“DON’T PUT BABY IN A CORNER”

  

 

              How Publicity Can Improve Book Sales

 

 

Yes, I know the quote from Dirty Dancing actually is “Nobody puts Baby in a corner.” It is just one of the iconic phrases from that classic movie.

I was a huge fan of all things Patrick Swazey long before Dirty Dancing and Ghosts. The best-selling coming-of-age novel “The Outsiders” by author S. E Hinton hit my radar first.

 

A fascinating fact is that she started the novel at age 15 and completed it at age 16 when she was still in high school.

 

The teen years are tumultuous for most young adults, but can you imagine what might’ve happened if young Miss Hinton were shoved in a corner way in the back, unseen and unknown during that time?

 

Yes, the critics had a field day with reviews, but the joke was on them because her book went on to become a 33.70 million dollar grossing movie.   

As I said, nobody places baby in a corner, not when she has resources, skill, and ability. But isn’t neglecting publicity about who you are and your work doing the same thing?

 

            It isn’t always others who dim the glow of our light but we ourselves who choose to exist in the shadows. By doing so places us in the proverbial corner.

 

            Perhaps we want our light to shine bright but don’t know how to make that happen.

 

I’ve talked about this subject before, and it never gets old.

It’s been proven that more activity around book releases and press helps book sales.

 

            I love getting notifications about upcoming book releases from my favorite and new authors so do most readers.

 

            It’s vital to keep an open line of communication about your book activities, so readers feel as though they are part of the action.

 

            Many sites offer suggestions on making publicity work for you, but I chose one in particular today.

 

            According to https://www.ingramspark.com, they share 15 tips for book publicity. And once you understand how it relates to book sales, you are that much closer to reaching your goals.

 

            In this article, they mention understanding media pitches, standardly is simply an email or letter used to book for guest appearances on Podcasts or television shows.

 

            Also, they point out the importance of an author media relationship. If the media has nothing to talk about, then they become useless talking heads.

 

            They also mention how the significance of knowing the audience that you pitch your book to should be clearly defined.

 

            Another great opportunity is to offer book giveaways. Who doesn’t like free books?

 

            IngramSpark is like the guru of all things books since most publications are directly sourced through them to brick and mortar book stores. Millions of books are ordered by retail book shops like B & N and lesser-known entities each year.

 

            Also, if you’re unaware, IngramSpark offers self-publishing platforms, so not only do they warehouse and ship books, but now you can have it all in-house.  

 

            Next on the list is quality press releases. IngramSpark identifies it as the foundation of your promotional platform. They suggest you learn how the professionals do it and go from there.

 

            Personalization is a necessary tool for all traditionally or independently published authors, according to IngramSpark. Only the best-dressed cover letters to media outlets get noticed. It shows how well you’ve done your homework before approaching them.

 

            Creativity is also key. And shouldn’t be a stretch for most authors, as creativity already exists in your wheelhouse. If you want to get noticed, then standout from all the other competition.

 

            We all know that only those who don’t give up become winners, magnifying the importance of consistency, persistence, and patience.

 

            The road to success may often be paved with trials and tribulations, a slow process, but it doesn’t constitute failure unless you give up before reaching the end.  

 

            There are a few suggestions left, but you can check out IngramSpark's website and see the complete list there.

 

              I wanted to point out the ones at the top of the lists that I felt relevant to today's topic. Just in case we don’t have a hero like Johhny Castle to point out the fact, the corner is not where you belong.