Old Mate Media interviewed Tony with tips on how to publish and market your books.
How many books have you written and how many have you published?
I’ve written 8 books and 5 have been published, two novels and three non fiction books about Alfred Hitchcock. The books on Hitchcock are about the making of his films as I specialise in mystery and suspense.
Where do you sell your books?
My books are sold through Ingram which distributes through Barnes and Noble and Walmart, and they are also sold through Amazon. The Alfred Hitchcock books are sold widely through bookstores like Waterstones and Barnes and Noble.
What’s your best sales channel, and why?
Kindle is a great way of reaching your readers, especially Kindle Unlimited. The cost of a non fiction paperback can be high, but I’ve found that many readers have bought my book on The Birds through Kindle as its more economical than buying a paperback.
Marketing your books can be hard. What’s one thing you’ve tried that’s worked well and why?
Interviews and help from other authors works well, especially authors who write works similar to yours. So I’ve reached out to other authors for blog tours, cover reveals and interviews and that has helped spread the word when I have a new book to launch.
What is something you’ve tried that didn’t work at all?
I’d be cautious about paying for advertising such as Facebook. I tried with one of my novels and I didn’t get the return in my investment. I would recommend readers to use advertising as a last step because there are many social groups, free channels and blogs which can be just as effective.
What would you say to someone thinking of writing their first book?
Be passionate about your writing, set aside time to finish it, and keep on re-writing. Writing is all about re-writing, so hone your craft and don’t be too impatient to have your first book published.
Can you share a lovely moment you’ve had as an author?
Receiving feedback for your work is always rewarding whether it’s an email or social media post from a reader saying they have enjoyed your book. My most precious memory is receiving a phone call from Winston Graham, the author of the Poldark series of novels. He had read my first book on the making of Marnie, the Alfred Hitchcock film which was based on his novel. He congratulated me for my research and that was very important to receive praise for my first book.
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