Tools to turn a digital book into a bestseller
What is a digital book
A digital book (also known as an electronic book, e-book, or ebook) is a lengthy publication that has been published in a digital format. Reading it requires a digital device, such as an e-reader, tablet, computer or smartphone. Nowadays most books are published in 2 version: printed and digital, but there are also books that are published exclusively in a digital format.
The paper format is better for some people, while others prefer the digital version. Each format has it’s own unique advantages, but we’re going to focus now on digital books.
Benefits of publishing digital books
- In a world gone digital, you’re missing out if you don’t publish digital books.
- Reach a wider, global market without having to set up shipping services
- Reduced costs, because the publisher doesn’t have to pay for paper, printing and distribution.
- Online publishing platforms make distribution easy, simplifying the process for publishers, and where people can find online books to read.
- The digital format supports interactivity and enhancements: integrated dictionaries, digital bookmarks, sharing options, etc
Digital book publishing software
When it comes to choosing the best digital book publishing software, authors have many options, ranging from tools for writing and sharing (Word, Google Docs, Pages, FocusWriter, Evernote, Scrivener) to tools for design (InDesign), tools for editors (Grammarly, Hemingway App, AutoCrit, EditMinion), rights & licensing, sharing, selling and digital publishing platforms. It’s impossible to pick one best publishing software unless you know the specific needs of the publisher in question.
We can recommend Flipsnack as a tool for promoting your digital book.
5 digital book promo ideas
I’m assuming that you recently published a digital book online and you need to promote it, or you’re a marketer working for a publishing company. In both cases, you want to create an exceptional experience for readers that will make them want to buy your e-book.
Below you have a list of 5 smart promo ideas that are not commonly used in book marketing campaigns, so you will have an advantage to start with. These digital book promo ideas will generate buzz and grow your community.
1. Digital book trailer
Videos are a great way to promote anything, because they are very engaging. As an author/ publisher you might be reluctant to use videos to promote the written word, but don’t let that stand in the way. With book trailers you can reach a wider audience than you would with traditional marketing.
There are many types of book trailers (using illustration, typography, actors) so you should make a trailer that hooks the right audience.
The best part about the book trailers is that they can be a standalone hit or they can be helpful in your other campaigns.
2. Interviews
Author interviews are another way to get the word out about your digital book. Whenever you get the chance to be interviewed by local press, bloggers or the big media, jump at it. The format is not that important: print, TV, radio, TV. What matters is that people will find out about your ebook.
If possible, ask to see the questions in advance so you can prepare your answers. It certainly helps if you are shy in front of reporters.
3. Digital book interactive presentation
Looking for something different that will make your book stand out? I know just the thing: make an interactive book presentation, in which you can include book trailers and interviews, but you can also add reviews, interesting information about the digital book and more. Here’s an example of a digital book presentation along with tips for making your own.
4. Use the free digital book preview to build email lists
It’s an industry standard now to offer a short preview for free to your potential readers. It’s an advantage for both publishers (the preview in itself is a marketing hook) and readers (they make a more informed purchase decision). You’ve seen these previews for all Amazon digital books, Google Books and publisher websites.
If you’d like to try a more advanced digital book preview, you should give Flipsnack a try. I’ll explain how to use it specifically for this purpose.
Create a preview PDF (the first 30 pages of your digital book), upload the PDF to Flipsnack and apply a lead form on page 10 or 15. This means that everybody will have access to a basic preview, but if they leave you their email addresses, they can unlock 15 more pages. Sweet, right? More about lead forms here.
5. Run A/B tests for cover design
The book’s cover is the equivalent of packaging, which means that it’s often what sells the product, or, in this case, the book. Read about what Chip Kidd said about book covers.
Luckily, the digital format makes testing and tweaking possible. So, you should try running an A/B testing for the cover design. You can do so by running an email campaign or an advertising campaign. Here’s a case study around an experiment run by a writer who was trying to get the word out about her new book.
