I see so many authors who have this great idea to write a book. They get inspired and lock out the world for three to 12 months and write. Their word flow from their fingertips to the keyboard and after before you know - they have a manuscript.
According to a publishing industry survey, 80 percent of Americans think they should write a book. And only two percent actually finish a manuscript.
So you've finished writing the book. Now what?
For more writers, they think it's about finding right agent or publisher. They then search the internet for agents or publishers and send out query letters. And then the rejections come in. They realize that no one wants to publish them without "proving" they that can publish and market own their book first.
That's why the self-publishing industry (once called Vanity Press) has flourished! Everyone is a publisher. Traditional publishers want to know if you have real marketability and are willing to take the risk to publish yourself.
To most writers this sounds crazy. They think that it's their great book traditional publishers want. Not so. They need authors who have a built-in audience. They need authors who know how to sell books.
Bottom line. It's business - not personal.
But before you write a single word (or before you spend the money getting your book published), review these questions and honestly assess if you are ready to become a best-selling SELF-PUBLISHED author:
1. You have at least $2,500 to $5,000 to invest in the project.
2. Your topic is a topic that is very "marketable" in a book.
3. You regularly support other author events, i.e. book signings and lectures.
4. You frequently visit bookstores, know what the trends are and know (and read) some of the best sellers.
5. You have a website AND a blog to sell/market your book. (You blog regularly and have a following, right?)
6. You've published articles or regularly speak/lecture thereby you have an "audience" for your book.
7. You research and read books/magazines on publishing or go to writer's conferences or are apart of a writer's group - either online or offline.
8. You know a professional graphic designer, PR Coach, editor and webmaster - or at least know where to hire one.
9. You have a written marketing plan and know how you're going to sell your book- before you've written it.
10. You have at least 10 to 20 hours a week to promote your book and have money for a PR Coach.
If you have answered "yes" to 7 or more of these questions, you are a good candidate to be a successful author. If not, you now have a guideline us to what to do before you start the publishing process.
Ministry marketing pioneer, social media strategist and PR Coach Pam Perry helps Christian authors garner publicity and leverage online strategies. As a 20-year PR veteran, she is also the co-author of "Synergy Energy: How to Use the Power of Partnerships to Market Your Book, Grow Your Business and Brand Your Ministry." For a free MP3 of "What Every Author Should Know," go to
http://www.PamPerryPR.com. She's also the creator of the ChocolatePagesNetwork, a social network for Christian authors and the Chocolate Pages Show on Blogtalkradio. She offers free help at her blogsite:
http://www.MinistryMarketingSolutions.com with her podcasts, ezines and teleclasses.
50% off in the PR Pro Shop to help you get clarity and learn how to promote your book! Black Friday - Cyber Monday sale
www.pamperryonlinepr.com
Posted By: Pam Perry
Friday, November 26th 2010 at 6:56PM
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