Alan M. Clark Cover Art
This morning I was brainstorming with some folks on Twitter. The question – initially – was if I was to offer copies of my new book, coming out in December, for 20 percent off the retail price to those who bought it on Twitter, or because of hearing about it on Twitter, would people be interested.
The response was interesting. Some said if it was signed, they’d be happy to pay full price to support the author. Some said it would be cool to create some interaction, like naming a character in the next book of the series after the winner. I tossed in some of my favorite ideas – I create a hand-bound copy of the book someone can win, and it escalated.
Here’s what I see happening. The publisher I’m working with is focused on the library market. They have a very set marketing plan, and it doesn’t allow them to do good marketing to retail resellers. The discount they offer me, however, is good enough that – with a good plan – I can remove the store from the equation. I will offer the book for a 20 percent discount. I will give an additional dollar from every sale generated to the Charity Water fund. I will create several contest prizes only available to those ordering through me, and because of Twitter, and I’m not going to be picky about that. If someone’s mother is on Twitter and tells her friend because her friend’s son like supernatural mysteries, and they tell me that – they get the discount.
I’m not quite ready to launch this – the book isn’t due until December, but I AM open to thoughts, additional ideas, etc. on how to make this a success. I believe that the power of Twitter could generate an incredible sell-through, and everyone wins.
I’m interested in your thoughts and additional ideas. Please leave them in comments…
For information on the novel itself, a glimpse at the Alan M. Clark cover art, and and excerpt (the first chapter) Follow THIS LINK.
Written by David Wilson - Visit WebsiteFollow me on Twitter
I think its great to watch you interact with your network in this way and to be guided by the feedback you find. I think you are spot on with this approach and encourage you to weave some tweet up or blog world type encounters into this as well, as a book tour need not fit into "the quaint book shop on the green" model anymore. I'll be watching and learning.
One Idea I might put forth David, in addition to what you have going here, is perhaps an associate program with other bloggers. This could help replace the lose of the retail stores.
I like the Twitter discount idea, a signed book is always good and the loose qualification thoughts are cool.
An extension of this idea is an ALLIANCE of sorts. This is something that you could use to bring other writers into to expand the flow.
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Oh absolutely…events are cool. And if there is a way I can help others in the process, I'm all for that as well. This can't work without community…
Well, the only problem is that I only get so much discount. What I COULD do is to link to blogs that will help me promote it and give the owners of the blog a complimentary copy – or do something else for them, guest blogs, reviews, etc. It's all about working TOGETHER – and you are brilliant.