Have you seen the list of businesses that are booming during the recession? While the economic downturn is affecting everyone in some way—your investments are down, your bank has closed, your dog groomer and housekeeper have had to get minimum wage jobs downtown in order to survive—there are some businesses that are excelling. And it seems that two of the top jobs to be in during the recession are writing-related.
According to U.S. News and World Report, romance book sales are up as is the demand for resume editors. Other items that consumers are in need/want of even now (or especially now) are vegetable seeds, help with career development, fast food at reasonable prices (as in McDonald’s value meals) and chocolate.
I remember reading a similar report after 911. Chocolate was selling well then, too, as were inspirational books, comforters, soft pillows and other cozy household items.
So should all writers start writing romance novels and/or set up resume-writing businesses? Certainly, you can if you want to and if this is something you’re good at and would enjoy. I definitely recommend, if you write articles for publication, that you come up with pieces that will provide the hope, comfort, information and resources that people can use during these difficult times. Consider articles focusing on free family togetherness activities, for example, how to land and manage a second job, a list of businesses across the U.S. that are hiring, how to write a romance novel, cost-cutting ideas for your household or business, tips for knowing when is the right time to let your employees go, how to cut down on pet expenses without compromising your dog’s or cat’s health, how to take a vacation in your hometown this summer, etc.
Submit your inspirational stories and poetry to a variety of magazines. I just finished writing the SPAWN Market Update in which I reported that there are currently around 20,000 magazines and newsletters out there and that many of them are seeking material from freelance writers. I also listed several magazines that you might not think of that publish (and pay for) poetry. Get access to this monthly newsletter by joining SPAWN. http://www.spawn.org
If you are skilled in resume-writing, advertise this service throughout your community and beyond. Likewise, if you do web design, consider offering some special packages for the folks who need these services. Get creative in what you offer and how you get the word out.
What if you don’t have these types of skills, but you have a book you are promoting? How can you sell your book in this economy? If you’ve been reading this blog for long and some of the articles posted at my website http://www.matilijapress.com/articles.htm, then you know that you will sell books only for as long as you are willing to promote your book and that book promotion is ongoing. When the economy gets bad and sales diminish, it’s time to rev up the book-selling machine. Get creative and innovative. Try new sales techniques. Reach out into greater depths of the country or the world with news of your book. Infiltrate areas you haven’t considered, yet. Change something about the way you are promoting your book and your number of sales will change, as well.
The thing is, if you do nothing, that’s what you will get—nothing.
I’d love to hear from you about your latest book promotion idea. Did you go outside your comfort zone in order to reach a new audience with your book? Are you promoting your book using different tactics/skills? How’s it going for you? Let’s report your successes here—it’s another way to promote your book!!!
For more about promoting your book, read The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book. Why buy this book in this economy? Let me count the reasons…
Actually, there is only one: it will show you how to succeed as a published author no matter your genre or level of experience.
Order your copy now at http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html
If you want to check this book out first, it is in the U.S library system. Make sure that you check out the most current edition—2nd edition, published in 2007.