Friday, April 3, 2015

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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How One Publisher is Helping Authors Sell Books by Thinking Outside the Box - via @BDBrady007 (Click to Tweet)

A new way to sell books from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas - @BDBrady007 (Click to Tweet)

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.”

15 comments:

  1. Thanks for the information, Bruce. Light House Publishing of the Carolinas was a topic of decussion with Christian Communications on our Big Tent sight. This article is timely.

    Write on!

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    1. Happy to serve, Carolyn. I hope more publishers follow suit. Thank you for your comment. God bless you.

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  2. I've been so happy with LPC being my publisher, and I was excited to hear what Eddie had started with the Ambassador program. I've been telling people I know about it.

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    1. I love the way Eddie cares about authors. I hope to work more him more in the future.Thanks for taking the time to read this post, Ane. God bless you.

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  3. This is wonderful. I am praying about doing this.

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    1. Thanks for sharing, Cherrilyn. I think it's a great opportunity for both readers and writers. May God bless your prayers with a clear answer.

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  4. An innovative idea. We need more ideas like this to help us promote and sell our work.

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    1. I agree wholeheartedly, Marissa. Thanks for your input. God bless you.

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  5. I appreciate LPC's having the guts to move forward with new programs while so many other publishers are pulling back. It is a program with "success" written all over it- for Ambassadors, readers and authors. Thanks for highlighting it, Bruce.

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    1. Your right on, Carol. LPC is the cutting edge of publishing. I pray the Ambassador program will catch on quick and big, for all concerned. Bless you.

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  6. I hope this gives Amazon some competition.

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    1. You and me both, Pat. I really appreciate how Eddie tries to do all he can to help authors. God bless.

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  7. LPC is the most supportive, encouraging publisher around. They truly partner with their writers in social media and marketing. If anyone can find an innovative way to beat Amazon at their own game, and at the same time, benefit the writers, it's Eddie Jones.

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    1. I completely agree, Norma. He's got other ideas that I pray will come to fruition. Thanks for taking the time to read and comment. God bless you.

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  8. I have been traveling so am late posting to this. I am an LPC Ambassador and appreciate this opportunity for a home based business. I have sold a few print books and some ebooks already, and I am looking forward to where this business will take me.

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