Why I think getting a print book published helps make money online

[Rachel Goodchild]

I know that the focus for IMers is the Ebook. And it’s understandable. However I want to tell you about the leverage you can achieve with a print book, that then gives you future leverage for ebooks.

I wrote a book called Eighty Eight Dates which came out in February. Now it was with Penguin, so that did help, but besides two interviews that the publicist hooked up, I did the rest of the leg work- not because they weren’t doing their job but because I wanted to sell my own ideas and my book.

So the first thing I did was write a big list of potentially related topics I could guest blog on for high traffic sites, offer free (or paid) to magazines, and tv shows.

I even listened to talk back radio for a few weeks- everytime there was something on dating I’d be calling, and there would be an impromptu interview. I did the same with any news items- I'd write up a response and add my own views or ring the editor and offer a follow up article.

I managed to get some TV. When I first asked one morning show they said no. So I came back the next day with a choice of three other ideas – one of which they accepted. I jumped at the chance – working around their schedule, and it was all on

Half an hour after that, I got a call asking me to do a regular spot on the show. It might be only five minutes but that, with the other things have not only raised the profile of my book- it’s helped create “expert” status that will help with future projects.

While we know that e books are great in terms of money generation, a print book can lay foundations you can capitalize on in all other future endeavors.

Hope that helps.

(Oh another tip. Once you’ve had press in one area, the best thing is to use that to sell to the next. It’s a multilayered approach. I’m in NZ and it’s a small country. In the US and UK, focus on small regional stations first how are often desperate for content and work your way up. )

[tomcam]

Great post, and congrats on the Penguin deal. If it's the same as the US Penguin, they're one of my favorite publishing houses. Books are usually not a great way to make money directly, but they're awesome publicity generators when used the way you describe. Good work, Rachel.

[Michael Silvester]

Rachel, You Are Awesome!

[Rachel Goodchild]

Originally Posted by steadfast

A print book normally target local or limited places. However, an e-book can be sold to whole over the world.

what a limiting belief.
My bits on tv and radio are streamed aorund the world- I have people who think I'm an expert now all over the world.
I also have links to the book all over the internet on high PR sites- all because of an ebook.
Yes an ebook can be sold everywhere. But a print book can get you the kudos to sell an ebook better.
That's all I'm saying....

[Rachel Goodchild]

Originally Posted by Michael Silvester

Rachel, You Are Awesome!

oh shucks
making me blush.... :P

[Michael Silvester]

Originally Posted by Rachel Goodchild

oh shucks
making me blush.... :P

Hahaa...I really do think that you have done
exceptionally well for yourself creating all
that publicity.

I am actually in the process of writing my
first printed book that will be used for the
same purpose

Keep up the great work little miss Agony Advisor

Take Care,

Michael Silvester

[Rachel Goodchild]

Originally Posted by Michael Silvester

Hahaa...I really do think that you have done
exceptionally well for yourself creating all
that publicity.

I am actually in the process of writing my
first printed book that will be used for the
same purpose

Keep up the great work little miss Agony Advisor

Take Care,

Michael Silvester

It's been a huge time investment however. You have to commit and keep focussed and spend alot of time chasing leads. It's long time benefits for short time pain.

[Matt.Lake]

Print books tend to offer more credibility too. It's not often that you see someone get in the media because they are the author of an ebook. It does happen - i've seen it. It's just that if you have your own print book, then you are *obviously* more knowledgable than somone with a lousy ebook. Right? I think that's how most people see it.

[Rachel Goodchild]

Absolutely Matt. And it's about the fact people still like seeing something tangible on screen.

[drmani]

With a print book 'just around the corner' (NOT by Penguin, though )
I found this post FASCINATING and inspiring, thanks Rachel.

All success
Dr.Mani

[Rachel Goodchild]

Let me know if I cna help with any idea generation on getting press around it Dr Mani- tihnking of offering that as a service here in nz- as suthors struggle to get press.

Originally Posted by drmani

With a print book 'just around the corner' (NOT by Penguin, though )
I found this post FASCINATING and inspiring, thanks Rachel.

All success
Dr.Mani

[Jillian Slack]

Congrats with the traditional publishing deal and all of the buzz it's creating for you, Rachel!

In the "old days" (not too long ago), a book deal with a traditional publisher was the goal.

These days, a lot of folks are successfully using the book to build their credibility as an expert in their field, and the book is fueling other aspects of their businesses.

Dan Kennedy and many others swear by using the traditional book as a glorified business card. Sell some, of course. But give it to as many people as possible. Sign them and get them out there.

But make sure you have plenty of spots in the book to refer your readers to your web site. That's a biggie with Kennedy.

