Why Book Sales Matter & A Special Webinar!


Happy Tuesday, creative friends.

We have an exciting announcement to share today!

But First, Why Your Book Sales Matter

We know some authors and illustrators who don’t see the need to help publishers sell their books. This is a mistake.

Book sales are important for these reasons:

  1. Editors/publishers look at these numbers before offering you the next deal.
  2. If they do buy your manuscript, your last book’s sales numbers will affect the amount the publisher offers for the new deal.
  3. What you sell after you earn out your advance is extra income in your pocket.

But how can you affect book sales? (Without asking all your friends to buy your book or spending your day on social media?)

Introducing . . . Our Book Marketing Webinar!

We have a layered approach to share with you…and are offering a $17 webinar to teach you what we know.

In the live webinar on March 1, 2025, at 12 pm EST, we will share the most up-to-date strategies for your book marketing and help you craft a DIY plan that works for your strengths, time, and interests.

Sign up here!

Blocking a School Visit

We’ve seen school visit presentations where the author or illustrator talks at the students for 45 minutes. Sure, some kids stay engaged, but most don’t. So what’s a better choice?

Plan your presentation in short blocks of 2 - 10 minutes. You can mix and match the blocks depending on your learning goals and presentation preferences. Kids will stay engaged and leave with solid learning outcomes.

Here’s an example:

Block 1: Ask a hook question
(raise hands or thumbs up, side, down)

Block 2: Read aloud your story + interactivity
(search and find, call and response, ask questions)

Block 3: Interactive Activity
(drawing, quiz, storytelling activity)

Block 4: Game

Block 5: Movement Break

Block 6: Interactive Activity

Block 6: Q& A

Make sense? Hit reply if you have a question about this. We’re happy to help!

"I would highly recommend new authors and illustrators (even seasoned ones) work with Ellen and Melissa! In only one meeting with them, I learned a great deal and left feeling excited and motivated to get my ducks in a row for upcoming school visits for this book."
- Annie Herzig, author/illustrator of Wonder & Awe

Writing Life

How are you doing with your writing goals?

Ellen and I are thinking about hosting a virtual writing hour each week. Would you be interested? Let us know!

Warm wishes,

Melissa & Ellen
contact@imaginariumauthorsolutions.com
ImaginariumAuthorSolutions.com

P.S. Do you know someone who would like this newsletter? We’d be grateful if you’d share with a friend. Subscribe here.

Hi! I'm a Melissa Taylor of Imagination Soup.

Imagination Soup shares curated book reviews, book lists, and learning resources for parents, teachers, and librarians. As a former teacher, former literacy trainer, and a mother of two, you can trust my expertise in children's books, reading levels, developmental appropriateness, and education. Join my community of 35,000 subscribers by signing up for my weekly newsletter!

Read more from Hi! I'm a Melissa Taylor of Imagination Soup.

Did you know that kids laugh OUT LOUD hundreds of times every day? But adults…well, do we laugh at all? We all know laughing is good for us, but I, for one, am guilty of being a grumpy stress case on occasion. That's why my goal recently has been to laugh at least once a day. That seems like a small goal, but it’s been harder than I thought. I'm increasing my laughing out loud with... Funny reels (JulieStory, Bomanizer) Funny newsletters (Bob Shea) Want to join me in laughing more? (If so,...

In my new business, Imaginarium Author Solutions, Ellen and I do a lot of school visit consulting for authors and illustrators. Last week, I observed several pretty famous authors/illustrators at their school visits. Not only did it confirm what Ellen and I are recommending, but I got a few new ideas, too. I love learning! But I had to share with you one thing I learned from Loren Long that BLEW MY MIND (because how did I not know this after being a book reviewer for 15 years!?). Maybe...

I’m back to my usual middle grade reading, but I got a few friends to help me review February MG books. Yay for smart, bookish friends and asking for help! I’m feeling hopeful for spring. How about you? This newsletter is sponsored by Reading Simplified. You’ve Tried It All… But They’re STILL Struggling to Read Traditional reading methods are too slow for struggling students. What if your student could make years of progress in just 12 weeks—without endless drills or complex programs? Join...