And, you can do it in minutes—I promise and be open within the day. How cool is that? Meet
In 2016, Ingram bought Aerio. Its software allows any individual or publishing sites to create stores, get opt-in customer relations, and curate a selection of products, books, DVDs, graphic novels and more from a catalog of 15 million. That’s very hot news indeed for us. And if you are already in IngramSpark customer—there is NO COST to set it up.
These stories can be shared in a simple link, and for those writers familiar with YouTube, can be embedded as easily as uploading a video.
Overall, the economics of selling books are, in effect, made transparent. And guess what … you name the price … even discounting below what the Amazon gods have marked it at; you can sell at list price … or you can even raise the price if you have a bundle with another event such as a fundraiser. Hmmm… that’s “author power”!
Now, remember, it’s a “store”—so you can offer other goodies. Books that complement yours and that you recommend. And happy dance, you will get a percentage of the sale of others click through. It’s what I call “mailbox money” … yes, you are going to have to promote your website—let all your followers now that they can get your books and others you recommend and feature. Why not add a bonus to any buy—may a free webinar or open phone call to pick your brain or visit with you on a set date? Possibilities are unlimited.
This means that you. Look at what Grace Allison created for her publishing company, Modern Mystic Media:
How Much Does It Cost?
Always a good question. Aerio offers marketing services that range from $0 to $250 per month. For those just putting the toes in the water, start with the free. You can always transition to one of the premium levels at a later date. The Aerio “Free” package provides you with a free set-up and no annual fees and the ability to sell their 15+ million print book titles. Aerio starts charging when you want to market your own eBooks. Those monthly packages are based on how many ebook titles you’d like to market, ranging from $25 (20 ebooks) – $250 (250 ebooks) per month. They also offer annual package discounts.
Start branding what you have to offer via your website, in addition to the social web (which is another option offered.) Aer.io charges a 15% commission of the selling price of each sale and handles fulfillment and support—meaning you don’t ship. Sign-up for the service, complete with a simple four-step registration process. To get started and learn more, start here.
Judith Briles is a book publishing expert and coach. She empowers authors and is the Founder of AuthorU.org, a membership organization created for the serious author who wants to be seriously successful. She’s been writing about and conducting workshops on publishing since the ’80s. Judith is the author of 35 books including Author YOU: Creating and Building Your Author and Book Platforms (Foreword IndieFab Book of the Year), Snappy Sassy Salty: Wise Words for Authors and Writers and a speaker at publishing conferences. Book #35 was published in 2016: How to Avoid 101 Book Publishing Blunders, Bloopers & Boo-Boos. Get your copy now.
Each summer, she holds Judith Briles Book Publishing Unplugged, a three-day intensive limited to a small group of authors who want to be seriously successful. In 2017, the dates are June 22-24th. Her audio and workbook series, Creating Your Book and Author Platform is now available. Join Judith live on Thursdays at 6 p.m. EST for “AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing” on the Toginet Network at bit.ly/PublishingShow.
Follow @AuthorU and @MyBookShepherd on Twitter and do a “Like” at AuthorU, and join the Facebook group Book Publishing with The Book Shepherd. If you want to create a book that has no regrets, contact Judith at Judith@Briles.com.
Author U is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to the author who wants to be seriously successful. Monthly education programs delivered face-to-face and online, The Author Resource ezine, BookCamps, and the annual Author U Extravaganza are tools designed for authors pre-, during and post-publishing of their books. Join AuthorU.org today.
If you are looking for FREE author and book coaching … call in to Judith’s Author Monday Mornings at NOON Eastern each Monday if you are an AuthorU.org GOLD member.