Did you catch my recent articles in Absolute Write, Publishing Basics and Freelance Writer’s Report? Publishing Basics published my piece on how to eliminate roadblocks to your publishing success. Absolute Write used the one I wrote on how to write books that sell. And Freelance Writer’s Report published one of my book promotion tips articles. Every month, I write the SPAWN Market Update and I write the book marketing column in SPAWNews. That’s good exposure, don’t you think?
Each of my published articles puts my name and my books in the limelight. My name and book titles are familiar to some and new to others. And the more that a person sees my name and the title of my books, the more apt he or she is to purchase my books, show up at my workshops, take my courses and consider me as their editor or consultant of choice.
Have you been using your writing talent and skills to promote yourself and your books? If not, maybe it’s time that you start contributing articles on your topic or stories in your genre to appropriate magazines and newsletters. Think of it—if your articles or stories appear in only 5 magazines this year with anywhere from 500 circulation to 100,000 and a dozen newsletters and e-newsletters with a combined circulation of around 200,000, that’s a potential 350,000-500,000 people who will learn about you and your book. People who enjoy reading your short stories, will surely want to purchase your novel. Folks who are interested in your articles on the greening of America, will probably go out and buy your book on this topic. Do you see how that works?
And if your book is in process or is only a dream, this is still an excellent time to contribute stories/articles for publication. Start submitting your stories or articles to appropriate magazines and sites now in order to establish your following—to start attracting readers for your book. This is called building a platform. Doesn’t it make sense to begin the process of creating an audience early on? Wouldn’t you love to have people lined up eager to read your book when you finally launch it?
I’d like to issue a challenge. If you have a book in the works or are just thinking about writing a book, start writing and submitting related articles or stories to appropriate publications and sites now.
If you’re not familiar with the world of freelance writing, order my book, A Writer’s Guide to Magazine Articles. (It’s only $6.50.) http://www.matilijapress.com/writingpage.html And while you’re at it, be sure to order your copy of my signature book—a major, major contribution to your writing/publishing library, The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html You’ll reference this book repeatedly throughout the writing, publishing and book marketing process.
I’d love to hear from those of you who are willing to meet this challenge. Let me know when you come up with article/story ideas. I’d love to hear about the research you’re doing in order to locate appropriate magazines—I’m sure I can help with that. Report back to me about your submissions. (We can get excited and nervous together.) And, by all means, tell me when you get accepted. I’d also like to hear from those of you who are already submitting articles or stories for publication. PLFry620@yahoo.com.
And don’t forget, I offer an online freelance article writing course at http://www.matilijapress.com/course_magarticles.htm Other course topics include book marketing, how to write a book proposal and a walk through the self-publishing process. http://www.matilijapress.com/courses.htm
Contact me with your news at: plfry620@yahoo.com