This is an interesting topic. I am in the midst of releasing my first novel. Initially, I had to find a publisher. It actually wasn’t very difficult. I won’t spend any time discussing that process because I had some issues with my publisher and had to sue to get the rights of my book back. So the process of selling my book has come as a self-publisher. All of the work associated with getting the book promoted, every effort regarding the advertising of the book came as a result of my efforts and the efforts of the team that I amassed. It was a very trying process.
My saving grace was my business/sales background established at firms like Aragon Consulting Group and IBM. I took those tools that I learned and transferred them into the selling aspects that were required to get this book, “Betrayal” off the ground. We had an amazing book launch tour where over 200 people came and bought tons of books. We had the presence of mind to videotape it and take numerous photographs. So it has provided us with a rock solid beginning point for the sale of the book and the building of our brand. So, some steps to consider:
1) Create a business plan – this might not seem like a big deal but it is. Selling a book can be hard work. If you don’t have a plan, it makes the effort much harder. Once you take the time to structure a business plan, you realize the steps required and it becomes easier to execute them.
2) Build a team – No man or woman walks alone. First, there are too many moving parts to try and tackle it all on your own. Second, there will be greater joy in the journey when you aren’t walking alone. Third, there is an old African, “If you want to go fast, go alone.” “If you want to go far, go with others.”
3) Establish objectives with timelines and responsibilities – This will help you to stay on point. There will be so many things to accomplish. So, having timelines and responsibilities will help you to stay on track.
4) Use Social Media – In today’s economy, this one goes almost without saying. If you can’t afford to have someone handle this, take the time to learn it and then implement the basics to get you started. As soon as you can afford it, give it to an expert. You’ll be glad you did.
5) Amass a following – That’s one of the great things about social media but it’s not the only way. You can build a following through mailing and speaking engagements. It just requires you to get, and stay creative.
6) Utilize a series of marketing campaigns – If you don’t have a marking background as I developed with consulting firms and at IBM, it will be important for you to align yourself with people who can help you with this. But you have to decide first what you want to achieve from your marketing campaigns. Do you want to sell stuff, build a following, advertising an upcoming speaking engagement, etc. Whatever it is, will help you pick the right marketing campaign.
7) Evaluate and monitor your progress – Is it working? That’s the question that has to be asked and answered. It’s like going on a road trip. You are continually looking at the map to determine how far you’ve come and how much farther you have to go. This applies in the book selling process as well.
8) Fine tune your plan – if you haven’t achieved as much as you planned when you reach a certain point, it will be important to make some “mid-course corrections”. This will help you to not fall too far off course.
9) Don’t give in, don’t give up – This one doesn’t require an explanation J
10) Keep Writing!
My saving grace was my business/sales background established at firms like Aragon Consulting Group and IBM. I took those tools that I learned and transferred them into the selling aspects that were required to get this book, “Betrayal” off the ground. We had an amazing book launch tour where over 200 people came and bought tons of books. We had the presence of mind to videotape it and take numerous photographs. So it has provided us with a rock solid beginning point for the sale of the book and the building of our brand. So, some steps to consider:
1) Create a business plan – this might not seem like a big deal but it is. Selling a book can be hard work. If you don’t have a plan, it makes the effort much harder. Once you take the time to structure a business plan, you realize the steps required and it becomes easier to execute them.
2) Build a team – No man or woman walks alone. First, there are too many moving parts to try and tackle it all on your own. Second, there will be greater joy in the journey when you aren’t walking alone. Third, there is an old African, “If you want to go fast, go alone.” “If you want to go far, go with others.”
3) Establish objectives with timelines and responsibilities – This will help you to stay on point. There will be so many things to accomplish. So, having timelines and responsibilities will help you to stay on track.
4) Use Social Media – In today’s economy, this one goes almost without saying. If you can’t afford to have someone handle this, take the time to learn it and then implement the basics to get you started. As soon as you can afford it, give it to an expert. You’ll be glad you did.
5) Amass a following – That’s one of the great things about social media but it’s not the only way. You can build a following through mailing and speaking engagements. It just requires you to get, and stay creative.
6) Utilize a series of marketing campaigns – If you don’t have a marking background as I developed with consulting firms and at IBM, it will be important for you to align yourself with people who can help you with this. But you have to decide first what you want to achieve from your marketing campaigns. Do you want to sell stuff, build a following, advertising an upcoming speaking engagement, etc. Whatever it is, will help you pick the right marketing campaign.
7) Evaluate and monitor your progress – Is it working? That’s the question that has to be asked and answered. It’s like going on a road trip. You are continually looking at the map to determine how far you’ve come and how much farther you have to go. This applies in the book selling process as well.
8) Fine tune your plan – if you haven’t achieved as much as you planned when you reach a certain point, it will be important to make some “mid-course corrections”. This will help you to not fall too far off course.
9) Don’t give in, don’t give up – This one doesn’t require an explanation J
10) Keep Writing!
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