Selling to Libraries

How can we make libraries work for us as authors? I think donations to libraries are a bit counter-productive. I agree that some libraries need help and that is a good thing, but as authors we should be thinking of ways to get our books onto the shelves for readers to find, love, and search out our backlists in stores and at online stores.

A couple of things I think readers overlook with libraries is the huge potential for sales. I have a database that has thousands of libraries in it. If an author sells one book to every library it means thousands of sales. How do you know what libraries have what books? You can check out WorldCat.

Okay, those books hit the shelves and people start checking them out. The books get worn, and libraries order new copies, perhaps multiple copies. So hear you have more thousands of books sold. How is this bad?

Okay, how do people know to order those books? We promote to them. The libraries? Nope, well yes, but to the readers. You send a dozen or so bookmarks - no bookmarks are not passé, they are USEFUL and libraries will almost always put them out if you send them with no strings attached. We don't send big bunches, just small amounts and often. You are targeting the readers!

Does anyone else have anything they think libraries can use to help us promote our books and make patrons special order them, and the library does, so they go on the shelf…

A Hotel In Paris by Margot Justes, at Amazon.com now!
Paris…an American artist, her muse, and a dead body!
A Minola Grey Mystery. ISBN: 978-1-59080-534-3

Escape the ordinary at www.echelonpress.com

eBooks for the fun of it!

So what are you doing on this blazing Sunday afternoon? I am reading the posts from GreenRead and doing research on eBooks. What the heck is GreenRead, you ask? Let me tell you all about it.

In today's society there are few pleasures left that give us any kind of relief and entertainment. We've got books! But books can be expensive, they can be hard to store, so some genius along the way created eBooks! What a great idea! Not only are eBooks portable, but they are friendly to the environment. There is a huge debate on whether the eBook will replace the paper versions. This will only occur if one of two things happens: we run out of trees or someone finds a way to destroy all the books already in print. This simply isn't anything we need to worry about in our lifetime, or hopefully the next. So consider your options, and go with what works for you.

How the heck does an eBook work? It's really quite simple, actually. You can go online, download a file, and pick where you read it. Some people prefer to read on their desktop computers. Some use their laptops as they wait in airports or train depots. Others, the more gadget oriented, purchase handheld devices like the Sony, Kindle or a Palm. I hear tell that some phones will even be able to read eBooks. These devices can be used in a variety of places, most especially when traveling. One device can hold dozens of books along with all your other necessary information. How cool is that?

I am putting this up as an option for you to consider as a reader. Want to learn more about eBooks? You can join a new group called GreenRead and ask all the questions your heart desires.

Already an eBook reader? Have you checked out
Mystery Ebooks from eLibrary - Open Ebooks Directory Electronical Books in PDF.

GREEN READS (eBook Readers Unite)

A new place for READERS of eBooks to gather and talk books!

This is a place for readers to talk about, learn about, and celebrate the wonder of eBooks. With the advancements of technology it is easier than ever to enjoy the glory of the written world without making the environment pay the costs.

Join us today and you too can join the eBook revolution.

Guest authors, special giveaways, online workshops, and much more for anyone interested in or wanting to learn about eBooks.

To Join: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/GreenRead

Up, Up, and Away: Selling Books in Airports

Austin Camacho: Author of Blood and Bone
Echelon Press

EP: How did you come up with the idea to hold book signings in airports?

AC: When I originally did a Yahoo search for bookstores within driving distance of my house I was surprised to find that the bookstores in the nearby airports were all Borders stores. I decided to contact them just as I do all other bookstores.

EP: How do you go about organizing an airport book signing?

AC: Airport stores are just like any other bookstore, except that they live at a faster pace. Currently I have someone else calling bookstores to arrange events. On first contact, my promotion person quickly tell the manager I'm interested in doing a signing and asks for the best time to call back to make arrangements. In the second call she asks when the manager thinks is the best day/time. Then she e-mails the book titles and ISBNs to the store, as well as an electronic version of my poster. I usually mail posters to stores in advance but the airport stores all were willing to make much bigger posters for my events.

EP: How would an author go about getting contact info for airport bookstores?

AC: Borders.com has a handy store locator that allows you to search 25, 50, or 100 miles out from any city. The listings include address and phone number. BN.com and BAM.com have similar search capabilities. Just call and ask for the manager.

EP: Do you find the airport bookstore managers more, or less willing to organize author signings?

AC: At all 3 airports near me, the managers complained that nobody ever comes out to sign at their stores. Not only were they more willing than most stores to organize an event, but they all asked me to book a return visit at the end of the first one.

EP: What benefits to you see in airport bookstore signings?

AC: It is certainly the easiest way to spread awareness of my books around the country, and around the world. They asked for signing times that didn't interfere with other stores (most want Saturday – the airports said their busiest days were Thursday and Friday.) The stores have high traffic, yet are physically small so people walking past or coming in can't miss you. And there might be a long-term awareness effect: A LOT of people see my book cover in 2 or 3 hours.

