Selling Your Book To Corporations
By Joni Pypers

If you are publishing a book, you know that publishing is not just creating a book. It is creating a product. When companies create products the main goal is to sell those products. If the products don't sell, the business doesn't exist. If you don't sell books, your publishing business doesn't exist.

Now, doesn't it sound like the perfect opportunity to figure out a way to work with other businesses who are selling other products, in order to increase both of your sales?

This kind of arrangement between companies is often called cross-promotion and it is a fantastic way to sell more books. Don't overlook this very important component of your book marketing plan.

There are countless ways to set up cross promotions and here are just a few:

- Gift with purchase incentives

- Educational tools

- Charitable support promotions

- There are many, many more...

However, before you decide what type of promotion would be best, you must find another company that is a good match with your book. How can you do that? Start brainstorming.

Identify companies that have similar target buyers to you. If your book is geared towards new mothers, then think about who else targets new mothers: diaper companies, crib manufacturers, baby food companies, etc. If your book is for car enthusiasts, then create a list of companies like car dealerships, tire manufacturers, car magazines, etc.

Once you've identified the prospects, then you have to start preparing materials to send to them. This is the point where you develop your proposal. In that proposal you will outline the major benefits to the other company of your cross promotion. Be specific here -- tell them exactly what is in it for THEM, not for you. (If you're not sure where to start, an outline of the proposal we actually use is available in our Ultimate Book Marketing Kit)

Pitch your ideas to as many companies as you can. Don't forget to follow up, and don't forget to be persistent. This is where you put your book marketing salesman hat on.

Sell more books!

© Copyright 2004 Ink Tree Ltd.

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