We authors can manufacture a lot of excuses for NOT spending time and expending energy promoting our books. Here are five of our faves:
- I’d rather write (or I’m too busy writing).
- I don’t have time.
- I don’t like to bother people.
- I don’t know how to promote my book.
- I’ll start promoting my book once I finish this project (I get back from vacation, this crisis passes, my baby starts school, I quit my job…fill in the blank).
If you plan to write a book and expect to make sales, it is up to you—the author—to spread the word. If you are too busy to promote the book or promotion is distasteful to you, but you want a successful book project, find another outlet, hobby or project. Authorship is not for you.
If you want a successful project and are willing to do what it takes, consider the following:
- Learn BEFORE publishing what book promotion entails. Read Promote Your Book, Over 250 Proven, Low-Cost Tips and Techniques for the Enterprising Author by Patricia Fry, and other highly recommended books on book promotion.
- Figure out before your book is a book, how to more effectively manage your life so there is time to promote your book—attend book festivals, visit bookstores, write press releases, contact book reviewers, establish and maintain a blog, etc.
- Realize that if your book is a viable project, people will want to know about it.
- Start promoting your book before it’s a book or put the publication of your book off until you have the time, space, and mindset to promote it properly.