There’s always something to learn about book marketing. I recommend the following books for authors and writers. Put these on your reading list for 2017.
1) Online Marketing for Busy Authors by Fauzia Burke.
This is an easy-to-read book with a concrete, step-by-step process for beginning authors to follow. Small-business owners who are just starting out will benefit, too. The book is divided into three phases: Phase 1 – Learn how to create a personal brand statement, identify your audience, and write a reader profile; Phase 2 – Write a sustainable online marketing plan, including websites, mailing lists, blogging, publicity tips, and social media; Phase 3 – Staying the course when you build your brand, what to share on social media, and monitor what you do online. Burke’s blueprint provides useful information. I’ve read the book twice—first, to get an overall understanding; then, to focus on the individual pieces. Her writing style is very understandable, friendly, and clear. Burke is spot on with her tips and advice: “The age of generalists is over. Find a niche, develop your audience, hone your skills, and be brilliant.” Best of all, this is not a long book—perfect for busy authors!
2) Register Your Book: The Essential Guide to ISBNs, Barcodes, Copyright, and LCCNs by David Wogahn.
My friend, Eleanor Sullivan, told me about this e-book technology expert. Do you have questions about ISBN, barcodes, copyrights and LCCN, or want an explanation of what you should do? This is THE “go-to” resource for authors, publishers, and book designers. Chapter 1 explains book registration and why it matters. Chapter 2 is chocked full of information: ten ISBN fundamentals, FAQs, CreateSpace, IngramSpark, and buying and assigning ISBNs. In Chapter 3, I’ve highlighted “When you do not need a barcode” and “When you do need a barcode” for future reference. Chapter 4 is a general guide to copyright. The explanation of the two Library of Congress Catalog (LOCC) programs in Chapter 5 is especially helpful! Yes, Wogahn makes it easy for authors to understand the process and register their books the right way. I highly recommend this guide.
3) How to Write a Sizzling Synopsis by Bryan Cohen. This is a must read for all authors. One of the most important things for any book is a sizzling synopsis. As Cohen says, “… authors have trouble crafting a compelling description for their books … This book is dedicated to getting it right.” His straight-forward advice and excellent examples are on target in this well-written reference manual. Use Cohen’s techniques, and focus on the hook, the characters, and the emotion. A valuable point: Your synopsis should be used for both the back cover of your book and your online synopsis. There’s no need for multiple versions. Plus, you’ll find this e-book an entertaining read. By the way, Cohen is the co-host of The Sell More Books Show, a weekly podcast for book marketing tips. I’ve also listened to several of his webinars. Good stuff!
What have you been reading? Share your book marketing recent reads (or favorites) with N-K Creative.
