     Dennis Collins | Monday, April 15, 2002 - 04:06 pm 
Using Amazon
Given the obstacles created by PA's no-return policy, many of us rely heavily on internet sales because we simply can't get our books onto store shelves. The giant among online dealers is, without question, Amazon.
Amazon generally (but not always) also provides a big enough discount to almost bring our prices in line.
But you still have to get noticed.
A couple of ways that I've used are "listmania," and reviewing other books. A degree of integrity is imperative when using these methods. If you fake it, you're going to get caught and jeopardize your credibility.
When you review a book, you're asked to identify yourself and I always add, "author of The Unreal McCoy". When people read the review, your identity will lead the reader back to your book. It's always best to stay within your genre, but it's wise to choose a book that generates some traffic. I try not to go too big because my review will have to compete with too many others for space. I recently brought up a title that boasts over a hundred reviews.
"Listmania" lists are simple to build and there's even an online tutorial. All you need are the ISBN numbers of the books you want to list (up to 25) and perhaps a little blurb about each. You're not really supposed to incorporate your own book in these lists but I didn't know that when I started putting them out there, so many of my lists include my own book. Personally, I don't know why you shouldn't include yourself. The object is to throw in a couple of respectable selling books so that your "list" pops up whenever somebody pulls up one of those titles.
It's all about getting your name out in front of the public.
Kevin Grover has made good use of Amazon, perhaps he'd like to add to this. |
| Jennifer Lynn | Monday, April 15, 2002 - 09:19 pm
When it comes to Amazon, I'm totally clueless. I do know that I will be directing most everyone I speak to in Canada to purchase my novel there, because I'm not only battling the pricing issue, but there is also the exchange rate to consider.
I suppose one needs to have their book actually OUT on Amazon before you can use the Listmania thing? Like I said...Amazon Virgin here...
Jenn |
| Nancy Marie | Tuesday, April 16, 2002 - 07:01 am
Speaking of Amazon, I was NUMBER 1 on the bestselling list for AmErica House, this morning. Too cool!
also, when compiling those list, I read someplace, don't remember where, but what I read said not to make all your lists on the pages for real popular bestsellers. The reason being that there are so many lists for those books, that yours might not show up.
So find some good mid-selling books and others of that type and put your lists there in addition to the best sellers. (Did that make sense?)
smiles and blessings, Kitty |
| Nancy Mehl | Tuesday, April 16, 2002 - 11:15 am
Also, we should remember that some books are crossovers. For example: Kitty's book can be "Inspirational" as well as "Suspense." Mine can be "Mystery," "Suspense," and "Inspriational."
As we make these lists, it would be helpful if everyone can list the genres they feel their book falls into.
Nancy |
| Jennifer Lynn | Tuesday, April 16, 2002 - 11:31 am
okay, now my head is spinning!! You can CHOOSE where you want to put these lists?
Jenn |
| Nancy Mehl | Friday, April 19, 2002 - 06:18 pm
Okay, did my first "List" on Amazon. It took me almost 2 hours!!!
I think I need to write down all the ISBN's first - and then build the lists. Did one for "Mysteries" - now on to "Inspirational."
(Hope this speeds up, some.! LOL!)
Nancy |
| laurelj | Friday, April 19, 2002 - 07:31 pm
Yeah Nancy. It's tedious work. I try to update mine each time I finish a book but always manage to mess something up to redo. What makes ME mad is after I have done all that work, a message will come up saying one of the ASIN's is not a valid number. 
LaurelJ |
| Nancy Mehl | Friday, April 19, 2002 - 09:27 pm
Oh, great. Haven't run into that problem yet.
I've noticed some authors that have many, many lists. Goodness, they must no do anything else!!! LOL!
Nancy |
