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Embracing artificial intelligence in book marketing

5/8/2024

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We need to talk about AI in book marketing

In the rapidly evolving world of book marketing, artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept but a present reality reshaping the landscape. For book marketers and independently published authors, embracing AI can unlock new opportunities for growth, efficiency, and creativity. While the idea of AI may seem daunting, its applications can be highly beneficial, making the book marketing process more streamlined and effective. This blog post explores the benefits of using AI in book marketing and provides practical examples of how tools like ChatGPT can assist in your marketing efforts.

As many in the publishing industry know, I teach Book Marketing & Sales at the University of Sydney. As part of that course we look at innovation in the industry - particularly in marketing - so I can't ignore AI even if I tried! Personally, I find the concept of AI scary (and yes, along the lines of "Skynet is definitely here" scary - for those that understand The Terminator reference).

I also work with the team at Monash University Publishing who released Campbell Wilson's 
Living with AI, part of their In The National Interest series which was an excellent summary of what we are up against. With AI being constantly in the news, I had to work out where I stood on AI especially regarding personal data, AI training and copyright while at the same time trying to understand its benefits for marketing.

I've talked to many publishers about how they are using AI (and the positive effect it had on time management and work pressures) but when a 
student mentioned she used it to write marketing copy to get campaigns out quicker, I started to take notice. Was I behind the eight ball? And if I was, did I care?! I found out that I did.

So instead of going to Google, I asked ChatGPT to give me some information about the benefits of AI in Book Marketing and to summarise it for this blog post. ChatGPT is a versatile AI language model known for generating human-like text. It excels at content generation, idea brainstorming, and customer engagement. ChatGPT can assist marketers by creating engaging social media posts, drafting newsletters, and even brainstorming ideas for marketing campaigns. However, it may occasionally produce responses that lack nuance or context, requiring human oversight to ensure accuracy and relevance. I asked it to list the Top 5 benefits of using AI for Authors and Book Publishers. A second later it spat out: 
Top 5 Benefits of Using AI for Book Publishers and Authors

  1. Streamlined Content Creation. AI tools can significantly streamline the content creation process, offering assistance with writing, editing, and proofreading. These tools can suggest improvements, correct grammatical errors, and even generate creative content. For authors, this means a more efficient writing process and a polished final product. For publishers, it reduces the time and costs associated with manual editing and ensures consistent quality across publications.
  2. Enhanced Audience Targeting. AI can analyse vast amounts of reader data to identify specific demographics, interests, and reading habits. This allows publishers and authors to tailor their marketing efforts to reach the right audience more effectively. By understanding what resonates with different segments, they can craft targeted campaigns that increase the likelihood of reaching and engaging potential readers, ultimately boosting book sales and visibility.
  3. Personalised Marketing. In an era where personalisation is key to capturing attention, AI enables highly customised marketing strategies. AI algorithms can segment audiences and deliver personalised content, such as tailored email newsletters or social media posts, based on individual preferences. This level of personalisation can significantly enhance reader engagement and loyalty, making them more likely to purchase books and recommend them to others.
  4. Predictive Analytics and Market Insights. AI-powered predictive analytics can forecast market trends, reader preferences, and even the potential success of a book before it's published. By analysing past data and current market conditions, AI can provide authors and publishers with actionable insights to inform decisions about book topics, genres, pricing, and marketing strategies. This data-driven approach reduces risks and increases the chances of a book's success in a competitive market.
  5. Automation and Cost Efficiency. Automation is one of the most significant advantages of AI, allowing for the efficient handling of repetitive tasks such as metadata management, keyword optimisation, and ad placement. This not only saves time but also reduces operational costs. For publishers, this means more resources can be allocated to strategic planning and creative efforts. For independent authors, it provides the tools to manage their marketing campaigns more effectively.

You'd be blind not to notice that just about every platform or software is introducing AI processes into its offering. So really, if you're a marketer and active in the digital/tech space there's really no avoiding it. It's here. It's everywhere. So let's unpack what's not so great about it by asking ChatGPT for the cons of artificial intelligence.

Here's a few things to keep in mind:
You can ask ChatGPT to provide a content strategy plan in a table format and provide a summary of each post and key takeaways. See below for inspiration and try it out today!
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The cons of AI

  • Dependence on Data Quality: AI's effectiveness depends on the quality and quantity of data available; poor data can lead to inaccurate predictions and recommendations.
  • Lack of Human Touch: While AI can mimic human interactions, it may lack the emotional nuance and creativity that a human marketer can provide.
  • Privacy Concerns: The use of AI in marketing often involves collecting and analysing personal data, which can raise privacy issues and require careful handling.
  • Cost of Implementation: Initial setup and ongoing maintenance of AI tools can be costly, particularly for small publishers and independent authors.
  • Risk of Over-Reliance: Over-relying on AI can lead to a lack of critical thinking and innovation in marketing strategies.

