Wednesday’s profit tip for authors

When sending review copies of your book to bloggers and members of the press, invest a little extra time and money ensuring that the recipient will be in proper frame of mine when your book arrives and the recipient opens the package.

Often, review copies arrive unexpectedly and without explanation, or are just accompanied by a packing slip. Often, there’s just a press release. This is not a good start. The author or publisher has just added to my workload without telling me the relevance of the book to my interests. They haven’t “sold” me on taking the time to read and comment on the book.

I feel a lot different about a book when it arrives with a personal message from the author inviting me to share my opinion about the book with him and others.

Enclosure cards

To create a warmer reception for the book, consider printing up attractive enclosure cards on heavy paper.

At the top, or along one edge, these cards should contain a thumbnail image of your book’s cover, along with your name and contact information. The card should also contain space for you to enter a handwritten greeting, followed by your signature.

Your handwritten message doesn’t have to be long to be effective, just a brief greeting, including the current date and recipient’s first name, along with a few lines explaining why you’re sending the copy to them, and your hopes that they enjoy reading the book.

A handwritten enclosure card projects a friendly and professional image, which paves the way for favorable reviews or testimonials.

Invitation. What are your favorite tips for sending review copies of your books?