Monday, 6 November 2023

Meet My Marketing Manager


I have a new Marketing Manager and Public Relations Adviser. His name is Bonzo Bookcase. You can see his photo above.

We met today to discuss ways of promoting my books and how to get help from my loyal readers to pass the word around about my books and recommend them to other potential readers.

The conversation went something like this:

Marketing Manager: You must stop monkeying around Vic and take this question of book promotions seriously.

I didn't pay much attention as I was eating some monkey nuts he had in a bowl at the time. He threw a banana at me to get my attention and asked: How many books have you got published so far?

Me: Forty - and a cartoon one available to download FREE from my website (HERE).

He stopped and scratched his armpit for a while and then said: Forty? You have a lot to say for yourself. Are they all available on-line as well as in the shops?

Me: Yes, some are available in paperback and Kindle format, whilst others are available in Kindle format only. I have a website which shows my Christian books and my Funny books too.

Marketing Manager: Funny books?

Me: Yes, they attract new readers who may then hopefully read my Christian books too. My website has an option called "more" at the top of the screen where people can choose the style of book they want to read (HERE).

Marketing Manager: Good ... have you had any feedback from your readers. And I don't mean have they sent you bananas and peanuts!

Me: Yes, some have e-mailed me saying they liked the books, others have left Reviews on the AMAZON website.

Marketing Manager: Why don't you encourage them to write more Reviews on Amazon for you?

Me: How? Anyway, I don't want to impose.

Marketing Manager: You're not imposing you ape! If your readers genuinely like what you write they'll be happy to spread the word for you in AMAZON Reviews or by word of mouth even.

Ask them ... beg them ... to tell others about your books. If they are as nice as you say they are, they  will oblige.

Me: Sounds a good idea! I just don't want to bother my readers.

Marketing Manager: Your books are not expensively priced ... why is that?

Me: The intention is not to make money. The price of the books is based on production costs and postage. The royalties I get are very low ...

Marketing Manager: No wonder you pay me peanuts then? WAIT A MINUTE !!! Are you mad Mister? It says HERE that you are giving some of your books for FREE. For FREEEE!!!!

Me: Well ... my intention is that people would like what I write and then get to read my Christian books and ...

Marketing Manager: Giving away books for free! Well that's an excellent business model that is. Are you trying to make a monkey out of me?

Me: well ... I thought ...

Marketing Manager: That's the problem with you ... you thought ... well, stop thinking and leave the planning to me.  People these days want to know the person behind the author. Who are you? What kind of person are you? They like to get to know you ... and a heart-rending story helps ... it makes them like you more.

Tell them a sad story about you to make them feel sorry for you and buy your books. I can arrange to have you run over by an elephant for example through a friend of mine at the zoo. Or get a bear to bite your backside ... or a lion to maul you over ...

NOTE: At this point I decided to run out of Bonzo's office without signing a Contract with him. Any ideas or advice as to promoting my books gladly appreciated.


12 comments:

  1. ...life seems to have become all about marketing!

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    1. Indeed Tom. There's no point in me writing books if no one knows they exist.

      God bless.

      Delete
  2. I'd run out of Bonzo's office, too, Victor! I'll go back and check this week on Amazon to make sure I've given you a thumbs up.
    Blessings!

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    1. You're so kind Martha, and I am grateful for all your AMAZON Reviews and for posting about my books on your Blog.

      God bless always.

      Delete
  3. Funny Books? That what we used to read until they were called Comic Books.
    Anyway, I will get back to reading seriously soon. At least I hope so...
    Thanks, enjoyed the entry, Imma thinking your Market Manager starred in the 'Monkey's".
    Sherry & jack on the next big coast over...

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for your nice Reviews on AMAZON, Jack and Sherry. I'm so glad you liked my writings. Enjoy your holidays and hope the weather is good.

      God bless.

      Delete
  4. Bonzo may have some outlandish ideas, but he still makes me laugh. Please keep writing and we'll keep reading!

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    1. Thank you Mevely for being a loyal reader, and for featuring my books on your side bar on your Blog.

      I'm now writing another book of Fr Ignatius stories.

      God bless you and yours.

      Delete
  5. Marketing can be tough these days, I wish I could give you some ideas but I have none. Don't stop writing because I think something will give eventually. Keep the faith and you'll be in my prayers.

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    Replies
    1. Many thanx for your much needed prayers, Bill. Yes, much needed.

      I have been advised not to spend money on marketing and advertising. These days, unless backed by a big publisher, it is difficult to sell one's books. That is why a number of mine are available FREE for people to download on their PCs and tablets. My aim is to spread the Word, not to make money.

      www.holyvisions.co.uk

      God bless you, Bill.

      Delete
  6. Bonzo laughing his head off at the end absolutely made my day, Victor!

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    1. Glad I made you smile, Linda. I hope it encourages readers to promote my Christian books.

      God bless.

      P.S. I tried to comment/register on your new website and it would not let me. It was too complicated. I preferred your old Blogger website.

      Delete

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