So while we need to be aware of the above, it seems the big key takeaways for marketers is that AI can assist with content creation and generating engaging content for various platforms. This can be especially useful for authors who may struggle with self-promotion or for busy marketers juggling multiple projects. ChatGPT can be a valuable brainstorming partner. Marketers can use it to generate ideas for book launch events, promotional campaigns, or even potential book titles. By providing diverse perspectives and creative suggestions, ChatGPT can inspire new approaches and innovative marketing strategies. However, it's essential to refine these ideas to align with the brand's voice and goals. 

Embracing AI with Confidence

The thought of incorporating AI into book marketing may seem intimidating, especially for those unfamiliar with the technology. However, the benefits far outweigh the challenges. AI tools can simplify complex tasks, provide valuable insights, and enhance creativity. By leveraging these technologies, book marketers and independent authors can reach new audiences, streamline their workflows, and elevate their marketing efforts.

Remember AI is not here to replace human creativity and intuition but to complement them. It's a powerful tool that, when used wisely, can unlock new possibilities and help you stay ahead in a competitive market. So, don't be afraid to explore and experiment with AI in your book marketing journey. Embrace the potential of AI and let it help you share your stories with the world. 

This blog post was written by
Rachael McDiarmid + ChatGPT
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Why Every Author Needs a Website

29/7/2024

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In today’s digital age, having an online presence is not just beneficial for authors - especially independently published authors - but essential.

​A website acts as a central hub for your work, providing a platform to showcase your books, share updates, and connect with readers. For small presses, a well-designed website can enhance visibility and sales. Here, we’ll explore why every author should have a website, key landing pages and design tips, and how platforms like Squarespace and Shopify can help create a website quickly and affordably. We’ll also cover ways to maximise search engine optimisation to ensure your website reaches the widest audience possible.
 
A Central Hub for Your Work
 
First and foremost, a website serves as a one-stop-shop for everything related to your work. Readers, journalists, and potential collaborators can easily find information about your books, upcoming events, and media coverage. It’s your digital business card, available to anyone, anywhere, at any time. Other benefits include:

  • Control Over Your Brand. With a website, you have complete control over your brand and how you present yourself to the world. Social media profiles are important, but they’re subject to changes in platform policies and algorithms. A website, however, is entirely yours. You can customise it to reflect your personality and the essence of your work.
  • Improved Credibility. A professional website enhances your credibility as an author. It signals to readers and industry professionals that you’re serious about your writing career. This can be particularly important for independently published authors who are building their reputation from the ground up.
  • Direct Sales and Mailing List Growth. Your website can function as a direct sales channel, allowing you to sell books and merchandise without relying solely on third-party retailers*. Additionally, it’s a prime tool for growing your mailing list, enabling you to keep in touch with your audience and inform them about new releases and events.   *we’ll look at e-commerce tips and considerations in a future post
 
Preparing Your Website
 

When setting up your website make sure you’ve got these pages at a minimum:

  • Home page. Your home page is the first impression visitors will have of your site. It should be visually appealing and clearly convey who you are and what you do. Include a brief introduction, your latest news or releases, and a clear call-to-action (CTA) such as “Sign Up for My Newsletter”.
  • About Page. The about page is where you tell your story. Share your background, your journey as a writer, and what inspires your work. This helps readers connect with you on a personal level. Ensure you have a photo of you that can be downloaded in high res and used for media purposes or by event organisers.
  • Books Page. Create a dedicated page for your books, with each title having its own sub-page. Include book covers, synopses, purchase links, and reviews. If you have several books, consider organising them by series or genre. Ensure your covers can also be downloaded (right click) in high res and for the love of God, put the ISBN, format, page count, and price on them. You wouldn’t believe how many people don’t put basic metadata on the book pages!
  • Blog. A blog is an excellent way to keep your site dynamic and engage with readers. Share writing tips, behind-the-scenes insights, book reviews, and more. Regular updates can also improve your site’s SEO.
  • Contact Page. Make it easy for readers and industry professionals to reach you. Include a contact form, your email address, and links to your social media profiles.
 
