An e-book can function not only as an alternative to traditional book publishing, but also as a knowledge-based marketing device to help promote you, your business or your organization. E-books are also a surging segment of the publishing industry, with e-books passing print books in net sales revenue for the first time in April 2011, according to CNN Money. If you're publishing an e-book, knowing the inside scoop on details such as pricing and bundling can help you successfully market and advertise your book to readers.
Instructions
1. Publish your e-book on several major online publishing platforms. As each platform is typically linked to a type of device, sales performances can vary widely among platforms. Publishing on only one platform may hide your e-book from readers on other platforms. Examples include Apple's iBooks, which works on iPads and iPhones; Amazon, which works with the Amazon Kindle; and Barnes and Noble, which has its own Nook e-book reader line.
2. Bundle your e-book with another service or product. For example, you could market your e-book as a free, value-added giveaway if a customer purchases a service or product from you. Alternatively, you can bundle it with other products or services as a way to increase its price while also raising its perceived value to the customer.
3. Sell it cheap, or even free, because "free can be a useful marketing tool," says e-book author Declan Conner. If you give your e-book away for free, a high level of "purchases" can send it to the top of the most-popular lists promoted by your publishing platform, further increasing your e-book's visibility.
4. Publish testimonials about your e-book from trusted authorities in your e-book's industry. This can increase the perceived value and authoritativeness of your e-book, especially if you're an unknown author or if you're trying to break into a crowded product space. For example, an e-book on raising chickens could benefit from the endorsement of other poultry book authors or industry experts, such as farmers.
5. Send out free samples of your e-book, such as a chapter or page excerpt. Distribute the samples to your company's mailing list, hand out printed excerpts at conventions or meetings, or send them out in a direct mail campaign. This can give readers a taste of what they'll find in your e-book, and show them you're selling a high-quality, valuable read.
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