I stumbled on these short but incisive tips on how to sell more books written by Tamara Jackson on facebook. I am sure it will be useful for self-published authors and traditionally published authors alike. Things have changed. An author must be actively involved in the marketing and promotion of his or her book.

Dear author,

Are you disappointed by the sales of your book?

Do you cringe when friends and family ask, “How’s it going?” (Because it is not.

Have you started to wonder if you will ever make the impact that you dreamed of?

If your answer is YES to any of these questions, please listen up

This is NOT over. Your book is NOT a failure.

You are in the situation you are in for ONE simple reason:

You do not know how to build an audience for your book.

That’s the bad news. The good news?

You CAN do something about it!! You CAN fix this.

Hint: doing something about it is NOT as simple as just asking people to buy your book. That does not work because then it’s about YOU and not the buyer.

The key to selling more books is to remember that a sale is an exchange. You have to give something of value FIRST.

5 WAYS TO BUILD AN AUDIENCE FOR YOUR BOOK

Always be writing…for your blog, social media pages, and email list. You must consistently create and share content that your ideal reader finds valuable. Also, don't be afraid to talk about your writing journey, what has been going on in your life, and thoughts on current events – people want to get to know the brand (that’s you) behind the book.

Go live on Facebook, YouTube, and IG (or record and upload) to connect with your audience. Some things come to life more when they are said vs. read.

Join Facebook groups that your ideal reader would hang out in and DO NOT instantly post the link to your book. Instead, post valuable tips and ideas. Show up to serve first.

Use the power of the internet to find podcasters with a common audience, ask to be interviewed, and give away a few copies of your book to his/her followers. Why? Because this way, the podcaster and their audience benefit not just you.

Create a landing page (not a website) and run Facebook ads to it. Target people who like books similar to yours and offer the first two chapters of your book free. Get ‘em hooked so that they want to read more (and buy your book).

There are LOTS of ways to build an audience for your book and you don’t have to spend a fortune to do it.

With a little time and effort, you can still become the author you saw in your dreams and make the impact that you’ve always wanted.

Santander:

Rambling on

Borrowed Time

BY DAVID ELLISON

Rambling on Borrowed Time

From Santander:
“Terrified, I finally realized the federal agents answered to no one and could do with me whatever they pleased. I thought of the death squads who had “disappeared” so many others into the Central American jungle.”

“I was filled with awe and gratitude, but with sadness, too…the constant companions, it seems to me, of anyone who dares to travel with an open mind and heart through the world, through history, and through life.”

“Children all have that same amazing power over me—not only to make me laugh, but to make me believe in myself, in them, and in life.”