Have you ever noticed that some authors approach book publishing as if expecting the industry to conform to their needs rather than the other way around? They walk into publishing with their own ideas and demands. And this is okay when considering all of the options available to authors these days. Authors can pretty much get what they want, how they want it, and when they want it.
However, some uninformed authors expect too much. They enter into the hallowed halls of publishing insisting on everything that’s normally available to them PLUS a whole lot more. They want to be published without taking any responsibility for the book once it’s produced. What are they thinking? It’s like a parent planning for and preparing for the arrival of a child and then putting it in the crib and walking away.
We all know what happens if you don’t nourish and nurture a baby, kitten, puppy, or guppy. The very same thing will happen if you don’t nurture your book.
You can’t count on sales if you keep your book a secret—hide it away at an obscure website and never tell anyone about it. Books need exposure in order to thrive in the marketplace. Sure, you can hire a publicist or book marketing specialist. Many authors do. However, they need the author’s full attention if they’re going to be effective. Most authors who hire these companies and individuals do so once they’ve exhausted their cache of marketing ideas. But some of them find the idea of book marketing so distasteful that they bring in a specialist from day one.
What they don’t expect is that the publicist will set up appearances, speaking engagements, interviews and so forth that require the author’s presence.
If you’re writing a book, please take the time to learn something about the publishing industry. Even if you’ve been involved with publishing before, you need to have an understanding of the industry as it is today. Things have changed. You can’t produce a book and expect it to thrive without lifting a hand to make it happen.
No matter where you are in the publishing process, stop now and read Publish Your Book, Proven Strategies and Resources for the Enterprising Author. Prepare yourself for the birth and care of your book. A healthy and successful book in this publishing climate depends on you, the author. Order your copy here:
http://www.matilijapress.com/PublishYourBook.html
or in print, audio or for Kindle at Amazon.com