The final forum Sunday at the 9th annual Writers’ Conference focused on ideas writers can use to build their brand and sell their books. Randy Jones, proprietor of MindZoo, Marco Island, Fla., led the high-energy discussion as audience members and Jones shared tips and how-to information that we now present for anyone’s benefit here at the official Naples Press Club’s Writers’ Conference website.
The presentation began with two aspects of successful branding and selling. Jones stressed that no matter what marketing idea you choose to use, you want a professional presentation. “Use your resources to present the information in the most professional way possible,” Jones said.
The second aspect of selling is to set your standard. Define success for yourself. Jones reminded the crowd that most entrepreneurs are motivated by independence and creativity; not money. The participants in the NPC 9th annual Writers’ Conference defined success by those less tangible items as well. They saw the following as means by which to measure success: seeing your name in print; having your publication/work in a college or university library; seeing your book in the book store; being asked to participate in a conference; google stats/alerts; networking level; financial/bottom line; answering “Did I do the best that I can do?”; finishing a book/story/poem; answering “Did I make a difference?” Personal satisfaction was a success/goal for many in the crowd.
The group participating in the 101 Marketing Ideas forum had a variety of books and book-related services to “sell.” They included picture books, screenplays, murder mysteries, inspirational romance, fantasy novels, thrillers, a business book, speaking engagements and workshops, consulting services and diagnostics, freelance articles, and more.
To market all these products, Jones started off by discussing the positive experience he’s had at MindZoo working with FGCU to give a student intern marketing experience. While his intern takes classes and learns social media maximization, Jones gets the advantage of an always-learning employee assisting him in his marketing efforts.
Other ideas for marketing books that the audience shared include print professional materials (such as bookmarks, flyers for upcoming events or posters of your book cover); apply your skill to a different industry or environment; go on an online book tour and partner-market with other bloggers; join LinkedIn and participate in the relevant groups there; invite high-profile guests to be interviewed on your blog; use your blog to build your brand; when visiting book stores, adjust your book on the shelf so the cover faces “out”; provide freelance articles to relevant publications; use facebook to post your events; take advantage of uncluttered mail boxes with direct mail; send press releases; make sure your blog is a soft-sell; book public speaking engagements such as keynote speeches, conference panels, outreach presentations (joining Toastmasters was at the top of one member’s list). Audience members pointed out that assisted living places, libraries and clubs love to host authors for presentations.
The forum ran out of time for more, but we hope these ideas spark creative marketing ideas for you as well.
“Some days, you just want the dragon to win.”
