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This is perhaps the most frequently asked question, and while there’s no single promotional avenue for reaching every library and bookseller in the nation, Bowker has created a program that has the potential for expanding a book’s exposure. It’s especially useful for promoting fiction because it provides what the buyer wants to see – a sample of the story - the most important aspect of selling novels. The most critical chapter of a novel is the first chapter. Hopefully the author has skillfully baited the book-hook with enough enticement to compel the browser to buy the book and read more. The problem has been how to make the first chapter directly available to book buyers in a format that can be read and ordered easily. Our online bookstore, www.buybooksontheweb.com, includes a sneak-peek of the first thousand words. However, some potential buyers want to read the entire first chapter before making a buying decision. R.R. Bowker has introduced First Chapter as new way for promoting books directly to bookstores and libraries. Hilda Maaskant, First Chapter Project Manager, explained in a recent interview, “Placing your title in the First Chapter Program will expand your book’s positive presence within the established library vendor and book buyer’s arena. Professional book buyers are extremely loyal to their resources. Today’s technology has made it possible to greatly expand the availability of your book on the Internet. However, finding the right resource sites can be very challenging and costly. Bowker is offering you an opportunity that will enhance your marketing efforts by assuring your First Chapter will be included in resource websites frequently visited by book buyers.” The book buyer resource websites include: BUY.COM reaches 1 million hits & 10,000 unique users in single day and set first-year record with $125 million in sales BN.COM (Barnes & Nobles): consumer site that provides online ordering for individual book orders. Title Source (Baker & Taylor) distributor: will provide information for as many wholesaler as possible Ingram iPage: adds additional ordering functions OCLC (Online Computer Library Center): library vendors (online catalogs: World Cat, First Search). OCLC Online Computer Library Center The first chapter of your book will also be available for many to read at BooksInPrint.com and Bookwire.com. In addition, the author will receive an HTML/XML excerpt of their first chapter for the purpose of posting it on the author’s website for viewing and downloading by visitors. Excerpts will be included in the regular distributions of the Chapter One program distributed by Syndetics, Inc., which will be integrated with library service vendors and its library clients. Additional First Chapter distribution includes all websites with annual agreements with Dial-A-Book to receive all files created for Chapter One. These websites currently include those of Books-in-Print-on-Line, OCLC (for World-Cat/FirstSearch), Barnes & Noble, Buy.com, Baker & Taylor Title Source II, and Ingram’s iPage. The cost of placing a book in the First Chapter Program is $500, however, we have negotiated a special arrangement with Bowker. The price per title for Infinity authors is $275, and Infinity will provide Bowker with the author’s book. To participate in this new cooperative program call Michelle Shane toll-free at 877-BUY-BOOK.
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