Another PA author's observation preserved
YianniPalos
3/04/2004
13:48:40
Subject: So, We Are Published. Now what?
Message:
All right! So we are published. Now what?
Without a distributer our books will remain as Print On Demand (POD) books for seven years, unless we, all of us, PA authors do something about it.
Let’s have a Brainstorm, make suggestions, bring our ideas up front, let’s form a PA Authors Book Club, and write to Coen book distributers, or Ingram Book Co., or Bookzine, . . . and so on, as a single voice. I have tried to sell my book to Borders. Although they agreed to put it on the shelves at Borders throughout the USA, they declined to do as such because:
*Marketing and Promotion – Book does not appear to be supported via advertising, marketing or promotion.
So, what the heck we are going to do about it?
I’ll be very glad to add another page at my website, sort of like a second guestbook about this matter. We have some good books out there waiting to be sold not only to our friends and relatives, but also to the mass market; the readers.
Let me know, either here or at
www.yiannipalos.com or e-mail:
[email protected]
Let’s us escape this sad and discouraging POD status.
argilestox
3/04/2004
14:34:49
RE: So, We Are Published. Now what?
Message:
Dear Yianni,
My book "Computer - End Program is now in the process of editing by P/A. I have had numerous discussions with friends and family about marketing it - when it is finally published. Having worked in retail for over thirty years - I live by three rules:
1. The first one who talks loses
2. AFTO (Ask For The Order)
3. Location, Location, Location
1. When talking to managers of bookstores, I suggest that you let them "spill their guts" about experiences regarding past sales of subject matter they have had on their shelves from Authors published by P/A. Listen very carefully to their comments. Keep quiet, and let them "vomit" all over you. A "pause" does not mean that they are finished. When the pause is long enough - refer to Rule #2 -
2. Even if the manager is not an avid reader, give them a "sample copy" of your book - to take home and read. I have found that individuals who are familiar with a product - tend to "Hawk" it to others. Check back with them on a weekly basis to see if they enjoyed your book. Then - AFTO. Once you have been a familiar face in the store, and have "built a friendship," the manager will be more receptive to your requests.
3. Visit your local Airport News Stands that sell paperbacks. Find out who the manager is or who decides what paperbacks are stocked on their shelves. See if you can have a "face to face" with the "Decision Maker." Again, give a copy of your book to read - and to the "Counter People." Travelers are always asking "What is a good book to read." Chances are, that this store is one of many, that are located in Airports throughout the country. That Airport News Stand - maybe the "Gateway" to others...
I hope my comments have given you something to think about.
Sincerely,
Argile Stox
HBMarcus
3/04/2004
14:40:12
H. B. Marcus
CRISPY
The Joe Schmoe Show
RE: So, We Are Published. Now what?
Message:
"...sad and discouraging.."??? For shame!
I admire your enthusiasm...until I see a statement like that. This is a forum with a firm foundation in marketing ideas and promotional suggestions. One of which is multi-author signings. That gives you an edge because authors from other publishers rarely do it due to ego problems.
Let's take this a step at a time. Are you in all the local libraries in your area? Snap to it! Have you talked to anyone other than the idiot sheep at Borders? Warm up that dialing finger. Have you offered a multi-author signing to a book store in your area and posted a notice here? That gives the public variety, which translates to volume at your signings, which translates to book sales.
Let's look at the national scene, shall we? You aren't part of a traditional POD. This is the fastest growing publisher there is anywhere. You got in on the ground floor. Lucky you. What's that mean? Well, I see seven years in which you can establish yourself on the map where the traditional publishers would give you two minutes to shoot or dribble. That's the difference between real recognition and pipe dreams.
Keep that fire and get yourself out there. Grab the impulse buyers with a yarn and they will tell friends about a good book they read. Get five-hundred out there and PA could review you for distribution through Independence. That's Walden's bookstore nationwide. Liking this 'status' a little better yet?
How about this? If you went with anyone else you wouldn't ever be able to establish a fan base and get your name out there. If you live in Texas and don't promote in Wyoming, your books will be pulled for not selling nationwide. PA gives you SEVEN YEARS to make yourself known. That's quite a bit more realistic, don't you think?
So watch this board as it is a wealth of ideas and strategies. Organize a group signing together. All it takes is posting a notice on the board. If you want to drag me kicking and screaming to the top, I can't have a problem with that. Let's go.
Yianni Palos
3/04/2004
15:23:46
RE: So, We Are Published. Now what?
Message:
I will not disagree or even argue with your comments. Don’t you think that have tried all your suggestions? And let me ask you: Do I not sign a book that I’ve purchased from PA? I am signing a book that is not at the bookstore. Do you see the difference? Sale, Yes. Recognition, Zero.
Public Libraries, State Libraries, High School libraries, University Libraries, FSU Filmschool . . .
I distributed to them, more than sixty copies of my book to be reviewed for acquisition.
By the way, I owned two businesses from 1974 through 1996, and I know something about the politics of advertising and selling yourself.
I just thought that I had an idea. Obviously, according to what I’ve read so far, I must say, I was wrong posting my message. Sorry!
Yianni
shadowfax
3/04/2004
15:32:31
RE: So, We Are Published. Now what?
Message:
Love the possitive attitude, HB! Thanks for all the good advice.
What did you mean "Get five-hundred out there and PA could review you for distribution through Independence"? That we sell 500 of our books and we have proven there is a market for our book - which would qualify us for distribution through Independence?
Thanks,
Lillian
allen
3/04/2004
15:34:08
Nudists Among Us
www.authorsden.com/allenparker
RE: So, We Are Published. Now what?
Message:
Yiani, I think that you missed the point. Don't give up! each time someone says no, ask three more times.
HB is pretty good at hawking ideas, and seeing them realized. He worked out a multiple author deal, a pretty tough thing to do. I tried the same thing and got a NO the first time. I am going to try again.
We can learn from each other. You have a great idea, but if you look through this message board posts, you will find a wealth of knowledge that has come from many great experienced authors.
If you have a great idea, share it with us.
Just a thought... Allen
Yianni Palos
3/04/2004
16:12:13
RE: So, We Are Published. Now what?
Message:
I am not here to criticize PA. They’ ve done what they'd promised to do. And, I respect them for that.
Yianni
HBMarcus
3/05/2004
08:30:10
H. B. Marcus
CRISPY
The Joe Schmoe Show
RE: So, We Are Published. Now what?
Message:
Well, if you have an idea, lay it out here. Give us some details. Don't throw up your hands and say nevermind so quickly. You come off as insulted for even trying to answer your question. I just figured there were some things you didn't know already since you didn't know that Ingrams carries your book already.
skyrocket
3/05/2004
10:19:31
RE: So, We Are Published. Now what?
Message:
After reading these posts...I am going to get in bed and pull the covers over my head!!!...Call me for dinner!!!...Sky
Scribner
3/05/2004
11:08:49
RE: So, We Are Published. Now what?
Message:
The Librarys in Las Vegas, NV are having a Reading
festival on April 3, 2004. Both famous Authors and
Authors just starting out, like myself will be there. Author Ridley Pearson will be there. The Library will have signing tables for all Authors
along with a box lunch.
Woodrow Walker Author of
"Murder at Columbia"
FYI:
What: Reading Festival
When: Saturday, April 3, 2004
Time: 12 Noon to 4pm
Where: Rainbow Library Amphitheater
Who: Johnette Morales - (702)507-3830
e-mail:
[email protected]