Yesterday we discussed some of the attitudes authors have and excuses they make that holds them back from succeeding with their books. Here are four more actual excuses I’ve heard from authors.
4: “I have publishers interested in my book so I don’t want to promote it.” I got this response after asking an author if she’d like to participate in a book festival. I think I convinced her that she could be selling some of the copies she has in her garage and making some money while continuing to wait for a publisher to commit to publishing her book. As a matter of fact, impressive sales might just tip the scale in her favor
5: “I don’t feel like being around that many strangers.” An author told me this when I suggested a bookselling opportunity to him. It’s hard to sell books when there aren’t very many people around
6: “You can’t sell books at book signings.” Of course, I’ve also heard, “Publishers don’t buy books from first time authors,” “You have to have an agent in order to get a publishing contract,” and other fallacies. The truth is, you definitely can’t sell books at a signing if you don’t show up.
7: “I don’t like getting up in front of a group.” I also hear, “I don’t want to mess with building a website,” “I hate approaching people to review my book, give me testimonials, publish my article, etc.” I tell these authors that personality sells books. In fact, personality is probably the most important factor in selling some books. An author who wants to sell books, is going to have to become more proactive and more people-oriented.
Authors who make these excuses—who prefer to stay within their comfort zone and out of the limelight—can probably expect to be one the over 78 percent of authors who fail every year.
Instead, I urge you to stop making excuses that interfere with your publishing and bookselling goals. Educate yourself about the publishing industry and become proactive and assertive on behalf of your project.
One way to educate yourself is to study books like those I produce for authors. I recommend “Publish Your Book,” “Promote Your Book” and “Talk Up Your Book.” They’re all available at Amazon in print, audio and for Kindle. You’ll find them at most other online and downtown bookstores. Or order your copy here: http://www.matilijapress.com
Now that the days are shorter and you’re staying in more, consider reading my two Klepto Cat Mysteries: Catnapped and Cat-Eye Witness. Both are at Amazon.com for Kindle. Learn more about them here: http://www.matilijapress.com/Klepto-Cat-Mysteries/index.html