rights?
If I sell the syndicated rights for one of my books to a newspaper company, can I still sell rights to my book to: Magazines or other interest groups?
Awaiting your ready reply,
Roger
Author of ‘Is Sex Your Genie in a Bottle?’
http://tinyurl.com/2gl9sy
Hi Warren,
Your articles and blogs are always informative and encouraging when it comes to marketing books.
Last month, I purchased a copy of your book ‘1001 ways to market your book’, and must say I am more than pleased with the volume of practical advice I received in it…all 700 plus pages of it.
There is one area where I needed additional information, though – Can you give a little more information on syndicated rights?
If I sell the syndicated rights for one of my books to a newspaper company, can I still sell rights to my book to: Magazines or other interest groups?
Awaiting your ready reply,
Roger
Author of ‘Is Sex Your Genie in a Bottle?’
http://tinyurl.com/2gl9sy
Alexader,
I don’t know that authors are “clueless”.. most have busy lives and are trying to justify the time commitment.
But I maintain that if you have the time to write a book, you can easily find the time to do this.. and it’s like more important.
Warren
Alexader,
I don’t know that authors are “clueless”.. most have busy lives and are trying to justify the time commitment.
But I maintain that if you have the time to write a book, you can easily find the time to do this.. and it’s like more important.
Warren
Diane
I’m a perfect example of this.. I write emails and posts all day.. but when I sat down and wrote this article.. right to what my readers want.. I got a lot more response and traffic at the blog today is up 622%
Warren
Diane
I’m a perfect example of this.. I write emails and posts all day.. but when I sat down and wrote this article.. right to what my readers want.. I got a lot more response and traffic at the blog today is up 622%
Warren
Roger
I didn’t write that book.. but here’s you answer.
The rights to your content are negotiated in the contract. Sell exclusive rights and you no longer own the material.
Non-exclusive rights gives them the right to print, but you still own the copyright.
I’m not a lawyer and suggest you consult with an attorney before signing anything.. cause a blog comment!
If you already sold the rights, you still own the ideas (actually no one can own an idea) so you can just create it again.
Thanks for joining in on the discussion
Warren
Roger
I didn’t write that book.. but here’s you answer.
The rights to your content are negotiated in the contract. Sell exclusive rights and you no longer own the material.
Non-exclusive rights gives them the right to print, but you still own the copyright.
I’m not a lawyer and suggest you consult with an attorney before signing anything.. cause a blog comment!
If you already sold the rights, you still own the ideas (actually no one can own an idea) so you can just create it again.
Thanks for joining in on the discussion
Warren
I think I will make “Be Online” my new marketing mantra. The idea is simple enough, but the key is just to make as wide and deep a presence online as possible. No longer does one need to pay for ads or hand out flyers. Thank you.
I think I will make “Be Online” my new marketing mantra. The idea is simple enough, but the key is just to make as wide and deep a presence online as possible. No longer does one need to pay for ads or hand out flyers. Thank you.
Social networking is such a huge marketing tool and it is so easy and great fun! The only problem that can happen… is time can get away from you on certain sites E.G. Facebook! It doesn’t take long to set up profiles… but it is so easy to get distracted and before you know it… many hours have passed!
I found I had to let the novelty wear off and then it was quite easy for me to get into a routine of updating them every couple of days.
And also you can link social sites to your blog so they can be updated automatically each time you post on your blog.
Thanks for all your information and guidance Warren… it’s always helpful!
Jeanne
http://www.goalsnaspirations.com
Social networking is such a huge marketing tool and it is so easy and great fun! The only problem that can happen… is time can get away from you on certain sites E.G. Facebook! It doesn’t take long to set up profiles… but it is so easy to get distracted and before you know it… many hours have passed!
I found I had to let the novelty wear off and then it was quite easy for me to get into a routine of updating them every couple of days.
And also you can link social sites to your blog so they can be updated automatically each time you post on your blog.
Thanks for all your information and guidance Warren… it’s always helpful!
Jeanne
http://www.goalsnaspirations.com
Jeanne
You are right. These tools are no different that any technology.. at 2 edeged sword for productivity or wasting time.
Worth the learning curve to get the good habit.
I threw sheep on Facebook for a couple of hours late one night.. that’s all it took to get that out of my system. Since then, I ignore vampires and stick to networking.
Jeanne
You are right. These tools are no different that any technology.. at 2 edeged sword for productivity or wasting time.
Worth the learning curve to get the good habit.
I threw sheep on Facebook for a couple of hours late one night.. that’s all it took to get that out of my system. Since then, I ignore vampires and stick to networking.
Hi Warren,
This article is exactly what I have been looking for. I need help and know other authors need help in this area.
Cheers,
Solly
http://www.betweenyourears.ca
Hi Warren,
This article is exactly what I have been looking for. I need help and know other authors need help in this area.
Cheers,
Solly
http://www.betweenyourears.ca
I have had the pleasure of meeting Warren Whitlock on a social networking site and it has been such a pleasure and blessing. Warren is rich with information and he is willing to help the new guys out, like myself. I am on the road to becoming a bestselling author, thanks to Warren. Touchdown Love is a bestseller already! All I have to do is put into action what the teacher is teaching. When the pupil is ready, the teacher will show up.
I have had the pleasure of meeting Warren Whitlock on a social networking site and it has been such a pleasure and blessing. Warren is rich with information and he is willing to help the new guys out, like myself. I am on the road to becoming a bestselling author, thanks to Warren. Touchdown Love is a bestseller already! All I have to do is put into action what the teacher is teaching. When the pupil is ready, the teacher will show up.
Hi Warren,
I always like your articles. They take away our excuses for not promoting ourselves. You have to “be” online, being a contribution, adding value to conversations not just promoting yourself. Being online, is just like being in the community, it is being either a giver or being a taker. The givers like yourself always come out on top.
http://blog.ExcellenceArt.org
Hi Warren,
I always like your articles. They take away our excuses for not promoting ourselves. You have to “be” online, being a contribution, adding value to conversations not just promoting yourself. Being online, is just like being in the community, it is being either a giver or being a taker. The givers like yourself always come out on top.
http://blog.ExcellenceArt.org
There is no quick way to build an online presence. Everyone would like the overnight success story, but are you ready to handle the overnight success? I thank Warren Whitlock for his willingness to share his thoughts, ideas and proven marketing ideas to the world. I am using the information that Warren has shared and I am seeing results in my own life. Some make book marketing to be such a big secret of things to do, but all you have to do is be available through what you are promoting. Most importantly, share and give and it will come back to you in time. Do not get tired of doing the work-it is when you want to give up that your transformation begins if you let it. Warren, thanks for all you do.
There is no quick way to build an online presence. Everyone would like the overnight success story, but are you ready to handle the overnight success? I thank Warren Whitlock for his willingness to share his thoughts, ideas and proven marketing ideas to the world. I am using the information that Warren has shared and I am seeing results in my own life. Some make book marketing to be such a big secret of things to do, but all you have to do is be available through what you are promoting. Most importantly, share and give and it will come back to you in time. Do not get tired of doing the work-it is when you want to give up that your transformation begins if you let it. Warren, thanks for all you do.
A friend, Dr David Carsten, is to publish, or has published a book.
How do I find it when it is available?
Usually, a simple Google search is the fast and easy.
The second best way would be to ask Dr. Carsten. He would like know the publishing date.
If you have the ISBN or Title of the book, it’s searchable.