EP: How can an author make an airport bookstore signing more financially lucrative?

AC: Give the person at the register point-of-sale material, brochures, or bookmarks. In my experience they almost never just drop stuff in a bag, but rather make a comment like, "We have an author signing today, right over there."

And say hello to everyone who passes by. People in the airport are either in a hurry or bored from waiting. One group is prone to impulse purchases. The other is easy to talk to about your book and often reward you with a purchase.

EP: Are there any drawbacks to doing signings in airport bookstores?

AC: you can't be sensitive. During the rush a lot of people WILL blow right past you. But don't waste time on them – quickly adjust your attention to the next person.

Oh, and you really have to stand the whole time or you will be invisible. Of course, I stand the whole time anywhere I'm signing so it's not a drawback to me.

EP: Are you concerned that if many authors find out about airport bookstore signings that it will dilute the potential for successful events?

AC: I can't see how. It's not like you're burning out a population. Every day different people are there. (In one case I signed 2 days in a row at the same store and sold almost the exact same number of books.) In fact, it might be to my advantage if travelers become accustomed to seeing writers in bookstores.

EP: What shouldn't an author do when signing at an airport bookstore?

AC: Don't be shy. Don't sit down. Don't harass people who tell you they're not interested. Don't be picky about the time – the manager knows the flight schedules and knows when you can go get coffee and when you need to be in the store.

EP: Any advice for authors interested in participating in airport bookstore signings?

AC: 1. Some stores are behind the security line, close to the gates, so be sure to have your ID with you and leave the pocket knife home.

2. Know your elevator pitch. You get about 30 seconds of a person's attention when they're heading for a flight. If you can't tell them why they need your book in that time, they move on.

3. Find a best seller similar to your book and keep one eye on it. When someone picks it up tell them that if they like that kind of stuff they'll love your book. When someone in the store grabbed the latest James Patterson, I would say, "If you like the Alex Cross stuff, you'll like my mysteries. Similar style, also set in Washington. Besides, Patterson isn't here to sign his book, but I am." They usually took both.

EP: What was your most successful airport bookstore signing? Please let us know the day, time slot, and number of books sold.

AC: Friday from 4 – 7 pm in the Baltimore-Washington Airport. I think I was just shy of 40 books. Usually they were in the 20s.

May 2008
©Karen L. Syed

Austin S. Camacho is the author of four detective novels in the Hannibal Jones series - Blood and Bone, Collateral Damage, The Troubleshooter, and Damaged Goods, plus two action adventure novels, The Payback Assignment and The Orion Assignment. Active in several writers' organizations, Camacho teaches writing at Anne Arundel Community College. After a career as a military news reporter on the American Forces Network, Camacho is now a public affairs specialist for the Defense Department. Camacho lives in Springfield, Virginia with his lovely wife Denise and Princess the Wonder Cat.

Buy Blood and Bone
in eBook!

The man, the mystery, the magazine!

Jon Jordan: Crimespree Magazine

KLS: Tell us a little bit about you:

JJ: I'm from Milwaukee Wisconsin, born and raised. My Dad was a machinist working in the family business, and I also still work some hours doing the same at Jordan Machinery. I love to cook, I do go outside, but much prefer to be inside.

I also much prefer nighttime. My ideal schedule would be going to bed around 4:40 am and getting up around 10:00 am.

KLS: How did Crimespree Magazine come to be?

JJ: Ruth and I were doing some things for websites about mystery and we wanted more control. We didn't want another website that would get lost in the hundreds of mystery websites out there. We talked to a few friends and the agreed to help out so we just kind of rolled the dice and ran with it. It helps an awful lot that a good buddy from high school is a master printer. Rick at Digital Graphics really enabled us (and still does) to live this kind of dream.

KLS: What do you consider to be your greatest success at Crimespree so far?

JJ: I love that we are helping people to discover authors we love. We give someone we really enjoy reading attention in the magazine and other people start to catch on and buy the books and spread the word more. Helping authors find a bigger audience really rocks.

I love hearing from readers who tell me they went and bought an author's whole backlist because of something we've done.

KLS: Your biggest regret (mistake)?

JJ: So far, I don't think there are any. I can't think of anything that makes me say " I wish I had done that, or I wish I hadn't."

KLS: What part of the business brings you the most satisfaction?

JJ: Hearing from new authors when they see reviews or something we've written about them. The excitement when they realize someone out there gets what they are doing.

KLS: The most headaches?

JJ: Trying to grow the readership is something that always seems to be the hardest. It goes in spurts and is always a little bigger each issue, but we never really thought about that before we started.

KLS: Did you have any mentors who helped you along the way?

JJ: Lots of people have been there with support and encouragement. Kate Stine (Mystery Scene Magazine) has been wonderful. A lot of bookstores have been great, Once Upon a Crime in Minneapolis in particular. Pat and Gary are amazing. And almost every single author we've met has been wonderful with only one or two exceptions.

