Last week I was once again in New York City meeting with our buyer at Barnes and Noble corporate. Publishers present hundreds and even thousands of titles each and every month to our buyer, and there are dozens of buyers depending on the genre. In other words, the competition is thick and very competitive!
However, Tate Publishing has an audience with Barnes and Noble and other leading retailers and present our titles, which gives first-time authors with Tate Publishing the very best chance for success that they can have in the industry.
At times we are incorrectly labeled as a vanity press or a POD (print-on-demand) publisher. These kinds of statements are unfortunate and are consistently made by people that are either unfamiliar with how the industry works or who simply do not have all the facts. Vanity presses and POD publishers do not afford the opportunities to authors that we do at Tate Publishing, especially gaining an audience with retailers such as Barnes and Noble and their buyers. We have worked very hard to cultivate personal and direct relationships for distribution and retail, and we are excited to see the growth and will continue to work hard to give Tate authors every advantage they can have.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
The Power of Social Networking
The internet has us communicating in ways we never imagined just a few short years ago, and one of the primary benefits of this kind of communication is social networking. The world is becoming smaller and smaller, and it is now just as easy for me to have a conversation with my wife's sister (who serves as a missionary in Nepal) as it is with my own sister (who lives here in Oklahoma). In fact, we can all communicate at the same time through tools like Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter.
The good news is that these social networking sites are good for more than simply finding out how unattractive that old high school flame turned out to be. They can actually help us connect, do business, and if you're an author, sell books! If you're unfamiliar with the concept of social networking, check out the video below to see what social networking is all about:
Tate Publishing is now assisting our authors with building customizable MySpace and Facebook pages. Our goal is that these tools will help our authors connect with their target audience, explore new possibilities, and even connect with far away friends that simply didn't know they had published a book!
If you'd like more information about how social networking can work for you, contact your Tate Marketing Representative. Whether it's through joining online book clubs, becoming a "fan" of another book (and in turn, building your own "fan" base), or simply making you and your book more visible, we want to help take you to the next level and help you discover the power of social networking!
The good news is that these social networking sites are good for more than simply finding out how unattractive that old high school flame turned out to be. They can actually help us connect, do business, and if you're an author, sell books! If you're unfamiliar with the concept of social networking, check out the video below to see what social networking is all about:
Tate Publishing is now assisting our authors with building customizable MySpace and Facebook pages. Our goal is that these tools will help our authors connect with their target audience, explore new possibilities, and even connect with far away friends that simply didn't know they had published a book!
If you'd like more information about how social networking can work for you, contact your Tate Marketing Representative. Whether it's through joining online book clubs, becoming a "fan" of another book (and in turn, building your own "fan" base), or simply making you and your book more visible, we want to help take you to the next level and help you discover the power of social networking!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Can I Get on Oprah?
We hear this question from time to time throughout the Tate Marketing department, and it is a valid one. After all, no one will give an author more exposure than Oprah can, right?
Well...maybe. But success can be found apart from Oprah. And the reality of it is, Oprah only pushes maybe 1 or 2 authors on her show every year (one of the most recent being actor Sidney Poitier, Oprah's childhood idol). With over 400,000 new books to be released this year, the chances of being featured by Oprah or her book club are quite slim. Add to that rare chance the fact that Oprah does not accept any unsolicited material, and the chances become even slimmer.
So unless you are a legendary actor or are known for something else prior to writing your book, it's time to do something besides just hope that Oprah will jump on board to help you get your book noticed. That's why Tate Marketing puts together a strategy - a specific plan - that will help Tate authors sell their books.
You see, we have a saying around the halls of the Tate Publishing offices - 'Hope is Not a Strategy.'
Sitting back and hoping that someone else will sell your book for you is no strategy at all. That's why our Tate Marketing Reps work hand-in-hand with our authors to devise the best plan to help each author sell their book. We cannot take a "cookie-cutter" approach to selling books, but need to instead think carefully with our authors about who they know, what their circle of influence is, who they can invite to attend their events, and what the true target audience really is for their book.
