Selling books and products in bulk- to non traditional retailers

Brian Judd is an author, book-marketing expert,  TV host, and, President of Premium Book Company that sells books to non-bookstore buyers on a non-returnable commission only basis.  Brian is also the Executive Director of SPAN, which is the Successful Publishers Association of North America. 

His book How to Make Real Money Selling Books (without worrying about returns) is an ultimate do it yourself guide to selling books to non-bookstore buyers and selling in bulk with no returns. 

I interviewed Brian on my radio show Your Book as a Business, and he provided some great tips for book sales for authors. Brian talked about a few of the many ways that corporations buy author’s books in bulk. One such way is for employee recognition or to go with awards, to give to their members or staff, as a customer recognition or sign up bonus, or to compliment employee training and development.  There are many other organizations that also buy books in bulk, such as homeschooling associations, Military, schools associated with the Military, government, book clubs and professional associations.

Many authors think the wider and bigger the market for their book the better, however, Brian urges authors to consider that the tighter and smaller the market, the better.  It is easier to build relationships, zero in on a marketing strategy and find the niche when your market is smaller. Think about yourself and your book as a problem solver. When you can determine what problem you solve, it is easier to market and generate multiple book sales. 

Brian gave examples of dog food companies who gave authors books away (after purchasing in bulk) as a coupon or with a bag of dog food.  The formula to remember is:

AIDA

Attention, Interest, Desire then Action;

What corporations, associations or groups might have an interest in your book (or their clients or staff may have interest because you solve their problem)?  How can you attract their attention?How can you apply this approach to your business?

You can listen to Brian Judd’s interview with me here:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/your-book-as-a-business/2013/05/15/guest-brian-jud

To read more tips for authors, visit www.HowToSellAndMarketYourBook.com
 

To buy Brian's book, visit:

 

Serve Your Audience...it brings lasting results!

Well, I know firsthand that the work really begins after the book is written.... the day you open your boxes of books, hold them in your hand and say “now what?” I had the pleasure of interviewing Wendy Lipton-Dibner on my Your Book As a Business Radio Show and she shared a wealth of information to help authors, and aspiring authors. These tips will also benefit entrepreneurs and businesses who are selling products and services.

One way that authors can sell more books is to be speaking about their book and the concepts they have written about. This can include speaking in front of audiences at conventions, workplace events, and tradeshows, or, it can be through a video series. And remember, videos don’t have to be 90 minutes, they can be 90 seconds!

Wendy also stressed the importance of media, and how media can help you bring your message in front of your audience, and those who need to know you but don’t .... yet! Wendy recommended the services of RTIR with Bill and Steve Harrison.

Authors, here is a new way to think about selling your book. A few books sold to the right few people could result in thousands of sales down the road. So it is imperative that you write with the reader in mind, using their language, solving their problem, or sharing stories that they deeply connect with. One strategy is to lower your speaking fees if the client buys books for everyone. Think about who would benefit by being in front of your readers. For example, with my book On Toby’s Terms, and Toby The Pet Therapy Dog & His Hospital Friends- they are both about our dog Toby. So, this could include pet stores, vets, trainers, dog day cares, pet food manufacturers. Wendy encourages us to think realllllllly big. Manufacturers vs individual stores. This creates more extensive speaking opportunities for you as an author and speaker. They could offer book as people become new clients or through their individual stores. Or, watch the big companies to see what is going on in their world, their news. Use their issue or information in a tagline to promote to them.

Building relationships and serving your readers builds long lasting support, interest and sales for your book. And most importantly, stepping into action is what creates results! Time to buy a great pair of running shoes!

You can listen to Wendy share these tips at: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/your-book-as-a-business/2012/06/30/guest-wendy-lipton-dibner