Hmm, I didn't major in marketing. And I just want to write books. So...why do I have to concern myself with marketing? Shouldn't my publisher(when I get one) do this for me? Did they do it back in the day? A lot of writers believe they shouldn't have to concern themselves with it. They think the publisher's job(when I get one)is to take care of this.
Publishing is a business. And the author needs to understand the business side of publishing, just as much as he/she needs to understand grammar and sentence structure. My book is super(resisting the temptation to use uber here) important to me. Not so to my publisher. Sales of my book are important to them, just not as critical as they are to me. I want my book to sell as many copies as possible.
When I do finally find a publisher, I need to be available. Building a brand is not just for non-fiction writers anymore. Blogging is building a brand. Anything that shows my public self. And there are a lot of things that a publisher won't do, that I can do to help in the sales of my books. Cafe Press is an affordable way to wear your book cover design on your t-shirt. Bookmarks are another inexpensive way you can market your book and go beyond publisher's marketing plans for your book. Because a publisher doesn't do as much as we need to do in this day and age. What say you? :)
My family (for whom I work) owns a sporting goods shop that prints t-shirts and does embroidery and all that good stuff. I can't wait until I get to utilize them to make my t-shirts. They'll make an amazing giveaway!
ReplyDeleteAt some point, your blog (or a newly created blog) becomes the Platform for your uber super book.
ReplyDeleteAs you know, I've begun to devote one day per week to building the Platform for my book. It's a necessity in the publishing world today. Once I'm published, I'll create a blog and/or website that is solely devoted to my uber super book! Until then, just one post per day . . .
I'd already thought of the t-shirt thing. I even have a couple of different marketing strategies in mind. Always thinking, always thinking!
HA!
S
Oooh, I love your cafepress idea!
ReplyDeleteMegan-I agree! Oh you're so lucky. Hey, you should let folks know so that they might decide to use your families business. :) You know all for one.
ReplyDeleteScott-that mind of yours is constantly twirling with ideas. I love your blog and I think I will have a blog completely dedicated to my wonderful books too! S, you're awesome! :)
Katie-Thanks. I just will be happy when I actually have to do these things! :)
ReplyDeleteIt's SO important to market! And it can actually be really fun. I love designing t-shirts, bookmarks, posters, all sorts of cool things.
ReplyDeletePJ-I can't wait! My times acoming!:) I may be coming to PJ for advice too.
ReplyDeleteYou could so have fun with this. Think of all the horsey-type things you could do with visuals. And don't forget that book trailer!
ReplyDeleteI don't really want to market. Like most writers I simply want to write. However, I've discovered some of it can be fun if we get creative. And the best part is that in being creative you get to reach out to people. People who might potentially read your book. It's important writers realize that marketing is an aspect of getting their books published.
ReplyDeleteThese are great ideas. Perhaps the best way to market is in ways that you enjoy the most. I love all the creative ideas that are flowing. :D
ReplyDeleteTricia- Oh I know. I have so many ideas. And you're right. The book trailer. Yeah!
ReplyDeleteCindy- I've already started reaching out. Preparation is key! Woohoo! :)
Dany- You're right. Market in ways you enjoy the most. :)
I have so many things I want to do to market!
ReplyDelete....but I need the book published, first, don't I?
:)
Beth-Uh yup! :) But I'm like sitting on the ready. You know? :)
ReplyDeleteI actually like the marketing side and the blog and websites are great places to jump off. Of course, I need the book, too!
ReplyDeleteButtercup-we shall overcome and have the offers!!:)
ReplyDeleteGood post Robyn. Thank goodness Marketing has gotten so much easier and cheaper, thanks to the internet.
ReplyDeleteWe should all be practical when it comes to selling our books and understand that we're a part of that process. :-) Thanks for the reminder!
Jessica-thanks. And you're right. It is easier and cheaper than ever before! I can't wait until the time comes and I have to market my books! :)
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