When the hope of Oprah is no longer a possibility, we have to buckle down and team together to be about the business of selling books. Tate Marketing is about creating the opportunities for our authors to successfully sell their books, whether that happens in a bookstore, coffee shop, gym, middle school, or church. Our Marketing Representatives not only work the retail bookstore angles, but they also work these kinds of venues that enable our authors to truly get their books in front of those that need the book the most. In April 2009 alone, we have over 430 events on our calendar, giving our authors the best chance to reach their audience and sell their books.
If you are reading this and are a Tate author, please be sure to stay in touch with your Marketing Representative and discuss the possibilities. We can brainstorm with you and provide new ideas and opportunities for success - and simply believe that Oprah doesn't know what she's missing.
Well...maybe. But success can be found apart from Oprah. And the reality of it is, Oprah only pushes maybe 1 or 2 authors on her show every year (one of the most recent being actor Sidney Poitier, Oprah's childhood idol). With over 400,000 new books to be released this year, the chances of being featured by Oprah or her book club are quite slim. Add to that rare chance the fact that Oprah does not accept any unsolicited material, and the chances become even slimmer.
So unless you are a legendary actor or are known for something else prior to writing your book, it's time to do something besides just hope that Oprah will jump on board to help you get your book noticed. That's why Tate Marketing puts together a strategy - a specific plan - that will help Tate authors sell their books.
You see, we have a saying around the halls of the Tate Publishing offices - 'Hope is Not a Strategy.'
Sitting back and hoping that someone else will sell your book for you is no strategy at all. That's why our Tate Marketing Reps work hand-in-hand with our authors to devise the best plan to help each author sell their book. We cannot take a "cookie-cutter" approach to selling books, but need to instead think carefully with our authors about who they know, what their circle of influence is, who they can invite to attend their events, and what the true target audience really is for their book.
When the hope of Oprah is no longer a possibility, we have to buckle down and team together to be about the business of selling books. Tate Marketing is about creating the opportunities for our authors to successfully sell their books, whether that happens in a bookstore, coffee shop, gym, middle school, or church. Our Marketing Representatives not only work the retail bookstore angles, but they also work these kinds of venues that enable our authors to truly get their books in front of those that need the book the most. In April 2009 alone, we have over 430 events on our calendar, giving our authors the best chance to reach their audience and sell their books.
If you are reading this and are a Tate author, please be sure to stay in touch with your Marketing Representative and discuss the possibilities. We can brainstorm with you and provide new ideas and opportunities for success - and simply believe that Oprah doesn't know what she's missing.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
New Ideas for Your Book
With spring and summer quickly approaching, now is the time to begin thinking about how to get your book back in the limelight.
Sometimes the question isn't, "What have I done to sell my book that I could do again?" but rather, "What have I not yet done at all to sell my book?" Every book and every author are unique, and what works for one may not work for another.
For some, selling online has jump-started their book. For others, speaking in local churches has boosted sales. And for others, sometimes having a booth at a local book fair does the trick. But whatever you want to pursue, please be sure to contact your Tate Marketing Representative. Why? I'll give you three reasons...
First, we can help you find that right spot - the perfect avenue to help you find your target readers in your area for your book. Your Tate Marketing Rep can help you brainstorm to find new possibilities that you perhaps never knew existed - right in your own backyard. We work hard to connect our authors to arts festivals, book fairs, church conferences, library events, flea markets, you name it! If you are only looking to retail bookstores to sell your book, you are missing at least half the picture.
Second, if you find one of these kinds of events on your own and plan to attend, we need to know so that we can promote the event and your appearance to the area media. In March alone, we have over 350 author events on our calendar, and while each event is unique, they all have one thing in common - every single Tate author event is promoted through press announcements to the local media. But if we don't know what you're up to, we can't promote it anywhere! Please be sure to keep your Marketing Rep in the loop on everything you are doing and all the appearances you wll be making to promote and sell your book.
