HELP !!!! POET IN NEED OF HELP !!!

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   keizposted 14 years ago

   hey guyss !
   -- so yeah I know your like she must be in desperate need of help and I am ; so I've just published a new poetry book and I only had 5 buyers ; thats bad because Im not a bad writer at all I just do not know anyone at all and I only know another fellow poet other than myself ; so I need ways to market my book . I tried facebook but the individuals on my page are the wrong target market; they're young kids like myself who are only interested in partying and other such things and would rather spend their money on something that will not last them over a day . So Ive been sitting here trying to make a plan and nothing at all is coming up; any ideas? any tips ? I really need it ! Please and THANK YOU VERY MUCH if you have any helpful input to this problem!

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      china manposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Poetry is not especially popular as a subject I would think.  Apart from the help that Earnestshub posted recently (on a thread from Dale Mazurick I think) about ebooks and how to promote them - if you only know one other poet you could put your best on here and let the natives shred it for you.

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   Ultimate Hubberposted 14 years ago

   I can't really say how to promote a book on poetry. But try using adwords for the promotion, it might work if you target the right keywords and Geo locations.
   
   Best of luck with your book!

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      keizposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      thats a great idea!! Thank you very much

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   Shadesbreathposted 14 years ago

   Are you doing readings at local poetry venues?

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      keizposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      No only at the school I was located at but since you wrote that I will be attending one this weekend ! thank you

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      Ben Zoltakposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      This is probably the best suggestion. I used to go to readings and some of the poets had their books for sale. Also, you can sometimes sell them on consignment to small book stores, comic book stores and odds and ends gift shops.
      
      Good luck!

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   Sherbet Pennyposted 14 years ago

   Yes it is all about performance these days to sell your poetry, you might need to go to poetry reading, enter poetry slams, the more exposure you get, the better. Enter competitions online, even is you do not win, the more exposure you get, the more poetry you get out there and people start to read your work, then you will start selling books, hope this helps.

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   WriteAngledposted 14 years ago

   There are loads of poetry competitions, although I think many of them are scams. A genuine competition would offer a window for your work.
   
   What about offering to do a poetry workshop and/or a reading for various groups: local library, schools (if your work is suitable), lunch clubs for elderly people, mothers' groups, etc?
   
   Do you  have any lighter works, that could be used as warm ups in other events. I'm thinking along the lines of Les Barker of "A Cardi and Bloke" fame. Among other things, he's appeared several years in a row as the warm-up for concerts at the Welsh Folk Fiddle Festival and people love him. There was even an official petition sent to Downing Street insisting he should be named as the next Poet Laureate! He has a stall going in the interval and after the concert to sell his pamphlets and CDs and there is always a huge crowd of willing buyers.

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   Lynda Garyposted 14 years ago

   I recently purchased this book:
   
   Red Hot Internet Publicity: An Insider's Guide to Marketing Your Book on the Internet, by Penny C. Sansevieri
   
   Google it / her, and you'll find your way to her website where you can sign up for her newsletter.  I get it, and it's full of valuable info.
   
   The book was $20, I believe.

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   Lecieposted 14 years ago

   you can ask your local library if they'll put up your fliers advertising your book and how to purchase it. some local high schools may also help as well. you may even talk to them about doing a book signing. it's great publicity. go to your local mall as well. many people in your communtity will be happy to help. after all how many places have published author's that get involved? so step out there and you'll be pleasantly surprised in the response. good luck.

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