Maximising Search Engine Optimisation
 
A few more things to note:

  • Keywords. Research relevant keywords for your genre and incorporate them into your website content. Tools like Google Keyword Planner can help you identify high-traffic keywords.
  • Quality Content. Regularly update your site with high-quality, relevant content. This could be blog posts, book excerpts, or author updates. Search engines favour sites that are frequently updated with fresh content.
  • Meta Descriptions. Use meta descriptions for each page on your site. These are the snippets of text that appear under your page title in search engine results. A compelling meta description can increase click-through rates.
  • Internal Linking. Link to other pages on your site within your content. This helps search engines understand the structure of your site and can improve your SEO.
  • Mobile Optimisation. Ensure your site is optimised for mobile devices. Google prioritises mobile-friendly sites in its search results, so this is crucial for your SEO strategy.
 
Some Basic Design Tips

  • Keep It Simple. A clean, uncluttered design is often the most effective. Use a cohesive colour scheme and easy-to-read fonts. Ensure your site is mobile-friendly, as many users will access it on their smartphones. Sites like Weebly, Wix, Squarespace, Shopify etc have ready-to-use templates that can also be customised. Find what you like and structure your site accordingly.
  • High-Quality Images. Use high-quality images for book covers and author photos. Poor quality images can make your site look unprofessional.
  • Navigation. Ensure your site is easy to navigate. A clear menu structure helps visitors find what they’re looking for without frustration. An author’s website shouldn’t be overly complicated anyway.
  • Calls to Action. Include CTAs throughout your site. Encourage visitors to sign up for your newsletter (if you have one), follow you on social media, or buy your books. Some of the online sites mentioned above have integrations with Mailchimp or inbuilt marketing apps that can make newsletters relatively easy to run.
 
A well-designed website is a powerful tool for authors and small presses. It serves as a central hub for your work, enhances your credibility, and provides opportunities for direct sales and reader engagement. Online platforms like Squarespace, Wix, Weebly, Shopify and others make it really easy to create a professional site quickly and affordably. By focusing on key landing pages, effective design, and strong SEO practices, you can maximise the impact of your website and reach a wider audience. Embrace the digital age and let your website be a testament to your dedication and passion for your craft.

​_____________
 
NOTE: Here at RM Marketing Services, we do websites for authors, small presses and industry organisations. We prefer Squarespace because it has a  user-friendly interface and elegant design templates. It offers a range of features including blogging tools, e-commerce functionality, and analytics. Squarespace also provides hosting and a custom domain, making it a comprehensive solution for building your author website. If you plan to sell books directly from your site, Shopify is an excellent option. It’s primarily an e-commerce platform, but it also offers a variety of website design tools. Shopify’s integration with payment processors and shipping services can streamline your sales process. We also have experience with Wix and Weebly so if you are looking to launch a new website, get in touch with us to discuss your project and our availability.
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SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING FOR AUTHORS

12/7/2024

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​Maximise your book's reach through social media and advertising on your favourite platforms. 

We have a running joke about social media in that we're too busy doing other people's social media channels that we don't pay much attention to our own! And we rarely market our business because we don't need to. Word of mouth from existing clients and recommendations from others in the global publishing industry keep us busy with our outsourcing solutions and consulting services. But for authors, small and specialist publishers, having a social media content strategy is important.

And we can help with that.

In fact, we are always being asked about social media as part of the marketing mix! We've been invited to do multiple presentations on it - from small presses to university students through to Writers' Festivals and writing centres. And it's great to watch the audience work through their marketing strategy and determine the social media channels they want to work with.

Social media is an important channel for book marketing but many authors still don't know what to post or feel uncomfortable about what they share. For some people it is extremely important, others have very little understanding of how social media works, and there are authors who just aren't right for this form of marketing. Trust us, social media is not for everyone.

That comes down to these key points about social media platforms which are there to: 
  • drive engagement
  • encourage discussion
  • share consumer information and news
  • build virtual networks and communities
  • have a conversation
  • build an online connection

And authors and small presses, need a content strategy in line with their overall marketing strategy.

There's plenty of content ideas - share behind the scenes content, excerpts from your books, endorsements, reviews, events, launches, customer visits, industry news & awards etc. Engage with readers by consistently posting and interacting - you'll increase your book's visibility and build a community around your work. Don't forget to use hashtags and collaborate with others (booksellers, librarians, influencers) to help reach a wider audience and drive more sales.

Remember:  it's not the quantity but the quality that counts. it's about having an engaged audience. Engagement figures are much more important than impressions but everyone gets lost in the higher numbers of those 'eyeballing' their posts, particularly when advertising/boosting their content.

