Selling Tools

As writers and creatives, it’s natural to focus on the art of storytelling and leave the selling to someone else. However, in today’s commodity-driven market, mastering the art of selling is essential for success. This blog (an excerpt from my book PLOTTING PROFITS) explores various selling tools that can help you market your books and scripts effectively. From creating engaging trailers to running book giveaways, we’ll cover a range of strategies to turn your creativity into commerce.

Book and Movie Trailers

Engaging customers and promoting your work can be a full-time job. Whether you’re going it alone, have an assistant, or a team working with you, you are a business owner who needs to market and promote your products and services. For video options, you can always use your smart phone to film, edit, and upload to YouTube. For a little more “oomph” try this:

1. DIY Trailers: Tools like Canva and Bookbrush allow you to create your own book and movie trailers using stock footage and customizable templates. Ensure that any footage or music used is cleared for commercial use. This isn’t my area of expertise, so I recommend a good web search for more options.
2. Hiring Professionals: If your budget allows, consider hiring a videographer to create a polished trailer. This can add a level of professionalism that may attract more viewers.
   1. Examples: Check out my YouTube channel for examples of book trailers I’ve hired professionals to create for my books “Clifton Chase and the Arrow of Light” and “The Toilet Papers: Places to Go While You Go.” Additionally, watch the official movie trailer for “Just Jake,” my first sold screenplay!

Book Giveaways

Generating buzz and attracting readers is a nonstop process. No matter how far up the ladder you climb, you will always need to generate buzz, attract new readers, and retain current customers. If this wasn’t the case, McDonalds would stop advertising, right? Everyone knows who they are what they do, yet they still advertise, network with pop culture brands, and produce new products for their current and new customer base. You are no different.

Your book is a product. If you don’t get it in front of buyers, then it won’t sell. While I’m not a fan of giving away my blood, sweat, and tears, I know it’s necessary at times. Here’s my thoughts on book giveaways:

1. Online Giveaways: Platforms like Rafflecopter are popular for organizing book giveaways, but you can also keep everything on your website using widgets.
2. Perma-Free Strategy: Some authors make the first book in a series permanently free to funnel readers into their stories and encourage them to buy subsequent books.

Merchandise

Fans love merch! You can create brand loyalty and additional revenue streams with t-shirts, stuffed animals, customized pens, or whatever way you want to add value to your customer’s experience. You can create custom gear several ways:

1. On-Demand Services: Sites like Teespring or Redbubble allow you to upload your logo or branding, handle production, and distribution on your behalf. This can be a cost-effective way to offer merchandise without significant upfront investment.
2. DIY Merch: Alternatively, you can create your own merchandise to sell on your site, use as giveaways, or reward your true fans. This allows for control over quality and branding.

Sell Sheets or One Sheets

Sell sheets and one sheets are both effective tools for novelists and screenwriters:

1. Content: A sell sheet typically includes a logline, character descriptions, a brief synopsis, and availability information for your book or film.
2. Design: Use lots of images and colors to make your sell sheet visually appealing. If you need help, don’t hesitate to reach out for guidance on creating effective sell sheets.

Business Essentials

It might go without saying, but you will need to invest in professional tools for building your writer brand:

1. Business Cards, Bookmarks, Thank You Cards, and Stickers: These items help establish your professional presence and keep you in the minds of potential readers and collaborators. On my bookmarks, I include a CTA (Call to Action): Bring Jaimie to your school or convention. Every piece of your business is part of your marketing strategy.
2. Branding: Develop a cohesive brand with company colors, a logo, and a tagline that captures your essence and niche in the marketplace.
   1. Example: My brand colors are #ff1616 and #1ed5c3, my logo is my name in a fun font, and my tagline is “Stories with a Magic Touch in books, TV, and film.”

Activity:

Take some time to define your brand colors, logo, and tagline. Think about what makes your work unique and how you want to be perceived in the marketplace.

Conclusion

Selling your creative work is an essential part of being a successful author or filmmaker. By leveraging tools like trailers, giveaways, merchandise, sell sheets, and business essentials, you can effectively promote your work and build a loyal audience. Remember, you are not just an artist; you are a business. Embrace these tools to turn your creativity into commerce and achieve the success you deserve.

Turning Creativity into Commerce

Plotting Profits