I received a voice mail from a sales representative:
‘The purpose of my call today is to introduce myself and take a moment to briefly describe for you two core-based technologies; laser Internet on-line office and an Internet broadcasting technology. I don’t know whether or not if any of these applications may be of interest to you, I would appreciate a brief moment of your time to review that.’

Raising awareness of your book and making a beaten path to your door is considered one of the hardest aspects in the book industry. To have recognition for your work even to feel satisfied with yourself is a tough path that everyone has to walk. But, there are a great many resources and companies that will help you attain your goals as a publisher and/or author along the way making your journey smoother

In 1988 a first-time author, British mountaineer Joe Simpson, wrote of his disastrous climbing accident in the Peruvian Andes. His book, Touching the Void, got good reviews, but wasn’t too popular outside England. It sold modestly and then, like most books, began fading into obscurity.

Reading groups have proliferated over the past decade thanks in part to Oprah and her book club. These groups, often referred to as book clubs, should not be confused with book clubs that allow readers to purchase discounted books at regular intervals. Reading groups are made up of individuals who read books and like to discuss what they’ve read with other people.

With Book Expo less than a month away, I thought this would be a good question to answer. I have been going to trade shows for the past 30 years or so. Over that time, I can think of a single show, covering three different industries, where I sold anything of substance during the show.

If you’re heading off to Book Expo America this month, you already know that it’s the largest book trade event held in the U.S. and second only to the Frankfurt Book Fair internationally. And whether you’re exhibiting a self-published book at the show, signing autographs in your publisher’s booth, or just planning to walk the floor, you can make it a more profitable experience. Here’s how:

Your telephone can be a valuable asset to help you sell more books, especially in non-bookstore markets where you have to do the selling. Yet many people feel apprehensive about using the telephone to talk with strangers. If you can learn to use the telephone in spite of your fear, you could experience increased sales and profitability. There are techniques you can use to overcome your dread and improve your oral-communication skills. Remember these points, and you won’t miss your calling.