Need help with social media? We can help you build a content plan for your social media channels. Book in an author marketing and coaching session with us and take advantage of 34 years experience in the book publishing industry. We'll guide you through the process but more than that - our services cover everything from distribution to publicity, social media to websites. Depending on availability, we can also look after your social channels as well. Our online author consulting services are reasonably priced and we offer flexible "out-of-office" hours for one hour meetings. 
CONTACT US
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Book recommendation for authors: Self-Promotion Without Social Media by Tess McCabe

10/10/2023

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Self-Promotion Without ​Social Media: 33 Ways to Get Seen, Feel Connected, and Grow Your Business

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Tess McCabe, author of Graphic Design Speak and Conversations with Creative Women, has put together a wonderful, practical book with 33 ideas to get seen, feel connected and grow your business.

Here at RM Marketing Services we work with authors every day, either with our outsourcing client publishers and distributors or via author consults. We’re doing a lot more coaching and consulting with authors on all aspects of marketing and distribution. Social media is a big focus for us with training - but many authors are simply NOT social media savvy. They find it confusing. If we had a dollar for every time an author asked “How do I promote myself and my work without social media?”…

​This is where Self-Promotion Without Social Media fills the much-needed gap!

The book is designed to be a practical resource to use and return to as needed. As you would expect from Tess, the book has a clean layout and design with Tips and Ideas (advice and strategies), Double Duty (notes on how one activity can blend in to another), Action and Remember icons (self-explanatory). She’s added some other features and checkboxes that are very nifty - she WANTS you to write in the book and use it as your guide, your notebook, your plan! Scribble, draw, make notes. 

As Tess says, self-promotion can be exhausting particularly for introverts. However she also markets this book to those who have spent their time promoting themselves on social media and are seeking new angles and avenues. She recognises it can be overwhelming for them too as she guides them through ideas for repurposing content for other purposes.

We just wanted to mention some of our favourite sections of the book. Her pages on optimising your website is a must read for authors. RM Marketing Services can help design your website (through online sites like Weebly, Wix, Squarespace, Shopify) but you need to know the basics of what is required for a good, functional website as well as the importance of keeping it updated and relevant for visitors.

Tess has some good suggestions for events and roadshows, printed marketing collateral, merchandising, branding and more. Two other short sections made us smile - the power of mentoring and the power of promoting others. Why? Because we are big believers in both of them.

And for readers who like to learn from others, she includes short discussions with business owners who have found success with different self-promotion activities. These help encourage and motivate readers - which the whole book does very well.

Lastly, there’s a section on packaging. Before we even saw the book, the first thing we noticed was the way the book was packaged and what it contained. Time had been spent on making sure the book looked inviting and professional. Impressive without too much fuss or expense. We were connecting with this book, before we turned to the first page.

Thank you Tess. Self-Promotion Without Social Media is now added to our book recommendations for authors.
BUY NOW ON THE CREATIVE MINDS WEBSITE
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Social media and marketing coaching SERVICE for authors

26/6/2023

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New online coaching service for authors and small presses 

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In addition to providing outsourcing solutions for publishers, distributors and others in the book industry, we also have a consulting and coaching arm. Some projects we work on are related to sales, operations, distribution and business development. Many are for organisations and publishing companies based overseas and often in partnership with larger consulting firms to the book industry.

We've recently we've been doing more and more book marketing and industry *coaching* work. Clients are asking for custom services, particularly around digital marketing and social media - for their authors. We already provide outsourced marketing services that include managing websites, digital marketing campaigns, social media and digital advertising so this is taking it directly to authors who want to create a brand, who want helpful advice and guidance on marketing that is specific to them. One size does not fit all, as we know only too well.

Most of the work we do here at RM Marketing Services is with professional, scholarly and university presses. We're more than happy to extend these services to publishers of all sizes who have authors who are uncomfortable with the online world, don't understand social media, and who need some hand-holding and one-on-one coaching with digital and social media marketing.

As an added bonus, this is a flexible service which can be done out of "normal" business hours. We offer a discounted hourly rate for publishers with regular bookings as part of their author care approach.
Indie authors are also welcome and we're happy to do a workshop with a small press or writing group.

There are plenty of books and websites available on how to market books and how to maximise social media and digital marketing efforts but the authors we work with, particularly those working in corporate, professional and university markets, don't have the time to read them all. They are looking for tips and tricks and how to raise their profile in the channels in which they work - and more importantly, a social media and marketing strategy that works for them.


Publishers! Get in contact with us to see how we can support the work you do with your authors. Another string to your author care bow.

#yourewelcome
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Mastering Hard Conversations by Mark Rosenberg

29/8/2022

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Mastering conflict is a core capability for today's leaders

Mark Rosenberg is an executive coach, mediator and faciliator who empowers leaders and their teams to achieve their potential. Mark started his career as a lawyer, then worked in senior management roles in the private and public sector, before branching out as a mediator and creating Balanced Curve, based in Gladesville Sydney. The company are experts in conflict management, executive and team coaching, mediation and facilitation.

