I meet a lot of authors in all stages of publishing every year. Some of them are actually writing every chance they get, have saved up some money to hire an editor once they’ve done their best self-editing work, have studied the publishing industry and have adopted a business mindset. Others, not so much.
What are some of the things you can be doing NOW to give your book project the best chance possible?
• Study the publishing industry. Read books on the topic. Subscribe to appropriate publications (and read them), attend writing conferences and lectures. Learn enough about the process of publishing, your publishing options and your responsibilities as a published author as you can before getting involved.
• Write a book proposal. Not only will you have what you need to approach the publisher of your choice, you will learn what you need to know about your book, the market for your book, your audience and how to promote to them. You’ll discover whether your book is such a good idea after all.
• Build your platform. This is your following, your connections… Who is interested in reading a book you wrote on this topic or in this genre? Who can help you to get the word out? How large is your emailing list? How widespread are you known in this field or genre? What can you do to gain additional credibility and reputation?
• Establish a creative and hard-hitting promotional plan. Where will you find members of your audience? How can you best reach them? What do they read? What events do they attend? Where do they hang out online?
• Approach your audience before your book is a book. For a nonfiction book on a teachable topic, start presenting workshops before finishing the book to test the content, the concept, the presentation. Pay attention to the feedback you receive, the questions students ask, etc. They can help you assemble the book they need or want.
• Hone your public speaking skills. Join a storytelling group and/or a Toastmasters Club.
• Take a crash course on Internet marketing for authors.
Start today by reading my latest book: Publish Your Book, Proven Strategies and Resources for the Enterprising Author. This book is also for the new, clueless, hopeful, in denial, ego-driven and over-eager author. http:www.matilijapress.com
Also available at amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com and other online and downtown bookstores.
I’d love to hear from you where you have purchased or where you have seen this book for sale. PLFry620@yahoo.com