Marketing Tip: Harness Your “Local” Status

One of your biggest selling points, especially if a novelist, is that you’re “local.” While that can only take you so far, you’d be foolish not to fully harness it. A lot of businesses and institutions “local” products or those about their region. Among them:
• Libraries
• Tourism bureaus and historical societies
• Gift shops
• Book stores
• Stores related to you book’s topic (If you’re book is book hiking, why not get a local outfitter to carry it?)
• Bed and breakfasts
Simply approach the manager of the business or institution about carrying your books. Offer to give them a percentage of the sale with you providing the books. Mom-and-pop or locally-owned stores usually are the most interested. And don’t forget that local newspapers and radio stations almost always are interested in press releases about local authors

Need an editor? Having your book, business document or academic paper proofread or edited before submitting it can prove invaluable. In an economic climate where you face heavy competition, your writing needs a second eye to give you the edge. Whether you come from a big city like Miami, Florida, or a small town like Normal, Illinois, I can provide that second eye.