​You can read more about them at balancedcurve.com.
Mark Rosenberg is holding his book
As a lawyer, Mark was dealing with hardcore disputes that were expensive and involved a lot of management time. As a mediator, however, he realised his strength was dealing with conflict. Over the years he has helped thousands of leaders become better at having hard conversations.

With this wealth of knowledge and firsthand experience, Mark wanted to share what he's learned with others so they have the opportunity to be better communicators and handle conflict better - afterall, it's something that many of us struggle with! He did this utilising the experience of the team at Publish Central (who also told him about RM Marketing Services!) and published a book called Mastering Hard Conversations: Turning Conflict into Collaboration. 

The key message of the book is simply: conflict in the workplace is inevitable. That means that as a leader - whether that's the CEO or senior management team, or a leader within your own team, or a thought leader within an organisation - being skilled in dealing with conflict and having uncomfortable conversations has enormous benefits. Mastering Hard Conversations provides a proven, practical, structured approach to help you become a better leader by improving your communication and conflict skills.

Mark came to us to talk about marketing and publicity support - as well as support and advice while he navigated the world of publishing and bookselling. Like many independently published authors, navigating the metadata minefield was the first challenge - ensuring that accurate, enhanced information on the book was sent out in data feeds to online booksellers was tricky for someone who hasn't experienced it before. For many indie authors, online booksellers are THE main sales channel due to the nature of publishing and distributing a book using the Ingram Spark platform (print to order and ebook distribution) so getting this information right was a priority.

We then discussed ways of disseminating information about the book to core booksellers and library suppliers. We also mapped out plans for content and social media posts, particularly using LinkedIn for engagement where Mark had a loyal, supportive following. We also worked with some online sites and Mark spoke to his peers who have podcasts about teams and teamwork. Our good friends at Books+Publishing included him on their #booksareessential campaign which has 10,000 followers on Instagram. We liaised with reviewers and we provided promotional and marketing support as the weeks progressed.

As icing on the cake, Mark was able to turn a profile about his house into an article about the house, his dogs Peggy Sue and Honey, and his book! The article is below however the online article had a different heading - Lockdown at home proved perfect for Mark Rosenberg to write about conflict management - which was pretty perfect! You can read it here on The Australian website.
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Since we've been working with Mark on his book, we've seen Mastering Hard Conversations in and out of the Top 50 books in mediation and conflict resolution on Amazon, and even in the Top 3! It's a book that resonates with readers because it's practical, well-written and helps them develop their knowledge and skills in conflict resolution and communication within teams.

You won't be surprised to hear, we're big fans of the book, particularly Chapter 8 - Dealing with Certifiable Assholes! 
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​Listen to Mark speak about that chapter here. 
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The book is available as a paperback and ebook. Ask for it at your local bookshop or library, or order it online. 

Mastering Hard Conversations
Turning Conflict into Collaboration

by Mark Rosenberg.  A$29.95

Managing conflict is a core capability for today's leaders. In this book, Mark Rosenberg draws on his extensive experience as an executive coach and mediator to provide leaders with insights and practical tools to improve communication and master hard conversations.
In this practical and easy-to-read book, you will:
  • Deepen your self-awareness and understanding of conflict
  • Learn a step-by-step approach to preparing for hard conversations
  • Develop your skills and increase your confidence to manage difficult situations
  • Work through two powerful case studies that show how the process works
  • Learn when and how to give effective feedback
BUY NOW ON AMAZON AUSTRALIA
As an executive coaching working with leaders at all levels of management I can’t recommend this book highly enough. Most of us find ‘hard conversations’ extremely difficult and none of us are born with the skills of knowing how to have them well. Mastering Hard Conversations provides a clear, practical guide: there are great tips and examples, not just for having a challenging conversation, but also how to prepare to have one. This is definitely a book that every leader should have at hand.
— FIVE STAR REVIEW, AMAZON AUSTRALIA
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Book2Look Widgets: biblets to help market and sell your book

27/10/2020

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A Guide to Book2Look

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The Book2Look (B2L) service has been around for years now and is a helpful "look inside" tool for publishers and authors - it is designed to help sell books online by recreating the bookshop browsing experience. If you're not familiar with B2L, it's a URL that contains a package of marketing goodness as it contains your (online) promotional material in one central portal.

A B2L widget (biblet) allows readers to flip through a book, read more about the author, watch video or listen to audio, read reviews, order the book through shopping links and more! It also provides publishers with analytics to track views, clicks, embeds etc to work out what promotional activites and channels are creating the most engagement.