KLS: Your magazine is extremely popular with both readers and writers. How do you determine the split in what you offer your subscribers and fans?

JJ: It's not really a decision as much as a lucky accident. We don't really consciously try for the balance we magically achieve. We really just look for stuff that we find interesting.

KLS: As a key genre magazine you certainly deal with a lot of authors. What advice would you give them for achieving longevity in the industry?

JJ: Be patient, be aggressive, but not too aggressive. And get out there and meet the readers.

KLS: You are a huge advocate for the mystery genre, are there any authors who play a key role in instilling that love of the genre in you personally?

JJ: Meeting Ian Rankin and Val McDermid and discovering how wonderful they were was a big step. Max Allan Collins talking to me like an equal when I was just another reader/fan was also huge.

KLS: What do you think will be your greatest challenge in the coming years?

JJ: Keeping the magazine fresh while taking on other projects, like Ruth's doing Bouchercon this year with Judy Bobolik. We keep adding more to our plate. We are going to more and more conferences each year and we are now also helping to run Murder and Mayhem in Muskego each November.

So I guess the biggest challenge will be to keep finding time to sit on my rear and watch movies!

KLS: Is there anything you wish you would have done differently starting out?

JJ: I should have switched from dial up a long time ago!!!!

Misc. thoughts, good quotes, etc.:

JJ: The mystery community is one of the most giving and generous I know. Almost everyone gets along with everyone else, and seems willing to help each other. The fans are loyal, and the authors respectful. It's a really happy place!

Subscribe to Crimespree Magazine

CLICK HERE

©Karen L. Syed

The Heat of the Moment

We hope you will take a moment to watch this video and then purchase a copy of the book. This project comes from the heart and the only people making any money on the sale of this book, are the residents of San Diego County who lost their homes in the 2007 wildfires.

Please open your hearts to them.

* * *

Echelon Press would like to offer our special thanks to
the exceptional musical artist
Alex Woodard
for allowing us to showcase his new tune
PHOTOGRAPH
in the following video!

Buy Heat of the Moment from

Check out Alex Woodard on MySpace.

Or visit his website at www.alexwoodard.com.

Priorities and the Published Author

For the last couple of weeks there have been a flurry of raging e-mails regarding the Amazon decision to promote their BookSurge division and the HarperCollins decision to open a new imprint that will pay little to no advance and make books no-returnable.

I’m not here to talk about that. Of course there have been so many notes on this that many authors have forgotten about selling books, and that is good for me. Our sales (at Amazon) are up at the moment and I’d like to think it is because I have encouraged Echelon authors not to get caught up in the frenzy and to swoop in and nab all the readers who are seeing the nagging posts from authors who are complaining and not promoting.

What I am here to talk about is priorities. What should the priorities of a published author be? I can’t say this is definitive for every single author, but it is a pretty good model for what I would like my authors to be. If you are not an Echelon author you might find some praise and support from your publisher if you consider what I am about to say.

Life’s priorities: (religious beliefs go where you choose them to be, I choose not to include them out of respect for your beliefs)

1. Self
2. Family
3. Career

Now, I won’t touch on the first two as they are up to you and not my business. But let’s skip right ahead to number 3. Your career.

We’ll talk specifically about writing. If you are published or working toward being published you should have 2 goals. To write the best book ever. Not, the best book YOU can write, but the best book, period. We all have different levels of talent, some authors are better than others, some are luckier than others. If your book is not better than every other book, then you better be luckier than everyone else, or willing to put a lot more effort into your other goal.

Sales! I know, it is a dreaded word among writers, but it is also a necessary evil. I recently had someone tell me that it was unfair for a publisher to expect a shy, obese, ugly, etc, writer to go out and sell their books themselves. Huh? I did not respond to them directly, but I kept thinking about it. If you are going to put yourself into a public forum (asking millions of people to read your work) then you have to be willing to make the sacrifice.

It is much like being an actor or a singer. You cannot expect people to support you if they don’t know who you are. There are ugly and obese actors and singers and they have been wildly successful…Mick Jagger and Cass Elliott come to mind as well as Chris Farley and Vincent Schiavelli. These people made a commitment to their vocation and became successful in spite of everything. Writers are no different.

Hiding behind insecurity might have worked twenty or thirty years ago, but the market is too tight in our current society and the almighty dollar is worth too little to expect the consumer to spend it on someone they know nothing about.

I guess what I am trying to say is, don’t let what you see as your shortcomings get in the way of what could be great success. If you are shy, consider crafts as your vocation. If you are obese (and I know what I am talking about here) focus the attention on your good quality. Get yourself out there, but don’t let people focus on you, steer their attention to your book.

But whatever you do, don’t let anyone tell you that you can be successful as an author without selling your book. You shouldn’t be doing it alone, but you better be doing it or those authors who are selling their books will be far more successful than you.