Today’s case study showcases a different approach to book sales that works very well for Old Mate Media author Ken Mackenzie.
Ken Mackenzie, the traditional 21-century author
Indie author Ken Mackenzie is one of Old Mate Media’s traditional authors, publishing with us under a collaborative agreement. Ken has published four books through Old Mate Media in four years, co-writing three with founder Chris Stead. He has another in the pipeline as this article goes out in September 2021.
You can see all his titles on his Old Mate Media author page.
Ken and Kate catching up in Torquay in March 2020
Direct Sales are the most lucrative sales of all
Ken is a master of the direct sale. A long-time local personality in Torquay, his main work is singing and performing. His sell-out performances for tourists staying at the many hotels in Torquay have earned his notoriety and respect. Ken sells his books directly to audience members after each show. By keeping his prices simple and round (5 pounds a book), he makes it very easy for audiences to fill in the actions.
In four summer seasons, he has grown his catalogue from one book to five and he has sold over 1200 books direct to attendees at his shows.
Retail requires persistent and personal efforts
Ken works hard to get his books into retailers. Pre-pandemic, he would always be popping into the local Waterstones to meet the manager and have a chat and grab a coffee. Of course, he always reminded him of his current books and those on the way.
In the lead up to releasing Ken’s latest book, he spent the summer visiting all the stores and following the same principle. Talking to owners, reminding them about his book and highlighting why he thought it would sell well in their store. This ongoing networking took place over many months so that when Ken did finally arrive with a copy of the book in hand, they were well prepared to be excited and positive about stocking it in their store.
Ken in the local Waterstones
Targeted Books for Local Area
Ken’s latest release, Murder at Cockington Court, an Inspector Findlay Mystery is a cosy mystery novel based in Cockington, a historical thatched village in Torquay. Ken’s lifetime of experience walking his dogs around the area lends a true touch to his writing and we made sure to put Cockington Court on the cover – as a reminder that this book has such a local focus.
Cockington Court
All this effort has paid off and Murder At Cockington Court is now stocked in these local stores:
- The Gallery Cockington
- The Olde Forge Cockington
- The Olde School House Cockington
- Cockington Court
- The Seven Dials Restaurant Cockington
- McColls convenience stores
- Souvenirs and Gifts Torquay harbour
- The Strand restaurant Torquay
- Waterstones Torquay
- Another Chapter books Brixham
- McColls The Strand Torquay
- McColls Plainmore
Where to next?
Ken has already got big plans for his next adventure, a fantasy story around the legend of Merlin. You can find out more about it by signing up to our newsletter. This is just one of our Indie Author Guides. Pop your email in the box to the right to sign up for our newsletter and stay in touch with our latest tips, info and specials for our author friends.
