Monday 30 March 2015

Building Book Sales using the Reverse Engineering Method…

Remember that kid who decided to take apart a toy just to see how it worked? And then, surprise…that same kid couldn’t figure out how to put it back together again. We authors can sure learn something from that one kid. We can learn how to use reverse engineering to figure out why readers buy our books. Think about it. Kids take something (computer, radio controlled car, Barbie dolls) apart to see how it works, get to the guts of what makes that thing go, run, fly, burp. So why shouldn’t authors be able to take apart the sale that lured readers to buy the book in the first place?

The first question you should ask yourself is: Why did you purchase insert name of book? Was it because it was your friend’s book? Perhaps a suggestion? Or a book you learned about through a review? Was it an emotional purchase? A New York Times Bestseller? Or was the book part of Oprah’s book club? I want you to chase down the sale and figure out what made you buy that certain book. Got it? Good.

Now once you do this kind of reverse engineering you can build a profile for the sale. You get to see how a sale is built. You get to know how the book market works. That’s when you can develop a marketing strategy for your own books. Get it? Great.

A lot of times you’ll find the answer is word of mouth via the social media, or a friend suggested the book (or wrote it), or they passed by a bookstore window and the cover caught their eye. Even Oprah has the golden touch. Dig deep, and find the reason for that sale.

While doing my own reverse engineering, I suddenly saw this quote from Bill Gates in my Twitter feed: “You’re most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning.” That’s when it hit me. Book reviews. Not the one-star reviews you get from trolls, but those reviews that seem sincere, yet only give you a 3 star. Those are gold. Use these kinds of reviews to fine tune your writing. Listen, really listen to what the reader/reviewer is conveying to you, and apply their advice in your next book if it rings true with you. I know you can’t please everyone, but you can certainly make changes in your writing that will help boost your book sales and reach new readers.

Thanks a heap for reading my blog. Authors, if you have time, please leave a comment and share what you do to track down your book sales. If you’re a reader, please share what leads you to buy a certain book? I’d appreciate your input. Cheers!

10 comments:

  1. Great post, Sharon. Lots of interesting food for thought. As a reader, I get sucked into buying a book by its blurb. When I really loved a book and there are more books in the series with characters I met and loved in the first book, then the author has hooked me to buy and read more from her.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for sharing, Sara! The blurb and cover seem to do it for me, unless someone recommends the book. Cheers!

      Delete
  2. I agree some of the three and two stars reviews can be positive learninng tools for the author. I have had a couple that have made me sit up and take note. Everyone is not going to like your book and if they take the trouble to give some constructive feedback as to why they didn't, then that's useful.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Agreed, Susan. While reproofing and editing my time travel books for re-release, I took into consideration what my readers said they DIDN'T like, then changed the book accordingly. I felt their feedback made my books stronger! Cheers for your input!

      Delete
  3. I am hoping this won't be a repeat because my comment did not show up the first time. I love this article. I have a question though. How does a new author go about getting those reviews? Of course, I received reviews from friends and some family members that purchased my books, but they are a bit biased. I want to get a sincere review that will be helpful to me as a writer.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Robin, you must contact book blog reviewers directly. Make a list of bloggers you like who review books in the same genre you write in, then query them, offering a free book or ebook for an honest review. There are thousands of book blog reviewers out there, just Google the blogs you're looking for, or scan Amazon reviews. Even ask on Goodreads. You'll find the right reviewers for your book. Good luck, and thank you for comment!

      Delete
  4. This is such a good idea. I get frustrated when someone gives me a 3 star but everything they write is positive. There had to be something they didn't like.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hear ya, Susan! But when I read some of the comments, and especially from my target audience, they really had a point. It certainly has helped me fine-tune my writing. Cheers!

      Delete
  5. Sharon--I really liked your reply to Robin, who asked how to get/find reviewers. Unless you're with a major publisher who can send out ARCs to reviewers who review as their job, it can be like a jungle out there. Publishing has changed so much with POD and indie that a sort of cottage industry of readers who call themselves reviewers has sprung up--sometimes just to get free books. Your advice to screen reviewers was excellent. May you continue to get five stars!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Jan! We're all in this together, albeit some authors do have the advantage. And yes, publishing has changed so much. Best to be aware and be prepared. Cheers and hugs for your wonderful wishes!

      Delete