How does one market a self published book?

Question

I have written and self published this great NASCAR fan guide, I've sold a few copies and everyone says it's awesome. So why can't I sell more, especially at the larger book retailers who are not interested in my book at all?

Answer 1

Get this book!

The Self-Publishing Manual: How to Write, Print, and Sell Your Own Book, by Dan Poynter

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1568600887/002-4107020-2559212?v=glance&n=283155


His book is *helpful* and *truthful*. Do not shy away from it simply because it's put out by a publishing company. Dan Poynter used to self publish; and he has come to my university MANY times to give seminars on self-publishing. He is very informative and does not leave out pertinant details.

His advice is AFFECTIVE; and that's what's important, right? As you can see, he has a rating of 5 stars based on 156 customer reviews. Not shabby. You'll also notice that there are detailed reviews from satisfied customers. So don't just take my word for it; see what they have to say!

There are used copies from only $15.
Good luck! ^__^ ~Holly Maria

Answer 2

Hello there! I am an artist and writer and have discovered an indispensable source for getting what you have created to market. (I LOVE this book!) Actually, there are 2 books that I think you should look at. (Both are available on Amazon.com, or I'm sure they are available elsewhere.)

The first is the "2006 Guide To Literary Agents" by by Kathryn S. Brogan (Editor), Robert Lee Brewer (Editor), Joanna Masterson (Editor) and the editorial review says,

"The 2006 guide includes:
-Complete, annually updated contact information to more than 600 non-fee-charging agents, all who adhere to the ethical guidelines established by the Association of Author Representatives and the Writers Guild of America
-Insider interviews with top agents, including Evan Marshall, Ann Rittenberg, and Donald Maass
-Invaluable new articles on writing conferences, researching agents' web sites and fees, screenwriting secrets, and more.
With book publishing becoming even more driven by agents, this guide will continue to be an essential tool for writers who want to get published.

The other book you might want to look at is

"2006 Writers Market" (written by the same editors)... it is going to be more of a "where to submit your articles" kind of book. The editorial review says, The resource for helping writers get published and get paid for what they write, Writer's Market is the ultimate go-to guide. Backed by 85 years of authority, this edition:
-Offers complete, updated contact information and submission guidelines for more than 4000 markets, 700 more than any comparable resource
-Includes 600 new markets, allowing writers to explore fresh opportunities
-Features interviews with Alexander McCall Smith and others, as well as helpful tips and instructional articles
Bigger and better than ever, 2006 Writer's Market continues the tradition that's made the brand the number one resource for writers since 1921.

So, between these two books you should not only be able to find a way to market and sell the book you have already written but, you should also be able to find places to write for on a more regular basis...!

I really hope this helps! Keep me posted! (My dad's a big NASCAR fan and I would love to get your book when it comes out!)

Answer 3

Larger book retailers won't do self-published or vanity press book releases. It has something to do with money and recognition issues.

Your best bet is to advertise locally in newspapers and fliers, and just keep doing the beat of becoming a published author--by promoting and advertising yourself early and often.

Let people know who you are and what you're doing.

Success isn't based on how much money you can make with your books, but how many people you can touch with your words.

Answer 4

Most book retailers won't handle vanity press books unless they have ISBN numbers. You can get an ISBN number for your book by buying them in lots of 10 or more from the Library of Congress. (Around $250 for 10 numbers) I suggest you do that, then your book will be listed (eventually) in "Books in Print" and you will be able to get larger retailers to handle it.

This is one of the drawbacks of vanity (self) publishing. You must do all your own marketing. Another way to do that is by setting up a website to sell your book. Send out letters and flyers to people. Take books to shops and ask if they will sell them on consignment. Set up a kiosk at NASCAR races and ask "speed" shops--racing gear shops--or souvenir shops if they will put your book on their shelves.

Get a booth at a flea market. Go door to door. Take out ads in the newspaper, or in magazines.

There are lots and lots of ways to market what you want to sell, but you have to be agressive and you have to use more than one method.

Answer 5

very carefully, k?
very carefully, k?