Publishing My Children’s Book in Six Months: Sales Technology

(To  listen to the audio of this blog post, use the purple play button.)

Sales Technology

When it comes to technology, I might as well be Amish. I’ve never used an ATM machine, owned a debit card, or scanned a QR code. Like the Amish, I’m not against technology, I’m just slow to adapt to it.

People change for a reason. Sometimes circumstances require it. Fifteen years ago, I purchased my first smart phone when I realized I was supervising younger people who used the technology to communicate. That’s when I understood the latest phone was an important tool for success, not a toy or a luxury.

During Covid I jumped on the technology of Zoom so our Kansas Authors Club district could continue to meet monthly. Meeting electronically, not in person, was an eye-opener. Sure, some people got tired of it, but it served a purpose.

I benefited from becoming comfortable with Zoom. While Gina Laiso, Integrita Productions, was developing the color illustrations for K-9 Kudzu: Observations of a Working Dog Who Loves to Play, Alex and I met with her on Zoom to collaborate.

*

K-9 Kudzu, my first children’s book, will be printed next week. To increase sales, I’m upgrading my technology beyond my website and other social media platforms. The focus is on sales technology.

Unfortunately, as an indie author I’ve learned how to spend money faster than I make it. My latest expense is a smart phone. I didn’t mind it being old when it served my needs, but when the email stopped working, I knew it was time. The phone is a personal expense, but it’s integral to today’s selling.

I decided on a Samsung Galaxy since my last phone was an android. It took me a minute to figure out how to turn on the Galaxy and to locate the text icon, but it’s going well for an old guy. I’m even learning the value of apps.

The phone has an amazing camera that could be useful as a telescope. Maybe I’ll take more photos at book signings and author talks and post them online. When I visit schools, I’ll check on the rules about taking photos of children, especially if I want to post them. I want to respect a person’s privacy.

For a long time, my website has been set up for online book sales, but now I’m preparing for more in-person purchases. I’ve just signed up with Square so I can process sales via my phone or a credit card reader.

I’m trying to adapt to the business world where people are less likely to purchase items with cash or a check and are more likely to use a debit card to swipe, tap, or dip. As a former Boy Scout, I want to be prepared. Who wants to miss a sale?

I like that Square and other companies charge a percentage of each sale rather than a monthly fee. That way they only make money when I make money.

I’m also signing up with Venmo. Younger people I know love their Venmo account. I wonder, Will I love it? This whole adventure makes me realize; I’m sure going to learn a lot in the coming months.

*

Meanwhile, Rosemary Miller, “The Tech Chic,” is updating my website so that K-9 Kudzu will also be available for online purchase. See jimpotterauthor.com.

*

Alex and I aren’t against using old advertising techniques. We’ve ordered two mobile billboards. The T-shirts should arrive in time for our book signing on July 20^th at Bookends bookstore, 123 N. Main, Hutchinson, Kansas.

Until next time, happy writing,

 

• 

• Bookends bookstore, 123 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS, is open Wednesady through Saturday. Phone 620-259-7511. Website link http://bookendshutch.com

 

• Never miss a weekly blog by Jim Potter at Sandhenge Publications. Sign up by clicking below to receive my weekly blog sent to your email address. https://jimpotterauthor.com/sign-up-for-jim-potters-blog-posts/
• Better than Amazon with free S/H and no sales tax to you. Purchase one (or more) of my books directly at my website by clicking https://jimpotterauthor.com
•