Third, staying in touch with your Tate Marketing Rep is the hallmark of every successful long-term Tate author. Unlike most publishers, we stick with our authors for the long haul and give each book the time it needs to succeed. If it's been awhile since you've tackled selling your book, we are always ready to jump back in and start things up again. If you have been at it awhile and need a break, that's fine too. We'll still be here when youcome back to meet your needs, make more contacts, and pursue more opportunities for as long as you want to pursue the selling of your book.
Being an author - with any publisher - is hard work. No doubt about that. But with Tate Publishing you have a partner that will stand and fight shoulder to shoulder with you to get noticed and to reach the readers that need the message contained in the pages of your book. As we team together and work in partnership, opportunities for success can always be found!
Sometimes the question isn't, "What have I done to sell my book that I could do again?" but rather, "What have I not yet done at all to sell my book?" Every book and every author are unique, and what works for one may not work for another.
For some, selling online has jump-started their book. For others, speaking in local churches has boosted sales. And for others, sometimes having a booth at a local book fair does the trick. But whatever you want to pursue, please be sure to contact your Tate Marketing Representative. Why? I'll give you three reasons...
First, we can help you find that right spot - the perfect avenue to help you find your target readers in your area for your book. Your Tate Marketing Rep can help you brainstorm to find new possibilities that you perhaps never knew existed - right in your own backyard. We work hard to connect our authors to arts festivals, book fairs, church conferences, library events, flea markets, you name it! If you are only looking to retail bookstores to sell your book, you are missing at least half the picture.
Second, if you find one of these kinds of events on your own and plan to attend, we need to know so that we can promote the event and your appearance to the area media. In March alone, we have over 350 author events on our calendar, and while each event is unique, they all have one thing in common - every single Tate author event is promoted through press announcements to the local media. But if we don't know what you're up to, we can't promote it anywhere! Please be sure to keep your Marketing Rep in the loop on everything you are doing and all the appearances you wll be making to promote and sell your book.
Third, staying in touch with your Tate Marketing Rep is the hallmark of every successful long-term Tate author. Unlike most publishers, we stick with our authors for the long haul and give each book the time it needs to succeed. If it's been awhile since you've tackled selling your book, we are always ready to jump back in and start things up again. If you have been at it awhile and need a break, that's fine too. We'll still be here when youcome back to meet your needs, make more contacts, and pursue more opportunities for as long as you want to pursue the selling of your book.
Being an author - with any publisher - is hard work. No doubt about that. But with Tate Publishing you have a partner that will stand and fight shoulder to shoulder with you to get noticed and to reach the readers that need the message contained in the pages of your book. As we team together and work in partnership, opportunities for success can always be found!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Your Book is Your Business
Being an author is hard work. Whether you are John Grisham, Rick Warren, Stephen King, or a first-time, non-celebrity author, there is no mistaking it - selling books requires extreme effort on behalf of the author. One does not write a book and then become a household name. Nor can one have a book published and then sit back and expect the book to take off without putting in weeks, days, months, and even years of intensive labor as a professional author. Even the well-known names I mentioned above toiled for years before becoming recognizable in the publishing world, and this industry is more competetive now than ever before.
It's for this very reason that Tate Publishing authors have an advantage in the industry. We are the best at what we do, and we give first-time authors a voice and an avenue for success that did not exist in the publishing world just a few short years ago.
Our partnership model for publishing and marketing allows authors to have a hands-on experience thoughout production to ensure that the completed book becomes a product they can be proud of. And with Tate Marketing, Tate authors can explore both the bookstore market and the specific niche audience for their work. As each author partners closely with their Marketing Representative, new ideas are always on the horizon.
But as I stated above, your book is your business, and your book is a product. Authors must view their role as that of an entrepeneur, and their book is a product to sell. In today's economic climate - or any climate for that matter - one must manage their small business wisely in order to succeed. Planning, preparation, and hard work are crucial.
