We have just updated our website with more helpful publisher guides. Please take a look when you can for info how-tos on book ads, tip sheets, BISACs, comparative titles, cover images, and more:

 http://www.straussconsultants.com/resources/effective-tip-sheet-guide

http://www.straussconsultants.com/resources/major-sales-accounts-image-specifications

http://www.straussconsultants.com/resources/comparitive-title-guidlines

http://www.straussconsultants.com/resources/book-advertising

The Gossip Girl DVD with audio book goes on sale shortly, with an August 19 release date. The DVD set of the first season of this CW hit will include a CD version of the novel that inspired it by Cecily von Ziegesar, narrated by Christina Ricci. The audio book can be transferred to an iPod, for an ideal marketing fit with the show’s primary audience of females around 26 years of age.

Publishers are getting more savvy to the digital world, and how to capitalize on the successes of other forms of media. The New York Times reported that the 12 books in the series have sold 5.6 million copies; the three audio versions, based on the first three books, have only sold less than 1,000 copies a year. Because audio book sales of Gossip Girl have been dismal, publisher Hachette is hoping that hitching it to the DVD set in a format appropriate for its main audience, could prove just what the doctor ordered to boost sales.

Publishers should watch out for, or create their own opportunities, to creatively piggyback their struggling products to ones whose star are on the rise. The market for audio books has generally been drivers who listen while on the road, but this doesn’t translate well to young adults. Books for the iPod could better serve this audience. The sales and success of the Gossip Girl DVD with audio book will be something to watch in the coming months.

Could giving away free book samples drive more book sales, like giving away samples of deli meat makes grocery shoppers want to buy more? The cosmetics industry, for example, has used free samples of their products to grab customers for years, maybe the book industry should take note.

It is no secret that the culture inside a Borders or Barnes & Nobles bookstore is to hang around for hours in the comfy chairs reading books, like getting free samples before you buy. This has contributed largely to the popularity of these book chains, helped books sales and customer loyalty.

Now book publishers and authors can utilize the Internet for a similar effect. In his blog psfk, Dan Gould notes Neil Gaiman’s book American Gods, which was put up online in its entirety for free by its publisher, in an effort to promote his upcoming work The Graveyard Book. Despite being available online for free, actual book sales went up. The Internet is not killing print, in fact it can help if used in creative ways.

In the face of harder economic times and high gas prices, online sales are experiencing a nice boost. Retailers are seeing a drop in store sales, but an increase in online sales. So it seems online book sales could be recession proof after all.

While going into a physical retail location will always be a popular option, more people are turning to the Web for careful research on purchases, closest locales, and Internet-only offers. Gas prices are driving even computer illiterates to become more Internet savvy in order to save money. A recent New York Times article notes that e-commerce sales are expected to surpass $200 billion in 2008, up from $175 billion in 2007, according to Forrester Research.

Online book sales could see gains despite the recession. Publishers and book marketers alike should strive to capitalize on the Internet’s strengths. Internet marketing campaigns, search engine optimization (SEO), online social networks, and blog ads will prove particularly worthwhile in the times ahead.

The Great American Bargain Book Show (GABBS) is on from Aug. 1-2 at Atlanta’s Cobb Galleria Centre. GABBS is an overstock, remainder, bargain and value book show where you can save on new books and other products and gift items. The discounts on books range from
75% to 90% off of retail.

The International Christian Retail Show (ICRS), formerly the CBA, will be on from Jul. 13-17, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. Join retailers, suppliers, book distributors, and book industry professionals at the largest show in Christian retail. As a staple of the Best Christian Conferences, this book show is one of the most important all year.

The American Library Association (ALA) will be holding its 2008 Annual Conference in Anaheim, CA, from June 26–July 2, at the Anaheim Convention Center. Committee and business meetings take place June 28-July 1, Council Meetings run to July 2, and education programs take place primarily from June 28-30 during the exhibition.

This year’s Book Expo America (BEA) may be over, but next year’s industry event will be at New York City’s Jacob Javits Center from May 28-31, 2009. Looking even further in the future, in 2010 the BEA will be at the Washington DC Convention Center from June 3-6, and in 2011 at the Las Vegas Convention Center from June 9-12 so stay tuned!