Are You Ready for the 2020 Holiday Book Buying Season?

 

Fall bookselling season is here. Known as the best time of the year for book sales, everything in 2020 looks a little different because of the pandemic's impact on book clubs, local author events, and school book fairs. 

The silver lining is an August report from NPD that states the U.S. print book market is up 5.5% over the same time period in 2019. The same report predicts the book market is on track to have one of its best years since NPD Bookscan began tracking data in 2004. 

Are you ready?

Go Virtual

Some organizers of cancelled events are opting for virtual events. Debut authors are experiencing varied levels of success with virtual events when combined with more traditional methods. Consider getting together with a few author friends and holding a live virtual event.

Get Social

Social media helps you reach people via your ability to engage others on sites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. Using holidays, big and small, as a way to promote your books can be helpful. World Kindness Day takes place on November 13 each year. The purpose of that holiday is “to highlight good deeds in the community focusing on the positive power and the common thread of kindness which binds us.” If your book involves an act of kindness, you could highlight it on November 13 or on Random Acts of Kindness Day, which is February 17. 

Social media ads are also a way to promote your book. The social media site you choose will depend upon who is your target market and where they socialize. This article from BigCommerce discusses social media advertising.

Don't Forget the Locals

Despite the pandemic, local newspapers still need human interest stories, independent book stores still hold author events (even if they are virtual), and local schools may need workshop ideas that tie into their curriculum. Reach out to your local contacts and let them know you are there to help.

Order Early

Printers may experience production delays, so be sure to order your books early. 

Using these tips, you can prepare yourself to sell during the holiday book buying season.

Cheryl C. Malandrinos is a freelance writer and editor. She is the author of four children’s books including, A Christmas Kindness, released by 4RV Publishing. A blogger and book reviewer, she lives in Massachusetts with her husband and two daughters. She also has a son who is married. Visit Cheryl online at http://ccmalandrinos.com and her children’s book blog at https://childrensandteensbookconnection.wordpress.com