One Publisher is Helping Authors Sell Books by Thinking Outside the Box

by Bruce Brady @BDBrady007

Writers are expected to do more and more and more.

In a world where publishers are consolidating and cutting costs, and writers are expected to perform many marketing and promotional activities, how will we find time to write?

If you find yourself asking this question, you’re not alone. It’s a topic of discussion at every conference and writers meeting I’ve attended over the past few years. And it’s a valid question. Sales and marketing activities do take time—a lot. And not everyone can do them well.

Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas

Fortunately, there are people in the publishing world who care enough to think outside the box. One such professional is Eddie Jones, founder and CEO of Lighthouse Publishing of theCarolinas. Using his life experiences, he’s developed a unique idea for helping writers and readers alike.

“My football career was cut short by Tupperware. Well, Tupperware and the fact that I was the smallest player on our junior varsity team.”

“For many years, I helped my mom bag salad crispers and Tupperware tumblers. Those nights with Mom prepared me for the adventure of launching a new way to sell books at a time when many publishers are shutting their doors. It’s called the LPC Ambassador program.”

Amazon killed the old way of selling books.

“Let’s be honest: Amazon killed the old way of selling books. Not that long ago the big six book publishers, and by default, bookstores, played the role of kingmaker, but that’s changing. You only need to review the number of bookstores that have closed in the past few years and layoffs within the industry to see that bookselling the old way is in trouble. Publishers are still moving about the same number of books but it’s through Amazon.

That’s troubling to those of us who have witnessed the harsh stance Amazon has taken with some publishers.”

Jones explains that the LPC Ambassador program is an opportunity for select individuals to work at something they love—reading and recommending books. LPC Ambassadors are independent booksellers working from home, laptops, tablets, and smart phones.

“I admit, the concept of our LPC Ambassador program mirrors the success my Mom enjoyed with Tupperware. As a book party host you earn free books, gift cards, and money by inviting friends and family into your home to share the joy of reading. Our Ambassador book parties are fun and flexible, and a great way to earn some extra income. They get paid by selling books, not by purchasing products or recruiting friends.”

Ambassadors receive an LPC starter kit with selected books, training in social media platform building, client base development, and strategies for generating new sales. They also receive a personalized online storefront. Many Ambassadors begin taking orders within days of starting their business.

Books have the opportunity to bring friends & family together.

“Books have the opportunity to bring friends and families together in ways other forms of entertainment do not. This is the true joy of in-home book parties. It’s a chance to increase the role books and reading play in our culture while making a difference in people’s lives.”

As writers, we know lots of readers. And many of them are looking for ways to add to the family income. The LPC Ambassador program is a great way to do this. For more information, go to http://www.lpcbooks.com/

As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Please make a comment below. And let’s keep the conversation going.

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Bruce Brady is an author, writer and playwright. His work has appeared in Focus on the Family’s Thriving Family, www.ChristianDevotions.us, and on stage. Currently, Bruce is working on a Young Adult Novel about a boy who must deal with the death of his dad, being bullied, and helping his mom through her grief. His first five pages took third place in the ACFW South Carolina Chapter’s “First Five Pages” contest.

When he’s not writing, Bruce spends time learning from and helping other writers. He serves as Mentor of Word Weavers International’s Online Chapter, and as a member of Cross ‘N’ Pens, The Writer’s Plot, ACFW’s National and South Carolina Chapters.

“My dream is to entertain my readers and give them hope as they travel the rocky road of life.”