Even with ebooks, special reports, audio, and video out there making us money, there is NOTHING like holding your own book in your hands.

Great post!

Jill

[julesbrad]

This is a real interesting post for me cos I am just in the process of releasing an eBook I have been working on for a while but what I have also done is visit CreateSpace.com (which is a business owned by Amazon) where you upload your ebook and it is turned into a printed book which :-
1. is given it's own ISBN number
2. listed on Amazon in books category

Following on from your post, even though it is not published by a respected publishing house like Penguin, I suppose you could still use the fact that people can get hold of a hard copy of your book to your advantage.
Using the ISBN number, people can order the book from pretty much any book shop

Thanks for the post which has given me some ideas....

[Alexa Smith]

Originally Posted by julesbrad

Using the ISBN number, people can order the book from pretty much any book shop

Errrr ... shall we say "from pretty much any book shop that gets deliveries from a wholesaler who carries that publisher's stock"?

In the case of Penguin, that would indeed be "pretty much any book shop". I'd need an awful lot of convincing about that in the case of CreateSpace!

No "negative connotation" intended at all, here - and well done and good luck and good wishes with your e-book, of course. It's just that the theory that any book shop in the world will order for a customer an individual copy of something from any publisher in the world is exactly that - a theory.

[Rachel Goodchild]

I think the issue here is it's very good to invest some money in providing printed review copies to magazines, and to others. And make sure they have a press release and related images to use.
Be prepared to giveaway alot of your book as well

I agree with Alexa- unless there is a need, a bookstore is unlikely to order one or two.
One good way of getting around this is ot get say 1-200 printed and ask if bookstores will have them sale or return- and drive people to those stores (looking at local level here)

It's hard even for penguin books to get into stores at the moment- I pushed it, alongside penguin. so a self published book will be even more difficult.

you have to change your mind set from an ebook one. free and giveaways are good.

I also had a book launch- and gave away free goodiy bags- with an order form in them

Originally Posted by julesbrad

This is a real interesting post for me cos I am just in the process of releasing an eBook I have been working on for a while but what I have also done is visit CreateSpace.com (which is a business owned by Amazon) where you upload your ebook and it is turned into a printed book which :-
1. is given it's own ISBN number
2. listed on Amazon in books category

Following on from your post, even though it is not published by a respected publishing house like Penguin, I suppose you could still use the fact that people can get hold of a hard copy of your book to your advantage.
Using the ISBN number, people can order the book from pretty much any book shop

Thanks for the post which has given me some ideas....

[Rachel Goodchild]

Even with penguin...
when my book came out there was a great deal of interest and no books in stores yet.
to get a bookstore to order it in for a specific order was like pulling teeth- though of course it's great customer service.
The book is NOT ot sell millions in the book store. It's the long term plan.
As Michael refered to up there...I'm now in a new thing doing good advice dispensing on TV3 here. It's a great spot, room to grow and a new niche.
I think the key is to use what is there to it's fullest capacity.
always

Originally Posted by alexa_s

No "negative connotation" intended at all, here - and well done and good luck and good wishes with your e-book, of course. It's just that the theory that any book shop in the world will order for a customer an individual copy of something from any publisher in the world is exactly that - a theory.

[julesbrad]

Maybe I got a little carried away there Alexa lol

but what I meant was that if you do follow the excellent example of Rachel for gaining publicity with a hard copy book, if you can get your book details publicised while you are doing your PR bit, it should make it sound better if you have a hard copy book which people can get hold of - even if it is a case of searching the ISBN number on Amazon

[ExRat]

Hi Goodo,

I agree with Michael - you are awesome. And you're the only TV star I know. Who'd have thought it back in the day when you lived in a corrugated hut and wrestled sheep for a living like most other kiwi ladies. Oops - is that bad for your PR?

You said -

I have people who think I'm an expert now all over the world

...but you meant to say -

'There are people all over the world who are now aware that I am an expert.'

[Rachel Goodchild]

Thanks babe xx
I know- but I was planning this while living in my corrogated hut.

that raises another good point. where you live DOES make a differenc.e I have a crew wanting to take me around australia which is huge- but feeding my three kids is coming forst- however it's a far bigger market.

again, invest as much as you can in what you believe in.

always

Originally Posted by ExRat

Hi Goodo,

I agree with Michael - you are awesome. And you're the only TV star I know. Who'd have thought it back in the day when you lived in a corrugated hut and wrestled sheep for a living like most other kiwi ladies. Oops - is that bad for your PR?

You said -

...but you meant to say -

'There are people all over the world who are now aware that I am an expert.'

[Rachel Goodchild]

oh...and note: you do NOT need ot be a good typist to be a writer :P
thank god my normal work is spell checked!