Are you facing the excitement and intrigue of publishing a book? Do you hope to experience some level of success? Most of us do. Yet most books fail in the marketplace. What goes wrong?
Hopeful authors tend to spend too little time preparing for publication and too much money producing their books. In many cases, we also spend our money in the wrong places. Don’t let this happen to you. Here’s what most savvy authors would do differently.
In hindsight, many authors would have followed the path outlined below. If you are writing a book with aspirations to publish it, you’ll want to take this list seriously.
• Study the publishing industry with intensity. Truly understand the world of publishing, your options, the possible consequences of your choices and your responsibilities as a published author.
• Write a book proposal. This well-researched, well-organized, painfully truthful document will tell you whether or not you have a viable book, who your audience is and how to approach them, for example.
• Take your time when it comes to making any decisions. A rushed book will often fail.
• Call in the experts. If you’re not sure whether your book is a viable product, whether the contract you’ve been offered is good, whether your book cover design is going to sell books, etc., get professional advice. And be sure to have your book professionally edited!
• Create a marketing plan. Be prepared to shift from serious writer to dedicated, energetic, committed book promoter.
• Join one or more publishing organizations. I suggest SPAWN, of course. That’s Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network http://www.spawn.org. And check into your local, regional publishing organizations where you can participate in real time, face-to-face with real authors and publishers. Let me know if you need help locating one near you.
You wouldn’t go into any other type of business without first gaining an understanding of the industry, your customers/clients, the venders, the competition and the market. While writing is a craft, publishing is a business. If you hope to succeed as a published author, you must approach publishing as a serious business. And remember, your book will sell only for as long as you are willing to promote it.
For much more about writing, publishing and book promotion, including all of the aspects listed above, read my book, The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book. http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html