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Writing Improvement Software

Sunday, November 23, 2014

Amazon: Are You a Needle in Their Haystack?

For most authors, finishing the last page of their manuscript and uploading it to Amazon is a great relief. But the reality is, you've just finished the best part of being an author. Now the hard work really begins. Being your own publisher also means doing your own marketing, and it's the one thing most authors dread more than anything. Let's face it, most authors haven't a clue what to do at this point. Well, have no fear, here I am with yet another great tip that will help you stand out.

Being on Amazon really is like being a needle in a haystack. But many authors make the mistake of underestimating the one thing that readers really do look at: the Author Page. If you aren't utilizing this tool to show off yourself and your book(s), you're wasting a valuable resource. Take a look at this author's page, it's one of the best examples I've seen so far:

Ginger Gelsheimer's Author Page

She has her picture and bio, all of her books are listed there, as well as her 2 audio versions, her blog feed comes through here as does her tweets, she has her video trailers posted, as well as an author video.

Sell yourself and you'll sell more books. If there are 5 people at the Farmer's Market selling apples and they are all strangers but one, who are you most likely to buy your apples from? Yes, that's right, from the one you know. People don't have to know you personally, or even very well at all, but knowing about you can definitely have an impact - one you should take full advantage of.

11 comments:

  1. Ginger certainly has an extraordinarily stand-out author page. I've not seen anything on Author Central that allows for a set-up like this. Maybe your next blog article, this subject, would be a step by step for dummies? LOL...Please?

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    1. I'd be interested in that too!...Please :-)

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    2. Christine, I will write that post up right after Thanksgiving :)

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  2. Have you received the recent email from Amazon on the "new" Author Page?

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    1. Venky, I saw your post on that, and I may have, but my mail box is overflowing daily so I don't always see- or give much eye to, mails from Amazon, Smashwords, Book Daily, etc. I need to go read your post on that :)

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    2. Any chance I could have the link to that post too, please? Thank you.

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    3. I'll find that post and get it to you, Christine :)

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    4. This is a copy of the letter sent out by Amazon on the new Author Page.

      New Amazon Author Pages
      November 19, 2014 5:11 PM
      We're happy to announce that we've fully launched redesigned Amazon Author Pages!


      The new design makes it easy for readers to learn more about you and your books, and to stay informed about your news and new releases. The new Amazon Author Pages showcase your books, photos, videos, and updates you make on Twitter and your blog all in one place. Customers can add you to their list of Favorite authors to receive emails about your new releases, and follow you on Twitter without leaving your Author Page.

      Enhance your new Author Page today by uploading photos and videos, including a square profile photo, updating your biography, and by connecting Twitter and your blog on the Author Page tab in Author Central.

      Here are a few best practices to make your Author Page more appealing to readers:

      Profile image: Square headshots will look best (same width and height). We advise you to use an image that is already cropped square and has high resolution.
      Biography: We recommend a brief biography of about 100 words. Write it in the third person, include relevant facts that provide readers with insights into how your personal story influences your books, and mention awards and achievements.
      Books: Review the books on your Author Page to ensure we have all the books you've written that are sold at Amazon. If something is missing, add them in the Books tab.
      We’re always interested in feedback, so please let us know what you think.

      I'll get the other information for you shortly :)

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  3. Thanks for bringing this to everyone's attention, Chameleon. It's been a long struggle with Amazon to get mine right, but I hope to have my author page totally good soon...lol. Wanna see? http://www.amazon.com/Lex-Allen/e/B004V69802/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1417354207&sr=1-2-ent
    The last remaining piece is to get No Heaven in place of that Second Coming: Disciples antique! Ammy and I have been around the block a few times, but I think the dance is almost over. PS: The UK site has it right. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lex-Allen/e/B004V69802/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1417354322&sr=1-2-ent

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    1. Very good! See? That wasn't so bad, right? :D Why is that Second Coming book still showing on your pages? It can't be deleted, or taken down?

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