Again, this is where a Tate Publishing author has an added advantage. We put every single author on the path to success from the moment their book goes to print. With the lowest author buyback prices and highest royalty structure in the publishing industry, in addition to offering free books (which should essentially be viewed as starting capital) and promotional items , Tate authors can begin their journey ahead of the competition.
The role of Tate Marketing is to create opportunities for our authors to sell their books. And when authors have pride in the product we provide, treat their book as a small business, and come to the table ready to outwork the competition as we do, the possibilites can truly be endless.
It's for this very reason that Tate Publishing authors have an advantage in the industry. We are the best at what we do, and we give first-time authors a voice and an avenue for success that did not exist in the publishing world just a few short years ago.
Our partnership model for publishing and marketing allows authors to have a hands-on experience thoughout production to ensure that the completed book becomes a product they can be proud of. And with Tate Marketing, Tate authors can explore both the bookstore market and the specific niche audience for their work. As each author partners closely with their Marketing Representative, new ideas are always on the horizon.
But as I stated above, your book is your business, and your book is a product. Authors must view their role as that of an entrepeneur, and their book is a product to sell. In today's economic climate - or any climate for that matter - one must manage their small business wisely in order to succeed. Planning, preparation, and hard work are crucial.
Again, this is where a Tate Publishing author has an added advantage. We put every single author on the path to success from the moment their book goes to print. With the lowest author buyback prices and highest royalty structure in the publishing industry, in addition to offering free books (which should essentially be viewed as starting capital) and promotional items , Tate authors can begin their journey ahead of the competition.
The role of Tate Marketing is to create opportunities for our authors to sell their books. And when authors have pride in the product we provide, treat their book as a small business, and come to the table ready to outwork the competition as we do, the possibilites can truly be endless.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Three Keys to Tate Publishing Success
Even with the current downturn in the U.S. economy, Tate Publishing is continuing to see more and more response from industry retailers and other areas for book sales. When other publishers, distributors, and industry players are downsizing, laying off personnel, and closing their doors, Tate Publishing continues to open new doors with a model that is effective for our authors, for Tate Publishing, and for retailers.
The key begins with quality authors, and I believe Tate Publishing houses some of the most gifted and talented writers in the world. Since we only publish about 3% of the manuscripts submitted, we can select for publication the very best authors that have the most marketable books in today's publishing climate.
Second, we believe in producing a quality product that is second to none. In the years I have been at Tate, the quality of the books we produce has continued to develop. With the consistent improvements and the striving for excellence that we've made in our editing, layout, and cover design departments, our books are standing out more than ever. Our award-winning production staff truly creates products that authors can be proud of and that can make waves in the marketplace. In a crowded industry, a top-of-the-line product that turns heads can make a huge difference.
Third, we believe we have a marketing plan that allows our authors to penetrate both the bookstore market and the target, niche audience for their books in a way that no other publisher can even touch. The partnership model we have allows our authors to interact with us and put together a plan that is both general to the masses and specific to the reader, enabling authors to get their books into the hands of those that need it most.
As I often do, I encourage any Tate author to contact their Marketing Representative right away to continue developing new strategies and ideas. Each and every book is different, and each and every author is different as well. We are ready to continue what we've started, and we're ready to move in new directions with you as well, making an impact with retailers and beyond.
The key begins with quality authors, and I believe Tate Publishing houses some of the most gifted and talented writers in the world. Since we only publish about 3% of the manuscripts submitted, we can select for publication the very best authors that have the most marketable books in today's publishing climate.
Second, we believe in producing a quality product that is second to none. In the years I have been at Tate, the quality of the books we produce has continued to develop. With the consistent improvements and the striving for excellence that we've made in our editing, layout, and cover design departments, our books are standing out more than ever. Our award-winning production staff truly creates products that authors can be proud of and that can make waves in the marketplace. In a crowded industry, a top-of-the-line product that turns heads can make a huge difference.
