If you have your book printed in conventional form; in other words as you imagine a book to be, the tough – or easy bit, can be the marketing and distribution of it. It is far easier than you think but probably better suited to outgoing personable types. If you are not such a person then it might be better to offer the opportunity to a family member or pensioner perhaps, a chance for them to get out and about, meet people whilst making a spare income.
So, your book’s been printed. There’s the knock on the door and the delivery man with several boxes containing your just published books are at your feet and his. Mixed feelings; there is joy at seeing yourself a published author but what now?
Mine was a niche market. My poetry anthologies, Believin’ of Liverpool and A Sea Veneer of Merseyside, were most likely to appeal to the people of that fair city. I simply put the boxes in my car and spent a day running around Liverpool retailers that seemed to offer opportunity for sales. Not all were bookshops; I preferred hotel receptions, souvenir retailers, fast food outlets, newsagents, convenience stores; any shop that had a high footfall. I had one gent who for a small commission sold scores in local pubs. Bargain Books and W.W. Smiths were wonderful customers.
I recall only one retailer who declined; everyone else was happy to take from a dozen to 100 copies ‘Sale or Return.’ This meant I left them on counters for people to see, pick up, and hopefully buy. The retailer was entitled to 30 percent mark up; I got the other 70 percent. I called regularly. He only coughed up for what he had actually sold and I replaced sold copies so stocks were always fresh.
I didn’t get rich but this system kept everyone happy. The point I am making is that if your book too has a niche market then do take advantage of it. For instance, you could be an ex-cop and your novel is likely to be of interest to anyone interested in this fascinating subject. There are police magazines, such as Police Review. They will be happy to give you a review and it might be a good idea to place a small advert; every month in the personal column pays off.
The same applies to most other professions; the medical and legal professions; so many of them have a ready made book-buying audience. Every sport imaginable, business, photography (tips); sailing, travel, equine, dogs, cats... charities especially. Imagine the book sales to a charity’s thousands of supporters, through their charity shops, if the subject is relative and they are getting 10 percent of all sales.
I had one lady customer who wrote (with my help) a story about a sad little dog imprisoned in a dog pound. It was written as though by the puppy itself; something of a tear-jerker with a happy ending. It sold well, through animal charity shops. Get the idea?
You will boost sales tremendously by putting on your book’s cover: ‘10 percent of cover price to the Battersea Dogs Home.’ Get my drift? I am amazed that during these hard times more people haven’t put their talents to good use; drawn on their experiences or skills, to make some useful pin money. It’s easy – when you know how. It is also a fun thing to do.