By Len Lawson
Much has been written in recent years about how the
publishing industry and its consumers have changed. The gaps among the success
of authors published through traditional publishing, small press, and
self-publishing continue to be diminished. The difference in the success
remains in the marketing of the product. Regardless of the means of
publication, an author in today’s writing industry needs to have a clear
marketing strategy for their own work. Publishers may even be more likely to
consider an author’s work if authors submit their queries with some options for
marketing their books.
The core of these marketing ideas exists in the individual
author. Readers not only want to read a good book, but they also want to read
from a good author and more books from that author. Then, they will tell their
friends about this great new author whose book they read. The more readers can
identify with their authors, the more likely they will be return customers. The
key here is more transparency, especially for first-time authors. Authors that
market themselves can turn readers into fans!
Below I provide some tips for how an author can brainstorm
ways to impress agents and publishers how to market—and eventually sell your
book.
- Be unique. To establish a brand, discover
a quality that distinguishes you from the millions of other authors in
this saturated industry. For example, if you are a teacher, start a blog
that is unique to your subject area or to education in general. As a platform,
you can speak at teacher conferences or write articles for teacher
newsletters to build an audience. Share the story of your career path or
your passion for your subject. Once again, the key is transparency. If you
have a niche or a passion, then there are readers waiting to learn more
about you and subsequently about your writing!
- Be proactive. After you decide who
your audience is, find the readers where they are, talk to them directly,
and establish more settings to meet readers besides just book signings. Finding
book clubs to join or market to is a good idea, but why not start your own
book club? Rally other readers around you who enjoy your genre. This
creates a built-in audience that can expand exponentially! Don’t just sit
back and wait for readers to come after
you write your book. Go out and get ‘em before the process starts!
- Be enterprising. Some of the best
partners for book marketing are in other industries. Someone you know with
their own business can use your assistance in exchange for publicity. For
example, a store owner may provide a space for your books in their shop in
exchange for publicity. Partner with others who believe in your work. The
key here is to be creative and to think like an entrepreneur.
- Be diverse. Since your readers are
diverse, different aspects of your book may appeal to different readers. For
example, your romance novel may be set at the beach. During the summer,
this would be a great read! Therefore, you could market to beach readers
or readers going on a long trip. Once again, be creative.
The possibilities are endless for aspiring authors to market
themselves along with their stories. Millions of readers are waiting for their
next book to buy and read. They are also waiting for an author that appeals to
them. Being transparent as an author can open the door to more opportunities
with agents, publishers, and ultimately readers. Don’t allow your book to be the barrier
between you and your readers, and don’t wait for publishers and agents to have
the last say in the marketing. Your readers are waiting; give them what they
want. Give them you!
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