Every time I launch out to do some marketing research—locate reviewers for my novels, seek bloggers who attract my readers and who host guest bloggers or conduct interviews and look for other promotional activities, I find new opportunities. If I stay in my comfort zone and do not pursue opportunities, I do not find them. If I read the newsletters I subscribe to, visit blogs, look at some of the promotional emails I receive and, of course, reach out and search for opportunities, I will find them. I will get my books reviewed, I will be invited to participate in interviews or be a guest blogger, my books will be featured at new blog and websites and I will sell books.
Likewise, when I take my books to a book festival or go out and speak to a group, I sell more books than I would have if I’d stayed home. Without exception—every time!
If my message isn’t strong enough this morning—if this doesn’t spur you on to take action on behalf of your book—you don’t want to sell books.
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. We all have things to be thankful for. Family, friends and good health are at the top of most lists. But if you also treasure your ability and opportunity to write, as I do, and if you are physically capable of getting your work and/or your message out there, be thankful and, from this day forward, be proactive in promoting your book.
One day spent researching appropriate reviewers isn’t enough. A week spent writing press releases probably isn’t enough. A month-long blast of promotion may not be enough. Book promotion is ongoing for as long as you hope to sell copies of your book. Book promotion is a lifestyle. If you have a published book, you really must accept the mindset that you are the CEO of your book and it is your job to get word out about it, mingle with your readers both in person and online and talk to them about your book.
If you have an older book that is not selling, start promoting it now. It’s never too late. If you have just come out with a new book, plan to dedicate a portion of your life from now on to promoting that book—making people aware of it. If you have a book in the works and you hope to publish it, start now studying what book promotion is all about and begin developing your marketing plan.
Publishing should not be considered a hobby—something you engage in for fun and games. Publishing is a highly competitive business. In order to succeed, it is going to take a lot of your time, concentration and energy. It’s hard work. But you can do it. It’s all in the mindset and the education. Here are the two most important things you can do on behalf of your book:
1: Study the publishing industry so you understand what it takes to produce a successful book and your responsibilities as an author.
2: Consider yourself the CEO of your book from the very idea through the entire marketing process.
I’m thankful this Thanksgiving season that I can offer you the tools you need in order to write a more marketable book, choose the best publishing option for your project and launch a more successful marketing program.
Publish Your Book, Proven Strategies and Resources for the Enterprising Author. http://amzn.to/1a7KUOt
Promote Your Book, Over 250 Proven, Low-Cost Tips and Techniques for the Enterprising Author. http://amzn.to/larxoo5
These books are available in print, Kindle and audio at Amazon and most other online and downtown bookstores.