Holiday Sale Ideas

by Alessandra Torre, NYTimes bestselling author and Inkers Con co-founder

The holidays are fast approaching, which means it’s time to…

☕ binge on pumpkin spice lattes

? put on the holiday music

? take advantage of extra earning opportunities for authors

If that last to-do item causes a giant question mark to appear above your head, let me share some ways you can earn some extra cash (from your writing) during the holiday season. And not just Christmas… think of these opportunities throughout the year and with all celebratory days.

?︎ Discount your book(s). Hold a special holiday sale (be sure to use festive and themed graphics to advertise it) and promote the heck out of it.

? Sell signed books direct to readers. You might already have a website store, but if you don’t, I like to use Google Forms or Jotform to create easy book order forms (see this blog post with step-by-step instructions). Advertise the form and encourage your readers to knock off their holiday shopping list with personalized signed copies. If you are really organized, you could create special editions or run a Kickstarter that will end in time for holiday shipping, but it’s probably too late for that this Christmas.

? Create a themed giveaway. While this might not bring in the holiday dough, it can create a surge in social media followers or newsletter subscribers. Give away an Easter basket full of books or a Valentine’s collection of sexy romances.

? Give all of your readers a gift. Last year, I gave all of my readers a free book for Christmas. To receive it, they did have to sign up for my newsletter – which was a win/win for both of us!

✍️ Write a holiday novella or short-story. Readers love holiday-themed stories, so plan ahead and write something focused around the event. It could be a newsletter lead magnet, a bonus for your subscribers, or a new release that you launch and sell.

With all of these efforts, don’t forget to plan it well in advance, prepare, and then properly spread the word. Here’s a handy to-do list (don’t forget to check it twice!):

✅ Update your website with a pop-up that points to it

✅ Update your social media banners to fit the festive feel and points to it

✅ Send out a newsletter that is focused on it – heck, send three!

✅ Allow time for at least a two week promo on social media

✅ Ask your street team, bloggers and authors friends to also spread the word

I hope this email gave you some inspiration and ideas for ways to capitalize on the holiday season.

P.S. The upcoming Inkers Con 2024 conference offers dozens of brand new classes, Q&As, author discussions and more! Join us in Dallas or online!