Teachers. You gotta love them. 🙂
Want to know an easy way to sell more books? Ahh, the question every author wants the answer to.
I happened to be over on Goodreads, and reading their latest reader survey when I read the answer. I was shocked. My first thought was, of course. Now, why didn’t I think of that?
So, here’s the answer, and I’m going to give it to you by asking you a question, one the Goodreads’ team posed to their readers.
What do you want to do when you get to the end of a book?
Well, this question was put to 15 million readers. A phenomenal number for sure, and the results, simply amazing. 83% wanted to see what else the author had written.
Now, at the end of a book, I usually feel all happy and content, and that’s the moment I want to know what else the author has written. I’m definitely one of those in the 83 percent.
So, how do we as authors make this happen? How do we easily get this information of “what else we’ve written” into the reader’s hands? The answer is, right after your reader has turned that final page, make sure the very next one is a page which includes a list of your other books. In the case of ebooks, you could even include a link.
At times, I’ve seen this done, but until it’s pointed out, the obvious can become forgotten. So, let’s make sure as authors, that information is now viewable at the end of our books, in exactly the place it’s needed. Thank you Goodreads, for some wonderful information.
Although, I decided to take this question one step further . What else could likewise aid an author in selling more books?
What else do you want to do when you get to the end of a book?
For me, I want to read something about the author, and I don’t quite mean their bio which I usually see. Those I find interesting, but if it’s the standard blurb, I don’t feel the connection. No, what I want, is for the author to share specific information about the book I’ve just read, and their next project. I want to be informed, entertained and to connect with the author on a more personal level. I want to remember their name, so it’s in the forefront of my mind for when I go to buy my next book. I’m not asking to be swamped with information, but simply to have a short page which gives me a taste or a teaser for more.
Are you like this? Do you want to get the warm fuzzies and connect with the author after investing hours in reading their book? Do you think having a page where readers can find an author’s work is a good idea? Do you like the idea of having an informative “About the Author” page over reading the usual author bio?
Drop me a comment and let me know. And to end this post in an interesting way, I found this fabulous reading test. See if you become enlightened after reading this. And if you totally got every word, shout it out.
Have an absolutely amazing week. Catch ya later.
PROTECTOR > BUY THE BOOK: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Lyrical Press / iTunes / Kobo
Wow, is it scary, strange or just the Author in me that I understood every word of that study up there? Probably scary huh…*sighs* I knew it, I’m crazy…Oh, wait, that’s right, I’m an Author…I’m not crazy, I’m batshit insane! But, who wouldn’t be with all the voices in our heads…:D
Hi Margaret. You’re not insane. I got every word, too. LOL.
My top tip of the moment: If you want to sell more books, write more books! May sound trite, but many readers (me included) who enjoy a book by an author will go on to buy/read the rest of their work. People get addicted to series and will even pre-order while the next one is still being written! It worked for Agatha Christie, Alexander McCall Smith, M C Beaton, etc. Currently working my way through Alexander McCall Smith.
Lots more ideas for selling more books in my Off The Shelf Book Promotions blog and in my book, “Sell Your Books!”, Joanne 😉 If you’d ever like to be a a guest post on my blog, you’d be very welcome – just contact me via the website to flag up your interest and I’ll send you a questionnaire. (I usually do them interview style, which goes down very well.)
Debbie, you are so right. Authors definitely need to write more books. It’s all about having a good back-list. Thank you for the lovely invite to guest post on your blog. I’ll get in touch with you after I’ve finished my current round of edits. 🙂
Less generic bio, backlist and write more books. Got it. Thank you.
Excellent! I need to write more though. Drat. I’m still behind on reviews (like yours.. oops).
That’s okay. I know how busy you are. You better get there though, before book 2 comes. LOL.
I am filled with shame. Really. I read the first 1/3 then got the flu, sitter quit, blah blah. That old chestnut. 🙂
I’m definitely one of those readers who want to check out what else an author has written after finishing a book I love. Which meshes with my philosophy as a writer, that it’s necessary to write more books for the reader! 🙂 And yes, I got every word, speed reading through it. Crazy but so intriguing!
It’s crazy how we can read every word. Thanks for dropping by, Mae.
Reblogged this on Kristin King Author and commented:
She caught me with the great cartoon, then the title “Want to Know an Easy Way to Sell More Books?” Thanks to JOANNE WADSWORTH * ROMANCE AUTHOR for this reblog.
Thanks for the reblog, Kristin. 🙂
Ceara said, “That’s not in English!” I turned my laptop around and read it to her word for word, without pause. She almost fell off the bed. I flipped the laptop back around and showed her again. She’s not a very avid reader. I am. That matters too, I suppose. Just a quick little bit of praise for Protector. AMAZING NOVEL! HOLDING MY BREATHE FOR THE NEXT ONE. PLEASE HURRY. LUNGS BURNING. 🙂
Ceara’s cute. Say hi to her for me. Thanks for the lovely comment about Protector. I’m so glad you enjoyed the read. Book 2 in my YA series, titled Warrior, will be here November 4th. I can’t wait. I should have the cover in early June. catch ya later, Odessa.
Hi Joanne,
Just to let you know I’ve included your blog in my selections for the Versatile Blogger Award. It’s just a way for bloggers to support each other, as far as I can see, but your blog really inspires me, so I wanted to publically acknowledge you!
Just click on my website, where you will see your nomination, and the rules, should you decide to play the game! http://youaresunshine.wordpress.com/2013/04/24/winning-the-versatile-blogger-award
Jules
Thank you for the nomination, Julie. 🙂 So cool.
You’re welcome Joanne. It’s a pleasure to read your blog – you’re doing what I’m aspiring to do, and it’s very encouraging!
Best wishes, Julie
Awesome! Thanks for the information.
It’s so nice to get ideas from other authors. Sometimes though, I feel as if there just aren’t enough hours in the day to do all that is required. Something I read about recently was, when you are writing a series, include a few teaser paragraphs at the end of the book from the book that will follow.
As to the reading test, I recall many years ago (as a teacher) being presented with this at a conference. The idea was for us to realise just how difficult it is for children with visual problems to problem solve as readers. I’ve never forgotten it. .
Oooh, I like the idea of a few teaser paragraphs. That’s fabulous. Thanks, Maranna.