Need help to sell my book. (Full Version)

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modu -> Need help to sell my book. (6/29/2008 1:56:45 PM)

I need any help or suggestions to sell my book titled; Who is a Christian? The work is for everyone and not to Christians alone. I need help and when I say help, I am very desperate without giving details, but hope the Lord would put the understanding into the heart of somebody out there. I will keep trying for the openings to get this work into the hands of millions of people.
www.vmodu.com



Locke -> RE: Need help to sell my book. (6/30/2008 12:22:52 AM)

Being a graphic designer by trade, my first instinct was to check on your book cover. True to expectation, it was lacking. I assume that you already know this, but let me remind you in response to your request for input, that people DO judge a book by it's cover, and yours doesn't tell a reader that you take your writing seriously.

Do you have a budget to work with on this? I have connections for both paid and pro bono work, but paid work always sells better - you get what you pay for, as they say.

Anyway, I hope not to discourage you in your venture, as an emerging writer myself, but it's important that you get honest feedback in the early stages where it doesn't cost you so much.



modu -> RE: Need help to sell my book. (7/1/2008 12:55:48 AM)

Locke,

First, I must thank you for your sincere comments. To a large extent, your views may be right.
But, in my perspective, I am more of somebody that builds from the inside to the outside. I know flashy or very descriptive outlook sells, but I more of that kind that looks at the message first and I believe there are lots people like that too.
I deliberately choose that format (cover), because I really want it traditional with its dynamic reflection coming from the message and revealing the true cover outside. That is, I want the content to display the true cover for the book.
Thanks again



Locke -> RE: Need help to sell my book. (7/2/2008 11:46:31 PM)

modu, never mistake amateur for traditional. I mean this with the greatest of respect - you are a writer, not a designer. As a designer, let me assure you that a book cover can be both traditional and eye-catching, both professional and subdued. That's why they pay us... because not just anybody can do it. Sure, I could build my own house, but it would fall apart in a matter of weeks. I'd better hire a tradesman...

I would add that it's the difference between being taken seriously and not being taken seriously. Readers want to know that you care enough about your work, or that your work is at a high enough caliber that it is worth reading. A Microsoft Word cover tells readers that you're not ready for a reader-base. I'm an author myself, and I know what books my friends are reading. They care much more about content like yourself - but the bland-covered books don't get picked up, let alone read through to the real content.



Dancre -> RE: Need help to sell my book. (7/3/2008 10:58:45 PM)

have you thought of taking the e-book to your church? I'm not for sure on how to sell e-books. you might want to google selling e-books to find some ideas. God's blessings.

kim



modu -> RE: Need help to sell my book. (7/4/2008 11:46:22 PM)

Locke,

I understand your good intentions and quite appreciate the fact that success would always define the play ground, but again success is never locked into one format. Human experiences are in different colors.
Thanks again and I may agree with you that I am learning!



Locke -> RE: Need help to sell my book. (7/4/2008 11:48:35 PM)

As you wish, modu.

I'll close with the point that reaching the most people gives you the greatest opportunity for success by any measure.

God bless!



revbill -> RE: Need help to sell my book. (7/5/2008 10:46:51 AM)

There is an organization called American Christian Press in TN at ACWriters@aol.com who might be able to help. They also do conferences around the country. Hope this helps.



modu -> RE: Need help to sell my book. (7/5/2008 6:13:04 PM)

Thanks revbill,

I will write them with hope for the best.
vmodu.com



Dancre -> RE: Need help to sell my book. (7/6/2008 2:33:25 PM)

Hey Modu, I went through your website and I'm seeing some stuff that will prevent you from selling this book. First of all, who the heck are you?? What are your credentials for writing this book? Are you a pastor, theologian? How old are you? Have you sold other books? How long have you been writing? No offense, but your website seems more like a hand reaching into my wallet than someone telling me about Jesus. It's just, well, cheesy. There's no info on you, where you live, who you are, how long you have been doing writing, heck, why are you writing the ebook? People WILL question these things and WILL pass you over no matter how good your book is. So I suggest you start with a bio page on the website that has all info on you, even a picture of you. Let the reader at least get to know you and realize you ARE safe. Are you a pastor? do you have a degree in theology? Why are you doing this? Are you male, female? which? The lack of bio info raises red flags and those red flags mean, Amature, scammer and someone who has no clue what he's talking about.

And you might also want to think about the price of the book. You want me to pay almost $13 for an ebook by someone who won't even tell me his name or give his credentials. Sorry, but I'm backing away slowly and so will others. you might want to reduce to price to maybe $7.00 and at least give your full name.

Also, if you write to American christian press and they see this website and lack of info, they may just send you a happy little, no thanks letter. If you want to be a writer, then start acting like one. Give all the bio, why you're doing this, credentials if any, past awards, books, degrees if any, job occupation, etc, and be as upfront as you can on your website and with them. Give the reader and ACP a reason to read your book. ACP is just like a publisher, they don't play games and neither do readers. Why do you think writers put a picture of themselves on the back of books and a short bio? B/c it means you're serious and you're a living being.

Also pray. Pray about what God wants you to do. He'll give you wisdom, but you'll have listen to others first.

And I do agree with Locke about the cover. Folks DO reach for books based on covers. Why do you think publishers spend so much money on them? I haven't been able to find the book on ebay or amazon.com so I can't comment on it. But if a prof graphic designer is telling you you got troubles, it's wise to at least listen. Just some suggestions.

kim



modu -> RE: Need help to sell my book. (7/6/2008 9:05:09 PM)

Thanks Dancre,

The price for the hard cover is $9.99 and the shipping is $3.75
The copy on ebook (digital format) is $5.00, not 13
We all have our different styles and I quite agree with your suggestions, but my mission is to spread the message of Christ Jesus and not myself. I am just His vessel and not a cheat. My history or story is that of Christ Jesus. I agree, I could be learning, but sure would learn better from the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Thanks again.



