- Thread starter
- #21
BWFoster78
Myth Weaver
Phil,
I think this is good information. If we're going to market books, it helps to know how people go about making the decision to buy them.
This is one that never would have occurred to me. I pay absolutely no attention to the author other than, "Oh, I read something that I liked from that guy. Let me see what else he has."
I think this is the biggest one in that most people are more likely to buy a book that comes with a personal recommendation. The only thing we can do is write books good enough that people will recommend it!
So hard to figure out how to creatively promote...
Agreed. Hugely important and so, so difficult.
Yeah. Gotta get quality and quantity. Also tough, but worth focusing on.
Absolutely critical. The first few chapters of your book have to be perfect.
Agreed. The price I'm willing to pay is actually dropping. Used to, I wouldn't have blinked at paying $12.99 for Brent Weeks. Now that I've found so many indie authors that have good stuff available for so much less, I didn't buy his book. I'll wait until I can get it for $7.99. As for pricing my book, I'm probably going with $4.99.
I'll definitely take Devor's suggestion on that one.
Thanks!
Brian
I think this is good information. If we're going to market books, it helps to know how people go about making the decision to buy them.
a. being able to relate or connect with the author in some way
This is one that never would have occurred to me. I pay absolutely no attention to the author other than, "Oh, I read something that I liked from that guy. Let me see what else he has."
b. getting recommendations from people I trust (other authors, friends, forums, etc.)
I think this is the biggest one in that most people are more likely to buy a book that comes with a personal recommendation. The only thing we can do is write books good enough that people will recommend it!
c. creative ways of promotion
So hard to figure out how to creatively promote...
d. an awesome synopsis
Agreed. Hugely important and so, so difficult.
e. decent reviews (they don't have to all be 5 stars)
Yeah. Gotta get quality and quantity. Also tough, but worth focusing on.
f. engaging sample chapters (for Kindle)
Absolutely critical. The first few chapters of your book have to be perfect.
g. affordability (I'm probably not going to buy anything over 9.99 for Kindle unless it sounds really, really good)
Agreed. The price I'm willing to pay is actually dropping. Used to, I wouldn't have blinked at paying $12.99 for Brent Weeks. Now that I've found so many indie authors that have good stuff available for so much less, I didn't buy his book. I'll wait until I can get it for $7.99. As for pricing my book, I'm probably going with $4.99.
That said, posting a section in the Showcase couldn't hurt. I know people are weird about posting things they plan to publish there, but it would be a way to get feedback on the site. If you don't want to go that route, I think your initial idea would be fine. I'd be willing to go along with that. If you wanted more data down the line, you could always offer up additional scenes if you wanted.
I'll definitely take Devor's suggestion on that one.
Thanks!
Brian