I saw a great illustration on LinkedIn about the importance of small steps.
It showed two ladders, one had the rungs very far apart - too far to be able to step up. The other ladder had the rungs close enough together for the climber to actually climb up it.
The closer rungs, smaller steps, are small enough to be manageable which will allow you to complete each step and keep moving forward.
Shaun Hick said, “If you concentrate on small, manageable steps you can cross unimaginable distances.”
WRITING
So, how might this apply to writing?
Well, if you’re a new writer and want to be a novelist, it may be best to start with short stories.
It’ll give you the opportunity to see how a story rises, peaks, and descends into resolution without the pressure of writing an entire novel.
Instead of shooting for a major publication, why not try a small one first?
Not only will it ease the stress, but you’ll have a much better chance of being accepted.
It’s getting much more challenging to get writing contracts. Do all you can to be a step ahead. You’ve got to do the work.
It’s essential to keep things manageable.
Small steps help you keep moving forward.
If you make your steps too big, like the rungs on the first ladder, you won’t be able to manage them; you won’t be able to move forward. It’s best to make them bite-sized, so they're doable. The same goes for goals, too.
BOOK MARKETING
Every author needs to know about book marketing.
Well, let me clarify a bit. Authors need not just be aware of book marketing; they need actually work at it.
As with writing, it’s important to create manageable book marketing steps.
You might first create a plan. Here are the first few steps to include:
1. Create a quality book.
Creating a quality book means knowing the basics of writing, including the story and character arcs.
2. Create an author website or have someone do it for you.
Whether you intend to self-publish your books or are seeking an agent or traditional publisher, you absolutely need a website.
If you don’t already have accounts, get started today. Social media drives traffic (people) to your website.
Create posts on your website and share them on social media.
You can also create CTAs (call to action). An example is below.
4. Create an Amazon Author page.
You’ll include the books you have for sale on Amazon.
You might also consider creating a Goodreads account.
5. Create an email list.
This list is for email marketing; it makes your marketing personal. It’s the only book marketing strategy that lets you connect personally with your readers/subscribers.
An email list builds fan loyalty and is a great way to sell your books directly.
You’ll need an email service and a CTA, but it’s not difficult to do.
For a helpful resource on exactly how to build your subscriber list, check out Email Marketing Right V2.
Summing it up.
These tips are the bare minimum basics for book marketing.
Don’t let it feel overwhelming. Take it one step at a time and do it in manageable steps. Like Hick’s said, if you do it in manageable steps, you’ll be amazed at the things you can accomplish.
Remember the tortoise and the hare story?
A slow and steady pace, and keeping your steps manageable, are what will bring you to your goal.
I’m a working children’s ghostwriter, rewriter, and coach. I can help turn your story into a book you’ll be proud to be the author of, one that’s publishable and marketable.
