5 Ways to Sell More Books This Holiday Season

If you write fiction, children's books, or the sort of nonfiction titles that people might give as gifts, December is prime selling season.

It's not too late to give your books a holiday sales push. Here are five ideas:

 1. Send an email to your opt-in mailing list pointing out that your book makes a great last-minute gift for . . . (describe the kind of person who would enjoy your book).

2. Ask your friends and family to recommend your book as a gift item to others or buy your book to give to others.

3. Promote the book on your social networks, but be cautious about annoying your followers with too much promotion. It's best if you can encourage people to share the message with others. For example:  "Know anyone who needs a gift for a preschooler? My book  . . . is fun and educational . . ."

4. If you deliver your books or ebooks directly to customers, consider a holiday promotion of some kind, such a holiday discount or buy one and get one free (or half price) for a friend. If you're selling through Amazon, you could offer special bonuses with the book, if people email their Amazon receipt number to you.

5. If you have a Kindle book, remind people that they can give Kindle ebooks as gifts – just click the yellow "Give as a Gift" button on the right side of any Kindle book page on Amazon.

There you have it – five ways to boost your book sales this holiday season. If your book doesn't lend itself to gift giving, consider planning a promotional push for mid-January.

Comments

[Judith Briles]

I agree with number four. Give discounts and people will surely buy it. Even if it is the season of giving and it comes once a year, people will still find ways to save money on gifts so discounts will definitely win them.

[Yves Johnson]

Thanks for the great tips.

[David Knight]

Thank you for the helpful info/ guidance! Peace. Dave, AscensionForYou

[Dana Lynn Smith]

David and Yves, I'm glad you found these ideas helpful, and I wish you much success with your holiday book sales!

[Emilienne Yimga]

Dana great article! a must read for writers who want to promote their books this holiday season.