This is number five in my Publishing Blog Series. See the other four posted November 5, 6, 8, and 10, 2014.
So your dream is to become a published author. It could be because you have something to say or to share. Some of you want to produce a book as an added dimension to your business or profession. Others are infatuated with a particular genre. Whatever your reason for writing a book, if you’ve been following this blog series, and reading my book, “Publish Your Book,” you are learning that publishing is serious business and should be approached as such.
So what happens when you finally break through the barriers and become a published author? The truth is, it’s easier to publish a book today than ever before in the history of publishing. You can turn your book over to one of around one-hundred companies and pay them anywhere from $300 to thousands and thousands of dollars to produce your book and woo-la, you are a published author. But then what?
Then, it is time for you to shift into high gear. If you want to experience some level of success, you’ll be required to promote your book and promotion is, without a doubt, the hardest part of the publishing process. Ask any published author. You see, the thing is, no one will buy your book if they don’t know it exists. It is up to the author to locate the particular audience for his or her book, whether it is readers of crime novels, historical fiction, true dog stories, gardening books, travel books, or ?????.
Once you locate them, you need to know how to approach them and entice them to buy your book.
I’m often asked, “What is the best way to promote a book?” My response is always, “It depends on the author and it depends on the book.”
The key is to use what you have—the reputation, tools, and skills to promote your book. It may take some experimentation to discover what type of promotion resonates with your particular audience.
As you will notice, once you begin studying book marketing techniques, there are hundreds of ways to promote a book. What works for one author and one type of book, might not work for another. And it is important that the author choose methods of promotion that he or she will pursue. If you hate, hate, hate public speaking and refuse to take steps to remedy this aversion, then you should not make this your marketing activity of choice. If you prefer online marketing and you can discipline yourself to spend enough hours learning how to successfully promote online, then this is where you should focus.
Read books on book promotion and marketing. Visit some of the many websites related to book promotion. Subscribe to newsletters. Join organizations that offer information and opportunities related to book marketing. Here’s a good starting place: Read my book, “Promote Your Book, Over 250 Proven, Low-Cost Tips and Techniques For the Enterprising Author.” It’s available here: http://www.matilijapress.com/PromoteYourBook.html.
It’s also at amazon.com in print, audio, and Kindle.