Introduction
As a self-publisher, you need to understand how a potential customer will determine if your book is worth buying. Suppose the buyer already found his book on Amazon because he was looking for information on a topic that his book covers. They are getting ready to buy a book that they think will help them learn something new and is worth their time and money. What must your book do to convince this person to ignore the other books and buy your book? I’ve outlined some crucial questions you have to deal with as a self-publisher if you want the buyer to choose your book over another. By answering these questions, you will help the buyer to have more confidence in their decision to choose your book over many other books.
You must understand your buyer
Not all buyers will go through all the steps. Buying or downloading a book is usually not a complicated and lengthy decision-making process. But some of the steps in making a decision to buy a particular book will be more important to certain buyers. And some steps will be less important, or not considered at all. But you, as a self-publisher who needs to sell books, need to understand why your readers’ decision-making process is going through. The better you understand that thought process and the better you provide the answers to your buyer’s questions, the more books you’ll sell.
The questions you must answer
These are some of the most obvious and essential questions that you, as the author and editor of your book, must answer. I’m sure with a little thoughtful effort, you should be able to develop additional questions that your particular book’s audience will need to answer before they decide to buy.
1. Can the book buyer download a sample of your publication from Amazon, Scribd and your own website?
2. Does your book have a website to support your book?
3. Are your book reviews on Amazon for the buyer to read?
4. Is there any discussion about your post on social reading websites?
5. Who is the publisher? Does this publisher specialize in the subject of your book?
6. Are you the editor, but do you have many years of experience on the exact subject of this book?
7. Do you, the author/publisher, have any other related titles?
8. Does your book have a great foreword by an industry guru, pundit, pundit, or famous author?
9. Does the introduction to your book correctly explain what the book is about?
10. Does the layout and format of your book look professional? and is it easy to follow?
11. Is your book cover well designed and professional looking?
12. Does the back cover of your book provide all the essential information about your book?
13. Is any publisher referenced on the cover or in the credits?
14. Have you, the author, written other related books? And are they available on Amazon?
15. In addition to the eBook edition, is there a print edition?
16. Does your book appear on any bestseller lists or must-read lists?
17. Does your book website answer all these questions and many more?
As you can see, most of these questions need to be answered as you develop and build your marketing plan around your book. Most of the answers to these questions should be readily and quickly available to the buyer. Much of it should be available to the buyer from your book’s Amazon page. Everything should be available on your book’s website. Remember, today’s consumer is very sophisticated and very careful with their money. And with amazing companies like Amazon, your options are nearly limitless.
conclusion
Therefore, you must put yourself in the shoes of your buyer. Think about what information you, as a consumer, would need to make sure your book is the best one to buy. It’s not a difficult process, but it is essential, especially if you have any hope of developing a financially successful book.