Here at RM Marketing Services we buy B2L widgets in batches for our clients as they are often part of the marketing mix for new books. We've been using them for a couple of years now and thought it was time we gave a rundown for publishers and their authors as to the best way to use the service to promote their books.

Setting up the content
Firstly, before you create a new biblet on the site, decide on what section of a book you'd like to offer up as a "look inside" for readers. It might be the first chapter, several chapters, selected pages. A fiction book, for example, might offer up the intro, set the scene, and then cut it off at the point the reader is invested in the story and wants to keep reading. A non-fiction book might provide longer chapters for viewers to get a feel of the book whereas a highly illustrated work would require selected pages to "show-off" the work. Scholarly presses would consider Table of Contents and contributor information, perhaps a chapter that provides a good overview of what the work covers without giving away the essence of it. Decide on your content and prepare the PDF. We prefer to extract the pages from the typeset file and have them in one separate file which you would mark as 100% view. Otherwise you can load the full content and select the nominated pages when you set up the widget. ​

Here is an example of a fiction book, Symphony for the Man published by Spinifex Press (2020). It's a wonderful book about Harry who is homeless in Bondi and the girl who wants to write him a symphony. No surprise it's been optioned for film already...

Helpful tip: read it listening to Beethoven's Eroica Symphony. 
As you can see, the B2L widget includes 30 pages of the story - setting the scene for both Harry and the nameless girl. Readers can then make a decision to purchase by clicking on links contained within the URL. 

Here's another example, this time for a highly illustrated non-fiction book on Australian Gin by David Box.
(Yes if you love Australian gin and want to learn more about it and our wonderul distilleries, buy the book, it's great!).

This one has presented a few challenges as David is also the person behind the company Gintonica which sells Australian Gin. As you can see "reviews" for the book automatically picked up by SEO include his Gintonica products.
We've left them there as we're big fans of his gin advent calendar.
​(And yes it's a thing, check it out at www.gintonica.com.au )
What's not surprising about this particular widget is the view count. Views are very high (B2L provides a number of analytical tools) as it's been marketed in social media channels, EDMs, and websites. The book is $69.95 so the consumer can look inside and ascertain if the book is what they are looking for - either for them or as a gift for someone - before ordering online or going into a bookshop to purchase it.

Shopping links
One of the downsides to B2L is the rather limited number of websites they offer up as standard - particularly if you are in Australia and New Zealand. Of course they have Amazon, The Book Depository and Booktopia but we have a vibrant independent bookshop culture here who have a good online offering. As these logos don't come up automatically in B2L we endeavour to save our preferred bookshop logos, resized for B2L, and manually load them for each widget we create but this does take time, particularly if the logos are rectangle/too long for the available logo space in the platform.

We then put the shopping links in order as to the booksellers who have ordered stock or have it available to purchase. If an independent bookshop is doing a marvellous job marketing the books to their community, we put them higher up the scale to support their endeavours. If a chain bookseller has taken lots of stock, we take that into account as well. We provide readers with options - direct selling from the publisher's website, indies and chains. And yes we've had clients who don't want to list the almighty Amazon and those that want all the major sites to be listed. Find out the business philosophy and sales strategy that's right for you. Our one is to not limit sales avenues - an order is an order, make it easy for readers to buy your books, preferably with one click.


Book reviews
When you set up your B2L pre-publication you might not have reviews available but over time collate your URLs and add them to the widget. Another downside to the site is that you can't ATTACH a PDF of a review - it must be a URL and in the day of paywalls, that isn't a great experience for people wanting to read more about the book if the review requires a subscription to access.

Make sure you save your favourite quotes from a review and add them to your own product page - if selling directly from your site - use that URL as the primary link for the book when you set up shopping links. We always put the publisher's website first.


Over time the B2L site will pick up bits and pieces automatically to add to the reviews - it might be reader reviews from GoodReads or articles about the author in the mainstream media.  You can actually use the tools on B2L to "fetch reviews" and can then manually add anything that hasn't been picked up via SEO. We try and check in our links every month or so for active titles.

