Handselling Series: Alex Grecian
While I enjoy introducing new discoveries to readers, I equally enjoy selling a next-book-in-a-series to an established fan. They already know what to expect from the author, but these customers might not keep release dates top of mind.
There are several ways to handsell series, and I’m using Alex Grecian’s The Devil’s Workshop as an example.
- Share the trailer through Facebook. You’ll be able to reach your broad list of followers, but for some, this may be their first introduction to Alex Grecian. Introduce the series with a short description: “The Devil’s Workshop, the third book in the Scotland Yard Murder Squad Series by @AlexGrecian, is coming next week. And the Ripper is back! (Need to start at Book 1? Begin with The Yard, available on our shelves now.”
- Share the trailer link through Twitter. Again, the reach is broad. “Like historical thrillers? Have we got a series for you. @AlexGrecian‘s Murder Squad series. Here’s a peek at the latest: http://bit.ly/1f3mjQb“
- Research your database to see which of your customers have purchased the first 2 books in the series. Send them an email with the trailer as well as Grecian’s social media information. Invite them to follow him on Facebook and Twitter. Also include a buy button for The Devil’s Workshop.
- Do the same research as in #3, but instead of sending an email to these customers, give them a call. Do this especially if the list isn’t as long and you have time to make a few calls. It’s easier for a customer to delete an email than to say “no” to a trusty bookseller on the phone.
