As we get closer and closer to the release of THE 7 TACTICS OF SUCCESSFULLY PUBLISHED AUTHORS in April, exclusively provided to Outskirts Press authors, we realize that throughout the plotting, publishing, production, and promotion process, you may run across a few acronyms (not to mention some alliteration).

Here are some common ones, along with their meaning, and how they can help you become a successfully self-published author.

AIDA – Attention, Interest, Desire, Action

Every promotional step you take should be rooted in AIDA. That includes writing a press release, pitching yourself to a radio station, or trying to get a spot on a television show. First, you have to grab their attention. This usually involves a “hook” or USP (see below). Then, once you have their attention, you have to maintain their interest. Next, you have to build their desire. Make them see what’s in it for them. Lastly, give them an action step. That’s your close, and it leaves them wanting more so they call you, buy your book, or go to your website.

PIE – Plan, Implement, and Evaluate

Promotion is as easy as pie when you following these three simple rules. Plan your marketing, implement the steps, and then evaluate the results. The last step is to Adjust accordingly, but PIEA doesn’t sound as appetizing.

POD – Point of Difference

Very similar to the USP, a point of difference is the special “something” that separates you or your book in the marketplace. Make sure either you or your book ( preferably both) have a strong POD on which to hook readers, or buyers (which includes retail store clerks).

UBP – Unique Buying Proposition

Put yourself in your buyer’s shoes. What is going to appeal to him or her? Something unique, most likely. If you emphasize the
UBP for your buyers in advance, they won’t have to occupy their mind looking for it, and instead can concentrate on what you’re pitching.

USP – Unique Selling Proposition

A close cousin to UBP but from the seller’s perspective. What makes your book different from every other book out there? Always be sure that your press release, pitch, or promotional material emphasize the USP. Otherwise, you’re just another book in a very full library.

WIIFM – What’s in it for me?

This is the perspective from which every listener hears, regardless of what you are saying. If you address your proposal, topic, event, or interview with this understanding, you will be able to answer that question and keep your audience riveted (not to mention interested). The next time you write a press release or call a producer to get an interview, remember WIIFM, and if you tell them exactly what IS it in for them, you’ll be amazed at the results.

WYSIWYG – What you see is what you get

This can refer to everything from the layout of your book or cover to the design of your webpage. In the land of digital media, it’s easier than ever to provide WYSIWYG proofs. Just because it was fast doesn’t mean it’s not accurate. What you see is what you get — so review carefully.

Already published elsewhere and not getting marketing and book support like this?  Wondering how you can receive The 7 Tactics of Successfully Published Authors next month?  Here’s how…

It’s never too late to publish right.

Publish in time for FATHER’S DAY

A successful book launch has a lot to do with timing.

Savvy authors rely on holidays, anniversaries, or “awareness months” to get the most out of press releases, media events, and book signings.

Some self publishing book categories that make great Father’s Day gifts are:

• Autobiographies or biographies
• How-To’s
• Reference
• Sports tales
• Parenting
• Humor
• Military/War
• History

If you have any manuscripts that fall into the above categories, or any applicable category, now is the perfect time to submit your book for publication with Outskirts Press so that it can be published in time for Father’s Day.  Our publishing time frame is about 10 weeks long, but authors have been known to publish their book with us in as little as 3 weeks. It’s entirely up to you.

If you’ve already published a bookfrom among the categories above, mark your calendar now and prepare
for June  21st early.

If you’ve been thinking about publishing a book, now is the time. In fact, no matter what type of book you have, your grandfather, father, husband, or son will love a gift that features you as a published writer!

Impeccable timing is one of the most important elements of good book promotion.

Luckily, each month contains several opportunities already, either in the form of holidays, anniversaries, or “awareness months.”

Read the 31 Days of Book Promotion for March by clicking here.

Speaking of book promotion, April is National Poetry Month and provides one of the single most opportune times to promote a published book of poetry. As many published poets will attest, marketing poetry is a difficult endeavor because of the subject matter. The target audience is harder to pin-point than with a non-fiction book, and more narrow than with a fiction
publication.

Leveraging pre-existing holidays or events such as “National Poetry Month” puts you ahead of the game.  If you are an Outskirts Press author, you know OP already features Christmas (or holiday) cards featuring your published book and will be introducing additional greeting cards for all occasions in the coming months.

If you’ve already published a book of poetry, mark your April calendar now and prepare early. If you have published with Outskirts Press, we can help you with marketing materials. Just sign-in to your Author’s Center and access your Marketing Options Screen. You may want to order some bookmarks, posters, or postcards since many local and national book retailers (including Barnes & Noble) hold Poetry Reading sessions during the month of April. They’re always looking for local talent to read passages from their published books of poems. If you have a book of poetry, contact the marketing or communications manager of the stores in your area. Having our Optional Retail Returns package is a good idea in advance of pursuing conversations with BN offline stores.

If you’ve been thinking about publishing your poetry, now is the time.  Push the button below to start publishing your book today.

These 12 Outskirts Press authors only need to wait 2 more days.

On December 7th, the New York Times Holiday Edition of the NYT Book Review is distributed to over 5 million people, and in the pages of that edition is the Outskirts Press co-op announcement featuring these books below:

	American Indian Mafia: An FBI Agent’s True Story about Wounded Knee, Leonard Peltier, and the American Indian Movement (AIM) by Joseph H. Trimbach and John M. Trimbach
	The Family Bones by Kimberly Raiser
	My Funny Dad, Harry by Karen Arlettaz Zemek
	Secrets of the High Court: On Political Culture, U.S. Constitutionalism, and the Foundations of the Abortion Industry by Daniel P. Klimek
	Memoirs of an Immigrant by Olof A. Eriksen
	King Ego: Clearing The Path To Happiness by Pnina Yoeli
	Thru the Wall by Rodger Epley
	The Sneakiest Pirates by Dalton James
	Universe God’s Jewel by Nick Kostovic
	CreaturePuppet by Derrik J. McGinnis
	The End Result by Marc Boyajian
	How Capitol Got the Beatles: and Then What Happened by Charles Tillinghast

Our apologies to many of our other Outskirts Press authors who expressed an interest in participating in this amazing opportunity. With limited space, we had to turn so many away. However, keep an eye on this blog for another opportunity with the New York Times in 2009.

Not yet a published author? Start publishing today.