Audio Files and Video Content
You can load audio files so if you've got an author reading an extract from the book, add it in the widget. Video content is also super helpful - and it's easy, grab your URL and include it in the relevant section. We put in book trailers for example.
Embedding
Use the B2L navigation (three dots, upper left) select the Embed option to add a widget to your site. There are multiple options for embedding.
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  • URL. The complete URL is provided so that the link to the book can be inserted in a webpage. You can link it or put it behind a button on your website​.
LOOK INSIDE THE BOOK
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  • Double Page. This widget is by all means the biggest widget of the entire set and does a perfect job to have an actual impression of the real book or just too simply read a few paragraphs and then want more. We've used a double page in the examples previously provided for Symphony for the Man and Australian Gin. 
  • Single Page. This type of widget means exactly what it says. It’s the same Biblet but viewed per single page since some people do prefer to read/view this way.
  • Icon Embed tag. This is B2L's smallest widget, also known as the Look Inside icon. Typically found on e-commerce websites. On clicking on this widget the Biblet opens (in a new browser tab). Example below.
  • Widget Embed tag. B2L say it's perfect to embed on your website for, let's say, a book review. Example below. 

Book2Look widgets are available through Thorpe-Bowker/My Identifiers and Nielsen. And of course RM Marketing Services offer them as part of a marketing campaign. Buying a single biblet through the bibliographic agencies can be pricey (pending special offers from time to time) so we buy in bulk for our clients to bring the cost down. Another reason to consider using RM Marketing Services for marketing, publicity and promotional campaigns. Contact us today.
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An incredible true story you should all read

10/6/2020

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Every Stranger's Eyes by Ben Randall

Every Stranger’s Eyes is Part One of the incredible true story behind the acclaimed documentary Sisters for Sale
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Watch the trailer for Sisters for Sale
Young women on the border between Vietnam and China find themselves caught between a violent custom and a vicious criminal underworld...

The multi-award-winning documentary Sisters for Sale is an incredible true story of hope, courage, and freedom. This new book, Every Stranger’s Eyes, tells the first four amazing years of that story. 

Investigating the mysterious disappearances of his local friends May and Pang, an Australian filmmaker uncovers a human trafficking crisis and sparks an amazing series of events. Betrayed, kidnapped, and forced into marriage with strangers, May and Pang – still only teenagers – are forced to make the heartbreaking choice between their baby girls and their own freedom.

Every Stranger’s Eyes is a powerful and deeply personal account illustrating the importance of direct action and the dangers of losing sight of what you believe in. 

Since its premiere in Italy in November 2018, Sisters for Sale has won awards and acclaim at film festivals around the world for exceptional filmmaking and courageous storytelling. It has now been translated into more than a dozen languages – an extraordinary feat for such a small production.

Sisters for Sale is a five-year story. Every Stranger’s Eyes covers the first four of those years, from February 2010 to January 2014. The second part of the story, Suspicious Minds, will be released in mid-2020.
START READING EVERY STRANGER'S EYES
DOWNLOAD THE MEDIA RELEASE HERE
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Ben Randall
About the Author

The author, Ben Randall, is an Australian activist and acclaimed documentary filmmaker. His work has been seen and heard by millions of people around the world via new and traditional media - including CNN, Discovery Asia, Newsweek, TEDx, VICE, ABC, CBC, Channel NewsAsia, VTV, Walk Free, Freedom United, Imgur, and Reddit.

The documentary, books, and associated podcast are all part of The Human, Earth Project, a non-profit grassroots organisation founded by the author in 2013. All sales help fund the fight against human trafficking. 

THE HUMAN, EARTH PROJECT          www.humanearth.net

The books

Book one: Every Stranger’s Eyes  (OUT NOW)
978-0-6487573-0-6 (PDF)
978-0-6487573-1-3 (Paperback)
978-0-6487573-2-0 (EPUB)

Book two: Suspicious Minds (MID-AUGUST)
978-0-6487573-3-7 (PDF)
978-0-6487573-4-4 (Paperback)
978-0-6487573-5-1 (EPUB)

Book three: The Man’s Machine (FORTHCOMING)
978-0-6487573-6-8 (PDF)
978-0-6487573-7-5 (Paperback)
978-0-6487573-8-2 (EPUB)

Price per title
Paperback: AU22.95, US14.95, GBP11.95, EU13.95, CA19.95
PDF/EPUB: AU10.95, US7.95
Booksellers, educational and library suppliers please order from Ingram:
Individuals please order from your preferred local bookshop or online bookseller OR go to THE HUMAN, EARTH PROJECT website at www.humanearth.net 
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The book on Australian Gin you've been waiting for....

