The Client:
Jeff had been working on a book project for many years without completing it. The book was aimed at middle school readers, and while fiction, could easily be used by classroom teachers as supplemental material in a variety of areas, including history and environmental science. Jeff needed an editor and a coach to help him complete his project and identify the best ways to market his book to both the general public and to schools.
The Project:
Jeff and I worked first to finish his book, then to decide on the best way to market it. We chose to publish not only as a paperback and an e-book, but also as a hardback. The hardback book has additional appeal to classroom teachers who are looking for classroom sets of several books that will stand up to hard use for several years. The book, which is about a Native American boy, includes several illustrations to make it more appealing to a younger audience.
The Results:
Jeff marketed the book in the Vermont area, where he currently lives, and in Ohio, where he had taught for several years. To bring in early profits to pay for the cost of the book, Jeff did an extensive online marketing campaign using Facebook and emails, to his extensive list of former students. He successfully sold over 100 books in this initial effort.