Third, we believe we have a marketing plan that allows our authors to penetrate both the bookstore market and the target, niche audience for their books in a way that no other publisher can even touch. The partnership model we have allows our authors to interact with us and put together a plan that is both general to the masses and specific to the reader, enabling authors to get their books into the hands of those that need it most.
As I often do, I encourage any Tate author to contact their Marketing Representative right away to continue developing new strategies and ideas. Each and every book is different, and each and every author is different as well. We are ready to continue what we've started, and we're ready to move in new directions with you as well, making an impact with retailers and beyond.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Communication is the Key at Tate Publishing
The #1 issue most of us face on a day-to-day basis is communication. In fact, the #1 reason there are disputes, misunderstandings, and relationship problems is due to either poor communication or a lack of communication.
If you've ever been to a drive-thru window, you know what I mean. Nothing is more frustrating than driving away from the pick-up window, getting back on the road, and discovering that what's in the bag doesn't match what you ordered. Grrr.
Communication means both speaking and listening well. We often are quick to speak and slow to listen, which tends to get us in trouble. As the old saying goes...God has given us two ears and only one mouth...I think He was trying to hint at something!
It is my desire that each and every Tate author gets clear answers and is listened to. Whether it's a simple question or a frustration when something doesn't go as planned, our desire is to listen carefully and respond.
The publishing industry can be frustrating, no question. With over 300,000 new titles released every year, the marketplace is extremely competitive and crowded. However, Tate Publishing is still the best option in the industry for first-time, unknown authors looking to get nationwide distribution, book signing events, media coverage, and ongoing niche marketing.
But in order for your book to reach its maximum potential, we need the lines of communication wide open. Our most successful authors stay in close, regular communication with their assigned Marketing Representative...brainstorming, planning, teaming together.
I would encourage you to contact your Tate Marketing Rep if it's been awhile since you've done so. We are willing to do more, but we need to hear from you - what you're willing to do, how you'd like to approach marketing your book, and what successes and failures you've had on your own. While we do have a standard marketing plan, we realize that every author has different desires, plans, and goals. As we communicate, we can find new avenues - new opportunities for you -even months and years after your book's initial release.
Whatever the issue, we are on your team, and we can tackle it. That's why we're here, and that's why we need communication - it is the backbone to success!
If you've ever been to a drive-thru window, you know what I mean. Nothing is more frustrating than driving away from the pick-up window, getting back on the road, and discovering that what's in the bag doesn't match what you ordered. Grrr.
Communication means both speaking and listening well. We often are quick to speak and slow to listen, which tends to get us in trouble. As the old saying goes...God has given us two ears and only one mouth...I think He was trying to hint at something!
It is my desire that each and every Tate author gets clear answers and is listened to. Whether it's a simple question or a frustration when something doesn't go as planned, our desire is to listen carefully and respond.
The publishing industry can be frustrating, no question. With over 300,000 new titles released every year, the marketplace is extremely competitive and crowded. However, Tate Publishing is still the best option in the industry for first-time, unknown authors looking to get nationwide distribution, book signing events, media coverage, and ongoing niche marketing.
But in order for your book to reach its maximum potential, we need the lines of communication wide open. Our most successful authors stay in close, regular communication with their assigned Marketing Representative...brainstorming, planning, teaming together.
I would encourage you to contact your Tate Marketing Rep if it's been awhile since you've done so. We are willing to do more, but we need to hear from you - what you're willing to do, how you'd like to approach marketing your book, and what successes and failures you've had on your own. While we do have a standard marketing plan, we realize that every author has different desires, plans, and goals. As we communicate, we can find new avenues - new opportunities for you -even months and years after your book's initial release.
Whatever the issue, we are on your team, and we can tackle it. That's why we're here, and that's why we need communication - it is the backbone to success!
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