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How to Sell 200 Copies of Your Book in One Hour

By Getrude Matshe

How to sell 200 copies of their book to 20 people

Last week I sold 200 copies of my book www.bornonthecontinent.com to 20 people. They were members of the Rotary club and the expected turnout for the event was poor due to poor weather. The organizer who invites guest speakers was so distressed because they expected at least 70 members to show up. I did my best to assured him it didn’t matter.

I had of course, agreed to speak with the hope of generating sales so I had to think fast and came up with this plan to maximize my sales for the day. 20 people walked out of the room with 10 books each because I asked them to. Its so simple, just ask, all they can say is no.

This is a simple 7 step approach to selling your books to a small audience and maximize on the experience. The size of an audience does not really matter when selling your book, remember that one person knows at least 250 people so if there are two people you are addressing, potentially you may just reach 500 people with your message. Networking is the key to successful book sales.

Step 1 – Your introduction

Great your audience and tell them you are a professional motivational speaker and that you give free presentations to social groups in order to boost book sales and to meet interesting people.

Remember to be humble and thank the group, expressing how honoured YOU are to receive their invitation to address them. Most social groups are grateful to have interesting speakers who give of their time freely and will support them with book sales at the end of the presentation.

Step 2 – Look for a speaking engagement minimum 20 people

Most social groups like Rotary, Lions club, book clubs etc are always looking for interesting speakers, approach them and offer your free speaking service for one hour.

Step 3 – Deliver a 45 minute speech based on the contents of your book

The 45 minute presentation must touch on the key topics or chapters of your book, just wetting the appetite of your readers and generating an interest. Keep the presentation brief, just giving enough to create curiosity.

Have a 15 minute question and answer session, allowing your listeners to ask questions and here you can expand on topics not mentioned in full in your presentation. Potential readers love the opportunity to meet the author and get a deeper understanding of what motivated the author to write. Generate interest about the book by talking about other chapters not included in your presentation to wet the reader’s appetite.

Step 4 – Sell, Sell, Sell

Tell you readers the price of your book and explain what a fantastic read it is. Make sure you have at least three – five reviews or testimonials from your current readers and read these out to the audience. It is always good to have magazines or newspapers write-ups or reviews about the book on for potentials buyers to browse through while you are selling.

Step 5 – Thank your listeners

Remember to thank your listeners, reminding them that you need their help to sell your book. Ask them to tell their friends about your book invite them to pickup one of your business cards or have bookmarks before they leave, give these out at every presentation.

Ask them to exchange cards with you if they have one, this way you can build a very fast database of potential buyers for the future. Recommend that the audience can buy more than one copy if they like, make a joke of this. Seriously, this does make buyers think of upcoming birthdays, mother’s or father’s days or Christmas presents.

Step 6 – Signed copies

Tell your listeners that you will personally sign any copies purchased today, that way people will pay and get their books immediately. It is an added reward to get a signed copy from the author immediately. It’s all about perceptions of value; you add value to the book by offering your signature. Always have an order form for those who have no money and want to place an order for the book.

Step 7 – Sell multiples

Ask your buyers if they wouldn’t like to take more than one copy to on sell to their relatives or friends who could not come that day. Everyone can always think of at least 10 friends who are keen readers and who would appreciate the favour.

Good luck and remember to smile, joke and enjoy the selling experience!!!!

Getrude is an African storyteller, a poet, an artist, a published author, an entrepreneur and the founding director of three successful companies and one charitable trust in New Zealand.

Described as “a vibrant bundle of African energy, a human dynamo whose drive, zest and passion for life inspires everyone she meets.”

Combining enthusiasm with an energetic speaking style, Getrude Matshe is a fascinating, motivational and inspirational speaker.

Her extraordinary ability to manifest her dreams into reality can only be described as the way of the wizard Merlin; for she has the Midas touch and everything she touches turns to gold. Her presentations have drawn hundreds at recent engagements. She will share her amazing journey.