BOOK MARKETING: Are Authors Behind Before They Even Begin?
December 09, 2005 (PRLEAP.COM) Business News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE(Arvada, CO) – “You ought to write a book about that.”
These eight simple words stimulate more than a million people each year to try on a new hat; that of an AUTHOR. Some of these authors write down their amazing life stories. Others are driven to share a brilliant strategy in a non-fiction book. Others attempt the great American novel. And some dream of taking their children’s bedtime stories out of the imagination and onto the page.
“No matter what convinced a person to write a book, 63% of these new authors don’t realize until AFTER their book goes to the printer that they didn’t just write a book. They have started a publishing business,” says Kim Dushinski of MarketAbility who created www.HowToMarketMyBook.com to help authors find the quickest, most effective ways to connect their books to the people who want to read them.
Since the majority of authors who request their Free 3-Step Marketing Action Plan from our site reported that their book had just gone to the printer, was already printed, or promotion was already underway for an already published book, indicates that marketing is often an afterthought to publishing.
“It’s hard to get ahead when you didn’t even know you were behind,” Dushinski comments, offering these four things for the author who wants to get their horse back in front of the cart:
1. Start Where You Are.
Stopping to develop a book marketing plan may seem like a step back, especially when you feel you are already behind. But without a plan to take you forward from this day, you’ll never feel like you are ahead of the game.
2. Niche Your Market.
Trying to reach “everyone” with your message is an expensive endeavor. Start by reaching the people who WANT to hear what you have to say. Avoid the temptation to CONVERT people who aren’t ready for you.
3. Think Outside the Book.
Even if you feel the clock ticking, most books can have a shelf life way beyond what the book industry says is standard. But you may find it necessary to pursue strategies that are not on the traditional publishing path. Start seeking those paths.
4. Get Going.
Once you have found the things that move you forward, start taking action. Leave over-analyzing to your accountant! Find a tool that will work for your book marketing and use it.
If you can write a book, you can market it. You will find free guidance, including the free 3-Step Marketing Action Plan, at www.HowToMarketMyBook.com.
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