There’s so much to do and so little time in a day. Are any of you finding this to be more and more true? In talking with other authors, it seems that part of the problem is the type of work we do. Most authors have only so many hours in a day that they can actually write something intelligible and meaningful. Creativity seems to have its bounds.
It gets even more dicey for authors who are writing AND promoting books. Ideally, an author sets a schedule of writing during his/her most creative periods—first thing in the morning or late at night after everyone has gone to bed, for example. And that leaves the rest of the day for promotion. Well, except for when you have to work, care for small children, handle household chores and tend to other obligations and responsibilities. I can hear the deep sighs filled with frustration. How does an author do it all?
I’ve been in this business for over 35 years and I keep altering my strategies to keep myself afloat. So far, so good. But it can become difficult, especially when it comes to book promotion.
Have you noticed how many ways there are to promote a book? You read books on the subject, attend lectures, study your various book promotion newsletters and discuss the subject with other authors—oh, there is no shortage of book promotion ideas. In fact, I’m revising my book, “Over 75 Good Ideas for Promoting Your Book,” for a publisher who’s interested under a new title: “Over 100 Good Ideas for Promoting Your Book.” And do you know what? I have closer to 300 ideas.
It’s mind-boggling. How does an author single-handedly use all of the tools available, try all of the ideas and address every member of their readership? It’s impossible. There’s not enough time in an ordinary lifetime. So what does an author do? The best that he or she can.
One of the beauties of my online Book Promotion Course is that it assists the author in discovering his or her strong-points within the realm of book marketing and encourages them to set reasonable priorities. I try to urge authors to find their comfort zone when it comes to promoting their books and then to push at least a bit beyond it in the direction that makes the most sense to their particular project.
New authors sometimes ask me, “What is the best way to promote a book?” And I always respond by saying, “It depends on the book and it depends on you.” And it also depends on the audience. You wouldn’t speak primarily before groups of college students and submit your book for review in pet magazines for a book related to elderly abuse. Nor would you focus your promotional efforts through a magnificent website with all the bells and whistles, high-end retail stores or expensive TV ads when your audience is comprised of homeless families. Likewise, if you are pretty much homebound, you can’t expect to go on the speaking circuit and do signings in every major city as a way to promote your book.
There are promotional activities within every possible category and it is up to the individual author to choose those few that he/she can reasonably pursue and then to pursue them with gusto. I recommend reviewing your promotional tactics every few months and making appropriate adjustments—crank up the activity on those you are involved in, add one or two new ones and, most certainly, drop any of those that are not working for you.
Note: Don’t give up on any ideas too soon. Sometimes the results are slow in coming. Make sure that you give each good idea a reasonable chance.
If you need help selecting and/or organizing your book promotion activities, sign up for my Book Promotion Course.
http://www.matilijapress.com/course_bookpromotion.htm