One of the most important tools you will need as a self published author is your own official website. Creating your very own official website gives an online address where you and information on your book can be found.
Creating your own website is very simple. You will want to create your own website before you even complete writing your book. By having your own website created, you can let the world know that your book is on it’s way.
The first thing you will need to do is go to GoDaddy.com I recommend Godaddy because they are the easiest place on the web to purchase domain names. GoDaddy is also the cheapest place to purchase domain names. GoDaddy has a domain search tool on their front page so you can search for your domain name. Don’t worry, you don’ t even have to register an account with them to use their domain search tool.
The next thing you will need to do is to verify that your domain name is available. It’s always wise to you use your real name for your website. I would recommend staying away from using the name of your book as your website, unless you only plan on writing one book. Once you verify “your name.com” is available you will need to add your domain name to the shopping cart and purchase your domain name.
Domain names are very cheap, costing you no more than $9.95 a year. GoDaddy has tons of offers regularly so yow will most likely get your domain name much cheaper if you take advantage of one of their current promotions.
You will now need to set up a hosting account. Once again, I suggest using GoDaddy due to the fact of how simple it is to setup your website. You can use their Website Tonight service for an easy setup in just a few hours. You can use their Website Tonight service for as low as 4.99 a month and have five web pages setup immediately.
Once that’s done, you’re ready to have “Yourname.com” up and running.
Tags: Self Publishing, website
So you’re attending your first book festival and you’re ready to sell your self published books. There are a few things you need to know to make sure you get the most out of attending that literary festival.
Get there early. Try getting to the book festival you’re attending early so you can set up and walk around. Take a look at what others are doing, because you may get a good idea to use at your table.
Make sure you look as professional as possible. If the literary festival is in your home town, buy some new clothes that no one has ever seen you wear. The only true way to dress to impress is to dress in something no one has ever seen you attempt to impress anyone in. Also this is your business. You can write off those new duds.
Take someone with you to be at your table so you can mingle. Let’s face it, you’re not going to become a millionaire selling your books at a book festival. You’d be lucky to become a hundredaire. (I know that’s not a word but it should be!)
Your real reason to attend a book festival should be for the exposure and networking. Get out of that chair and meet other authors. The information they can provide you will be tremendous.
Get your snapshot on! Most literary festivals have popular authors as guest speakers. Get out and meet them and don’t forget to take your camera. Ask if they would be so kind as to take a picture with you and let them know you intend on placing it on your website if it’s okay.
Most of the popular authors started right where you are currently, and most of them will do all they can to help you.
Bring snacks and candy. Bring a bowl of candy and snacks and place it in the center of the table. If the cover of your book don’t bring in the customers, the snacks will. Most people aren’t just going to take a piece of candy and leave (some will). When you see that hand dipping into your candy bowl, that’s your chance. Tell them about your book and how great it is.
Don’t just sit there. I’ve gone to so many festivals and witness fellow authors just sit there and smile. Smiling for hours as potential customers walk by for hours. Get up out of that chair and bring those people in. Your book is a representation of you. If they like you they will like your book and buy it.
Tags: Book Festivals, marketing, Self Publishing