OLEEguacamole -> RE: Need help to sell my book. (7/6/2008 9:14:51 PM)

what will christians gain from this book?



Dancre -> RE: Need help to sell my book. (7/6/2008 10:37:46 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: modu

Thanks Dancre,

The price for the hard cover is $9.99 and the shipping is $3.75
The copy on ebook (digital format) is $5.00, not 13
We all have our different styles and I quite agree with your suggestions, but my mission is to spread the message of Christ Jesus and not myself. I am just His vessel and not a cheat. My history or story is that of Christ Jesus. I agree, I could be learning, but sure would learn better from the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Thanks again.


I'm not understanding your intentions. You said you wanted help, yet instead of taking it, you claim it's a 'difference in style'. God's Spirit is trying to teach you stuff, by sending Locke, me and others to help you, but you want to do it your way, so go at. Why are you here, if you don't want to listen and learn to do it the right way? I understand that you want to put Jesus first, that's good. But Wisdom says to be upfront with others, let them know you do know what you are talking about. (Even Paul gave his credentials in each of his letters.) But it's your decision. Good luck.

But I will give you a warning. This wanting to put Jesus first and I'm just a vessel stuff, so I don't need to give my name, bio, etc won't fly with any organization. They WILL send you a happy little no thanks letter. They won't play that Game. and it's not a difference in style, it's called using wisdom. Since you seem to be handling this quite well, I'll leave you to it.

kim



Kathrynpagecamp -> RE: Need help to sell my book. (7/7/2008 10:35:31 PM)

I agree with Dancre. Since you aren't open to suggestions, your post is nothing more than an advertisement for your book, and this is not the forum for that. Actually, your responses and your website could be more appropriately labeled as anti-advertisements (if that's a word). They have convinced me that I don't want to buy your book or even read it for free.

I wonder if the Holy Spirit is sending some suggestions your way through the responses to this post but you aren't listening?



modu -> RE: Need help to sell my book. (7/8/2008 2:44:52 PM)

Please, do not get me wrong. I very much appreciate the suggestions of everyone and somehow I use them. Nevertheless, I do not know if anyone has experienced that situation where you feel and know inside of you what you want, even when you are in great need of help. It is not ego or trying to be impregnable, but searching for that touch that would knot it together.
I love your good impressions and from my heart, I sincerely appreciate them. Even, when people read the book as some have, I know there would be issues they might disagree with. Agree or not, my purpose is to stir the word of God back to every facets of human endeavor.



IonMoon -> RE: Need help to sell my book. (7/8/2008 4:38:02 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: modu
Please, do not get me wrong. I very much appreciate the suggestions of everyone and somehow I use them. Nevertheless, I do not know if anyone has experienced that situation where you feel and know inside of you what you want, even when you are in great need of help. It is not ego or trying to be impregnable, but searching for that touch that would knot it together.
I love your good impressions and from my heart, I sincerely appreciate them. Even, when people read the book as some have, I know there would be issues they might disagree with. Agree or not, my purpose is to stir the word of God back to every facets of human endeavor.


That is all well and good, but you will get nowhere if no one actually reads the book...

You are not, really, just impressing the word of God on people... Or you could just pass out Bibles.

What you are doing is trying to convince us to buy a book with YOUR angle. In order for someone to want to read your interpretation and your words... you have to convince them that you are credible and that you have something to say that they 1) haven't heard before and 2) NEED to hear.

Telling the people who visit your website is not immodest. Creating a cover that catches people's eye is not putting form above content.

You could have the most earth shaking book on earth... but if no one reads it, no one will benefit from it.

Tara P



Dancre -> RE: Need help to sell my book. (7/8/2008 6:51:27 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: modu

Please, do not get me wrong. I very much appreciate the suggestions of everyone and somehow I use them. Nevertheless, I do not know if anyone has experienced that situation where you feel and know inside of you what you want, even when you are in great need of help. It is not ego or trying to be impregnable, but searching for that touch that would knot it together.
I love your good impressions and from my heart, I sincerely appreciate them. Even, when people read the book as some have, I know there would be issues they might disagree with. Agree or not, my purpose is to stir the word of God back to every facets of human endeavor.


Hi Modu,

Welcome to the world of writing. I totally get where you're at, the longing to get yourstuff out there, knowing you have something great, yet not knowing where to go next. EVERY writer goes through this (All of us here understand it.) and no one but writers get it. It eats into your very soul and consumes you. Been there, done that. It's like being pregnant and not knowing when the little bugger is going to pop out. You can push all you want, but he ain't a coming till he's aready. Selling Self-published books are harder to sell than the published ones, b/c you're the publisher, seller, marketeer, ect. You needs lots and lots of marketing savey as well as lots and lots of money and great connections. You also need to know how the book trade works. Readers are a fickle bunch. They say they want one thing, yet detour to another. Publishers say, give me this, when they want that. It's very confusing, that's why you need all the help you can get when you self-publish.

You remind me of a producer of say, wickets, who takes his product to an advertising firm. The firm gives the manufacturer a marketing plan that includes the target market, venues, ect and the manufacturer throws up his hands and says, "this isn't my style." The firm would look at that guy like he was crazy, and escort him to the door, saying, call us if you need us.

No, I haven't ever sold a POD book, but I do know what makes a person pick up a book and I do know people. The knot you are looking for is called marketing, plain and simple. You MUST know how to get the books into readers hands, or they will never read it. But again, it's your choice. Good luck.

kim



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