1/11/2019

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RM Marketing Services is delighted to be working on the new release campaign for David Box's new book Australian Gin. Read more about the book below. Available from John Reed books, December 2019. 
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DOWNLOAD THE MEDIA RELEASE
LOOK INSIDE THE BOOK

Australian Gin    by David Box

The world has gone mad for gin and Australia is no different. New distilleries are opening at such an astounding rate that no one has published a comprehensive book about Australian Gin, until now. What is fuelling this boom: consumers are turning their back on the same old imports and want a “craft” experience, distilling laws have been relaxed and simultaneously there is a revival of the cocktail culture both at home and with hipsters opening up cool new bars everywhere. Gin is no longer just a habitual G&T at 6 o’clock, but rather a very versatile and sophisticated drink. Our new Australian distillers are leading the world as they experiment with complex flavours, ageing, and hybrid styles like shiraz gin and green ant gin. Global awards are being won.

In Australian Gin, David Box and contributors including Jon Lark (KI Spirits), Dave Irwin and Matt Argus (Patient Wolf), Cameron Mackenzie (Four Pillars) and Phillip Jones (The Martini Whisperer) open up the world of Aussie gin. You’ll find detailed information on 80 distilleries that started the current gin craze; the people, the gins, their cellar doors and much more. There is also a list of dozens of newcomers. All for less than a bottle of craft gin.

About the Author

Until a few years ago David Box enjoyed gin. He then discovered Australian craft gin and he fell in love with a spirit that he never dreamt could be so complex. A country boy from Portland in Western Victoria, David is qualified in chemical engineering, winemaking and marketing. Having spent time working in England, Venezuela and Chile he is now based in Melbourne. He founded Gintonica and writes about and works with Australian craft spirits.

To organise an interview or an event with David please contact Rachael McDiarmid via email at

​[email protected] 
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How to Market Books 6th edition

5/7/2019

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The latest edition of How to Market Books, 6th edition has arrived. Written by Alison Baverstock and Susannah Bowen, and published by Routledge, the new book must indeed be THE bible for the publishing industry today.

It won't surprise you to know the first thing I did was go to the index to see if my name and business name were listed. Indeed they were! I wondered what quotes would be picked up so I looked at the relevant pages. The first one about customer service and making adjustments in line with how your buyer wants to receive book information was more of an off the cuff remark but the second one got to the heart of what makes me tick - database marketing and making sure your message goes to the right people. That goes way back to direct marketing in the early 90s and years of sending out promotional materials - flyers, catalogues, postcards - to a database of contacts and ensuring everyone was coded to their field of expertise to yield higher response rates. The principles still apply for digital marketing. But I digress. 

The 6th edition has everything a book marketer needs. In fact if every publishing house doesn't have a copy of this book somewhere in their office, I'd be annoyed. It should be required reading. Particularly by people who come into book publishing thinking it's like other industries. It's not. It's unique. It has a language of its own. It has its quirks. And it has its issues. You need to understand the basics and then the industry as a whole. And at 480 pages, this book may just cover everything you need to know to be successful in publishing in an ever changing industry. Because the book publishing industry is changing. Always changing. And marketing has to adjust to these changes. 

How to Market Books, 6th edition is very comprehensive. Part 1 covers general principles and understanding - marketing and marketing in publishing; what's for sale?; market research and other sources of marketing information; the role of marketing within the business of publishing. Part 2 covers putting principles into practice - reaching the market (how best to approach your customers); how to write a marketing plan; selling; direct marketing; digital marketing; publicity and PR; working with authors and other vital partnerships; organising events, presentations and other opportunities to share content; techniques to writing effective copy; the layout and design of marketing materials. And Part 3 is specific advice to particular markets.

Some of these chapters could be stand alone books. They would make excellent podcasts and even videos on training sites. They are essential reading.

I'm so overwhelmed by the content in this book that I can't simply put it on my shelf with the rest of my business and publishing industry books. Even though I've been in the industry nearly 30 years, this book is a living, breathing document and one I think I'd like to pick up more frequently so I'm putting it close to me while I'm working. For me, there's very little in here I don't know - but it's great to have the refresher from time to time.

But of course the biggest surprise of the book came in the foreword by David Shelley, CEO of Hachette UK. As I read through it a name jumped out at me. It was my own. Of all the people he could have quoted in this industry, he quoted me. 

This is one hell of a book for one hell of an industry. Congratulations to the authors and everyone in the industry who contributed to the book. A five-star reference. 

Get a copy now from your preferred bookshop or online bookseller.
For more information click here to go the publisher's website.
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    Author

    Rachael McDiarmid has been in the Australasian book trade since 1990. Working in trade, academic and professional publishing as well as library supply and book distribution, she's worked with thousands of publishers, distributors, library vendors, and authors around the globe. She loves a belly laugh, strong coffee, wine, and good food. Venice is her favourite place in the world to visit but Sydney will always be home. She loves her office assistant Dash (also known as Dashie, Dashie Dog and the Little Shit). If you haven't already worked it out, she is known for her no bullshit approach. 

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