Over the past weekend, a question popped at the monthly Author YOU Circles. “Tell me about how I can have a store for my website …”
Last June, I wrote a blog on a new feature within the IngramSpark offerings. The previous year, it purchased Aerio, a portal that allows the user to create a storefront on individual websites. With the powerhouse of Ingram’s catalog of books carried in its inventory to bookstores, YOU now have the opportunity to offer recommended books that compliment your own books … or you just think are the cat’s meow to your fans and followers. I’m republishing the blog … here’s how it works:
Let’s face it. Amazon has become a challenge this past month for many authors and publishers. It’s decided to goose up the sales of “third party” sellers, sometimes leaving we authors at the bottom of the option buying pile.
Last year, Ingram bought Aerio. Its software allows any individual or publishing sites to create stores, get opt-in customer relations, and curate a selection of products, books, DVDs, graphic novels and more from a catalog of 15 million. That’s very hot news indeed for us. And if you are already in IngramSpark customer—there is NO COST to set it up.
These stories can be shared in a simple link, and for those writers familiar with YouTube, can be embedded as easily as uploading a video.
Overall, the economics of selling books are, in effect, made transparent. And guess what … you name the price … even discounting below what the Amazon gods have marked it at; you can sell at list price … or you can even raise the price if you have a bundle with another event such as a fundraiser. Hmmm… that’s “author power”!
Now, remember, it’s a “store”—so you can offer other goodies. Books that complement yours and that you recommend. And happy dance, you will get a percentage of the sale of others click through. It’s what I call “mailbox money” … yes, you are going to have to promote your website—let all your followers now that they can get your books and others you recommend and feature. Why not add a bonus to any buy—may a free webinar or open phone call to pick your brain or visit with you on a set date? Possibilities are unlimited.
This means that you. Look at what Grace Allison created for her publishing company, Modern Mystic Media:
How Much Does It Cost?
Always a good question. Aerio offers marketing services that range from $0 to $250 per month. For those just putting the toes in the water, start with the free. You can always transition to one of the premium levels at a later date. The Aerio “Free” package provides you with a free set-up and no annual fees and the ability to sell their 15+ million print book titles. Aerio starts charging when you want to market your own eBooks. Those monthly packages are based on how many ebook titles you’d like to market, ranging from $25 (20 ebooks) – $250 (250 ebooks) per month. They also offer annual package discounts.
Start branding what you have to offer via your website, in addition to the social web (which is another option offered.) Aer.io charges a 15% commission of the selling price of each sale and handles fulfillment and support—meaning you don’t ship. Sign-up for the service, complete with a simple four-step registration process. To get started and learn more, start here.
Judith Briles is a book publishing expert and coach. She empowers authors and works directly with authors who want to be seriously successful and has been writing about and conducting workshops on publishing since the ’80s. Judith is the author of 35 books including Author YOU: Creating and Building Your Author and Book Platforms (Foreword IndieFab Book of the Year), Snappy Sassy Salty: Wise Words for Authors and Writers and a speaker at publishing conferences. Book #35, How to Avoid 101 Book Publishing Blunders, Bloopers & Boo-Boos has earned 7 national book awards in 2017. Get your copy now.
Each summer, she holds Judith Briles Book Publishing Unplugged Bootcamp, a three-day intensive limited to a small group of authors who want to be seriously successful. In 2018, the dates are June 23-25. Participate in her Judith Briles Speaking Unplugged Bootcamp held in March and November. Join Judith live on Thursdays at 6 p.m. EST for “AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing” on the Toginet Network at bit.ly/PublishingShow.
Follow @AuthorU and @MyBookShepherd on Twitter and do a “Like” at AuthorU, and join the Facebook group Book Publishing with The Book Shepherd. If you want to create a book that has no regrets, contact Judith at Judith@Briles.com.
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