Marketing – Jean's Writing

Do you hide your light under a bushel?

Published on July 10, 2018July 9, 2018 by Jean M. Cogdell6 Comments

Or do you let it shine for all to see?

I’m not exactly shy. But I do have trouble tooting my own horn. When someone asks me how I spend my time, I become tongue-tied.

I can talk to anyone, about anything except my writing, blogs or books.

There are lots of reasons writers have this problem. Me?

Fear of judgment and rejection. Not disapproval but often people who don’t understand the process can be dismissive. Attitudes range from, oh how fun, how easy, to what takes so long. After all, they can read a book in a few days. What can possibly be so hard about a couple of picture books?

Ouch!

So, I try to avoid sharing. When ask, I turn around the conversation to something or someone else.

Do you need encouragement to speak up?

Then you’ll want to read this terrific post – Feel the fear and put yourself out there – advice for shy authors BY Roz Morris over at Nail Your Novel.

More info for selling your voice…

Do you have trouble speaking up loud and proud?

How do you over come the angst of self-promotion?

I’d love to hear your tips on promoting your talents. Please share.

PLEASE TAKE ANOTHER MINUTE AND LOOK ME UP ON SOCIAL MEDIA BY CLICKING ON THE LINKS BELOW.

AND STOP BY JEAN’S WRITING ANYTIME, I’LL LEAVE A LIGHT ON.

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Want an excellent way to sell your books?

Published on May 17, 2018May 20, 2018 by Jean M. Cogdell5 Comments

Earlier in the week, I discussed the need to prepare for your first book signing event, but there are other ways to sell a signed copy of your book.

How about autographed, signed copies direct from your website?

That’s right. You can offer signed copies of your book to readers. This is something I hadn’t thought of until I read an article sent to me, from Janice Hardy written by J. Kathleen Cheney, @jkcheney .

The biggest question I have now is…

Do people care about signed copies of children books?

I’m not sure. So, I haven’t set up a retail page yet. But, I wouldn’t hesitate to sell a signed copy if it was requested. Hint, hint.

Another thing that has held me back from setting up an online store, is time. Time away from writing. I don’t want anything else to take my attention from, blogging, and writing. Life takes enough of my time and attention.

From what I understand, setting up an online store, may not be complicated but can be time-consuming to maintain. Just like everything else on the internet, if you want it to be successful you must babysit the darn thing.

Okay, meet me at the water cooler and let’s talk.

What do y’all think about signed copies of kid books vs novels?

Also, have any of you set up an online avenue for readers to purchase directly?

How are the sales on your website?

Which service did you use? Shopify, Storenvy or Etsy?

Did you miss Part 1 on autographs?

Then click here: How to prepare for a successful book signing?

Here is more information on setting up your online shop.

Easy Ways to Sell Signed Copies of Your Novel Online

http://themuseslibrary.blogspot.com/2015/07/pros-cons-etsy-vs-storenvy.html

http://katiestable.blogspot.com/2017/05/etsy-vs-shopify-vs-big-cartel-vs.html

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AND DO STOP BY JEAN’S WRITING ANYTIME, I’LL LEAVE A LIGHT ON.

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How to make buying easy for your readers

Published on September 25, 2017September 26, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell5 Comments

All you need is a simple order and pay button.

click-ORDER 978044_1280

Click-pay

Do you have extra books left over from a book festival? Have some “how-to” worksheets, a writing workshop/seminar, or workbook? The ideas are endless.

The holidays will be here before we know it so put your thinking caps on. Is there something hidden on a long forgotten shelf or lurking in the shadows of your mind that would be perfect to sell on your website.

You can make a special button from a picture, book cover or use buttons like these. Feel free to right click and copy/save the red buttons above if you want.

You no longer have to be a self-hosted blogger to add this feature. Now WordPress dot com made one available for their bloggers.

Okay, okay, I can hear what some of Y’all thinking. Jean didn’t know about this? Well, as usual, I’m a little behind with some of my updates. But, better late than never. Am I right?

Now back to adding that purchase and pay button. As with all new things, there is a trick. You need to use the new Visual Editor, not the old one. Now I’ll admit, I prefer the old editor to write my blog posts. I find it easier to navigate and just plain like the look better. I love the SAVE AS DRAFT because it is large and easy to find. Using the new format, I’m always nervous if the draft is saved or not. Yes, I know there is a saved button. But, sigh, sometimes I have to move with the technology. And this is one of those times.

Here is the WordPress.com link that explains how to make and add a button to your website.

https://en.support.wordpress.com/simple-payments/

I can’t be the only friend you have who didn’t know about this feature. So be kind and share my post. You never know who might need it to sell their books or widgets.

Well, what do you think?

Is this something you can use?

Are you ready to open up shop?

Have something to sell? What?

Don’t forget, pass it on!

Leave me a comment and tell me what you think about this feature of WordPress.com.

Please stop by my other locations and say “hey!” I’ll leave a light on.

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Or to connect with me, click the “write me” tab.

What’s the best way to promote your book?

Published on November 23, 2016November 24, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell10 Comments

My email is filled with Black Friday Ads.

But what about your book? Can it be a Black Friday special?

If you’re like me, we are always looking for ways to promote our books. But, I’m learning marketing a book is harder than writing the dang things.

Some ideas I’m knocking around…

Kindle Unlimited
KDP Free Promotion
Goodreads Giveaway
Library reading
Craft fairs? Hmm, might be a lot of work. But, maybe.

What about you? Any tips to help with book sells?

Have you had success with any special marketing technique?

Keep reading, I’ve got great links at the bottom!

I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment or click the “write me” tab or look for me on Twitter @jeancogdell, Facebook at jean.cogdell and Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! The lights are on, and I’m waiting.

Please remember to share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.

50 SURPRISINGLY SIMPLE WAYS TO PROMOTE YOUR BOOK by CATHY PRESLAND

From Writing Quietly to Screaming “Buy Me!” — Promoting a Book by Randy Susan Meyers

7 Tips To Help Promote Your First Self-Published Book April 22, 2014 by Joanna Penn