When people visit my website (which is still down but my nephew is working on that) or go to lulu.com to look for my e-books they can see a preview or 'taster' to help them decide. These are extracts from the book itself, although sometimes slightly condensed. I figure that someone who has read through several pages is more likely to buy the book than someone who has just seen a brief synopsis and a review. The trick is to leave them wanting more, to finish on a cliff-hanger.
I managed to get some publicity from the local newspaper for my first book and although the results weren't overwhelming I expect to build on this with subsequent offerings.
I've also found it pays to have a few copies on CD for 'local sales' of an e-book with local interest. I've had neighbours stop me in the street since the newspaper story and ask "What was all that about then?"
So I tell them and they ask how they can get hold of the book. If I see the least bit of hesitation over the idea of a download I ask if they have a CD/DVD player on their computer - nearly everyone does now - and offer to 'drop a disc in for you later if you're really interested'. It's almost like handing over a physical book, they feel happier with something tangible in their mitt in return for a few pounds.
My motorcycle book is definitely going to have a 'CD option' as standard when the real publicity drive starts. Because, as the editor of a leading bike magazine pointed out to me, 'A lot of older bikers are pretty au fait with using computers, but they don't really trust the internet with their money. Whereas if you give them your snail mail address they'll be quite happy to chance a cheque or even cash in the post." It took me about ten seconds to realise a) they were describing me, and b) it makes sense.
Gyppo
