Is writing taking over our lives? It seems that we communicate more through email, texts, blogs, newsletters and even books now than, perhaps, we do verbally. And there are more of us wanting to be published. We have the means to document and create great collections of material, thoughts, ideas, interpretations, opinions, grievances and so forth, thus more of us are choosing to have our works published.
What are some of the reasons people decide to publish a book?
- “Everyone says I should tell my story of (fill in the blanks)—survival, overcoming something, a medical miracle, a lifetime of bad luck, finding love, peace, religion, etc.”
- “I have information and expertise I want to share with the world.”
- “I have a good imagination and everyone says I’m a good storyteller.”
- “People need the knowledge and information I have. I want to change minds and make a difference.”
What these people don’t realize is that they may be traveling down an expensive, go-nowhere road. Most authors, when they decide to publish their writing, have expectations for some level of success. Unless they’ve done some studying, research and soul-searching, here’s what they don’t realize:
- Publishing is a fiercely competitive business and it takes a business mindset to succeed.
- Your book will NOT sell just because it exists.
- Successful authors work harder after the book is published than they ever thought of working during the writing process.
What would I suggest? Study the publishing industry before getting involved and create a plan that includes the following:
- Research your field, genre or topic to locate books similar to the one you want to write. How are they selling? For nonfiction, what could you offer that is different, fresh, needed, wanted? For fiction, how can you make your book fit into a popular genre?
- If you’re accustomed to writing only emails and texts, take a brush-up course on writing; join a writers group.
- Identify aspects to your platform—what experience, knowledge, skills do you have that will help you to succeed as an author and a marketing agent for your book once it’s complete?
- Build on that platform—learn more about promotion, hone new skills such as public speaking, writing advertising copy, etc.
- Read books and take workshops on book promotion.
- Create a marketing plan and be prepared to activate it as soon as your book is a book.
- Plan to promote your book for as long as you want it to sell.
The key to successful publishing is knowledge and education. You wouldn’t enter into any other kind of business without knowing something about the business, potential customers, suppliers/distributors, your competition and so forth. Publishing is a business. As an author, think of yourself as the CEO of your book. Take charge from the beginning. This is your key to success.
Within the next few days, I’ll write about Emotions in Business and how they can interfere with your book’s success.