Publishing My Children’s Book in Six Months: Direct Selling

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Direct Selling

When K-9 Kudzu: Observations of a Working Dog Who Loves to Play is published, I’m going to do an experiment with direct sales. I’m not going to share my print files with Amazon.com or Ingram Spark. Instead, I’m going to do my own thing.

Why should I give away the keys to the printing room, the keys to my newest creative work, so that Amazon can undercut my price and make more profit than me on my book?

Another reason for direct sales is the quality of printing. K-9 Kudzu is a masterfully created and colorfully illustrated book. It would be a shame to have the colors print poorly. Unfortunately, it’s well known by indie authors that Amazon and Ingram Spark are inconsistent with their printing quality. Fortunately, POD Print, located in Wichita, has always been dependable for me.

In the past, whenever I’ve published a book, I’ve been quick to send Amazon and Ingram Spark my print files so they can market my books while I’m selling direct through my website. This time, with K-9 Kudzu, I’m going to focus on selling direct on my website and in person. This includes me marketing my books by getting out of my cave and participating in more commercial events.

Selling direct will allow me to benefit financially without a middle person taking a huge chunk of change. I’ll also learn who is purchasing my books. That will allow me to contact previous customers via email if I publish a sequel.

If an independent bookstore wants to carry K-9 Kudzu, I’ll wholesale them the children’s book and at the same time promote my other titles. This feels better than helping Amazon put brick and mortar bookstores out of business.

By not involving Amazon with print book sales, I’ll lose some business and I’ll gain some business. That’s okay. It’s an experiment.

For those readers who no longer purchase print books, I intend to offer my e-book at Amazon, but if someone wants a dynamic, printed, color copy, then they can visit my website at jimpotterauthor.com to purchase it. Shipping and handling is free and customers pay no sales tax.

I’m ready to meet people and be a salesman. I believe I have a great product and will approach organizations and businesses such as FOP (Fraternal Order of the Police) lodges, K-9 police associations, school and public libraries, veterinarians, dog groomers, kennel clubs, animal shelters, book clubs, and more.

K-9 Kudzu will lead to speaking engagements. For some authors, speaker fees can bring in more income than the book sales. In the past, I’ve agreed to forgo a speaker fee if “x” number of my books are sold. I think that’s more equitable for everyone.

If I get tired of devoting extra time to marketing or if I decide writing is more important to me than direct selling, I can change my mind and reevaluate my approach.

Time will tell. That’s why I call it an experiment.

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Until next time, happy writing,

 

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