Congratulations! You've poured your heart and soul into your book. Now, the world needs to know about it. But in a crowded marketplace, how do you make your masterpiece stand out from the endless shelf (or virtual shelf) of other books? With a sales sheet, your covert weapon in the battle for reader attention.
What is a Sales Sheet, and Why Should You Care?
Think of a sales sheet as a one-page pitch for your book. Targeted at bookstores, reviewers, bloggers, and event planners, it's a crisp, compelling overview that showcases your book and convinces them to champion it in your promotional efforts.
What Belongs on Your Sales Sheet?
Headline that Hooks: Craft a captivating headline that grabs attention and embodies your book's core message. Think of it as your elevator pitch in a single sentence.
Eye-Catching Cover: Include a high-resolution image of your cover art. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words (or hopefully a thousand sales).
Intriguing Blurb: Here's where your copywriting prowess shines. Write a concise and captivating description that teases the plot, highlights the genre, and piques the reader's interest.
Target Audience: Define your ideal reader. Are you writing for mystery-loving millennials or history-buff baby boomers? Knowing your audience helps decision-makers see if your book aligns with their customers.
Reviews (Optional): If you've snagged some glowing reviews, flaunt them! Positive quotes from reviewers or industry influencers add credibility and social proof.
Short Author Bio: Briefly introduce yourself, highlighting your writing credentials and any relevant experience.
Purchase information: Tell them how to get it. Be sure to list where it’s available, the ISBN, price, publish date, page number and genre.
Call to Action: Don't be shy! Tell bookstores, reviewers, and event planners what you want them to do – stock your book, write a review, or host a reading.
Contact Information: Make it easy for them to reach you. Include your website, email address, and social media handles.
The Mission of Your Sales Sheet
Now that you’ve created your sales sheet, how do you use it? Here are just a few ways to leverage this tool:
Bookstores: Sales sheets are a bookseller's best friend. They provide a quick snapshot of your book, making informed purchasing decisions easier.
Reviewers: Use your sales sheet to target reviewers whose audience aligns with yours. It'll pique their interest and provide them with all the information they need to craft a stellar review.
Bloggers: Reach out to book bloggers with a compelling sales sheet that highlights the aspects their target audience would love.
Eventful Engagements: Planning book talks or signings? Your sales sheet can spark interest with event organizers and potential attendees.
Tip: Consider offering a free ebook to reviewers and bloggers as well to help win them over and join you in promoting the book.
Designing Your Sales Sheet
A well-designed sales sheet is a powerful marketing tool. Here are some bonus tips to make yours a champion:
Keep it Concise: One page is all you need. Brevity is key in today's fast-paced world.
Visual Appeal & Branding Matters: Use clean layouts, high-quality visuals, and professional fonts to create a polished presentation. Be sure to use your branding.
Readability Reigns Supreme: Use clear, concise language and avoid jargon. Remember, your audience might not be familiar with your specific genre.
By creating a well-crafted sales sheet, you'll be ready to start hitting the street (or your email) to begin promoting your book and asking others to help do the same.
Get a FREE copy of our ebook: 10 Steps to creating Your Ultimate Book Marketing Plan HERE!
Rebecca Paciorek is an Online Business Manager specializing in assisting authors, coaches, and speakers in their business growth through traditional and digital means.