What Do You Think About This Idea For A Great Bonus For Book Sales Page?

[intherightplace]

Hello Everyone:

My first physical book is ready to go (finally) and I'm working on the sales page. This seems to be the hardest part of the process (lol). I really enjoyed creating the book, but the marketing part is difficult for me as there are so many things to consider.

My book is going to be through Createspace (Amazon) and sells for $12.95. The title is "Adoption Waiting Game".

Since I really don't have additional information to give as a bonus, what about offering the pdf version as a bonus? I'm wondering about this, though, because if I sold the pdf separately as an ebook, I would earn more than the physical book because I must share the profits with Amazon.

I trying to figure out the best strategy, and any help would be appreciated.

[Cliff Michaels]

Hi intherightplace,

I'm sure that your book does not contain 'everything' there is to possibly know about adoption. Am I right? And...
things will change over time. New rules, procedures, etc. So...

Why not create a one-page monthly newsletter that all your customer will be automatically subscribed to when they purchase your book. I know you said you have no more info on the subject.... but some research would change that fast.

It can contain many tips, special info, and new or extra info that you may not have been able to include in your book regarding the pre-adoption process, the actual process, and the post-adoption process.

Newsletters are one of the best ways to build a list.... in fact, just a thought here.. you might even be able to follow-up with a newsletter regarding the whole after adoption world.... the challenges the couples face after adoption... and while people are subscribed to 'this' newsletter, you could be in the process writing an ebook on that subject that could be sold to your list down the line a bit.....

I, IMO, can't see the advantage of offering a PDF version. Why would that be an incentive? Anyway, just some thoughts.

Best Luck

Cliff Michaels

[intherightplace]

Cliff:

Thanks so much for your reply, Cliff. You certainly have given me so much to think about. That is why it is always good to have more than one set of "eyes" on a project. I love the idea about a newsletter, and I am going to explore the best way to incorporate it in my plan.

I appreciate your input and help! :-)

[MaryGallagher]

What would your readers want as a bonus? Who are you writing this for and what matters to them? That's where I would start. Do you have a list of people already waiting for this publication from you? If so, you may want to survey them as part of the Launch process for your book and maybe even run a contest for best suggestions... Time with you as an expert, an Interview mp3 with someone who is interesting to people in your niche, another related publication maybe in the public domain, maybe an audio version or synopsis of your book. Just thinking out loud here, throwing some things against the wall, and maybe one will stick... or morph into another idea for you...

Best to you in the launch of your book.

Congrats.
Best,
Mary

P.S. My sister adopted 2 children, and within a year she was surprised with her own pregnancy! I expect you hear similar inspirational stories from parents who adopt.

[intherightplace]

Mary: First of all, how wonderful that your sister adopted 2 children! Her experience is similar to my friend's. She adopted a son and they told her that she had a "one-in-a-million" chance of conceiving. And she beat the odds with a beautiful daughter.

I love Cliff's idea of a newsletter and I love your idea of an interview. Good stuff, and I am getting really excited about the possibilities.

I can't thanks everyone enough.....this site has been so helpful.

[Cliff Michaels]

Congrats.
Best,
Mary

P.S. My sister adopted 2 children, and within a year she was surprised with her own pregnancy! I expect you hear similar inspirational stories from parents who adopt.

Hi Mary, of course... here's another one. My cousin and her husband, after many, many specialist visits were told, "not gonna happen, impossible". So, as your already ahead of me.... they adopted a girl.... 3 months later.... surprise!.... and a year later..... surprise!...

The adopted girl went on to be a West Point Grad... and the two boys are in the film industry... amazing. Great stuff!

Cliff

[DebraLloyd]

I would urge you NOT to offer the pdf as a freebie - definitely publish that at the very least on Kindle as an eBook and make the money from that too. It's incredibly difficult to market a book without a decent size marketing budget but you have a very specific and motivated segment you are trying to reach so that's a big plus.

I would set up a website for the book and also offer to 'speak to Adoption support groups' via Skype or webinar on the subject - I have a complete promo and launch system set up for that (admin system with email templates etc) if you decide to go that route.

On that same website I would invite people to share (anonymously if they choose to) their stories and then compile those into a free PDF or eBook as an optin incentive when it's ready - you can always start small and update it as you get more input.

Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Debra