Best sellers happen to unknown authors. Getting on The New York Times Best Seller list happens. Breakout books happen to new authors.
But . . .
Yes, of course, there’s a ‘but.’ Statistically speaking, about 80% or more of all books don’t succeed.
Every new author needs to enter the publishing arena with open eyes. She needs to be realistic as to what’s required of her and what her chances are.
So, how do you help increase your chances of getting your book to succeed? How do you create a successful writing career, even if you don’t have a breakout book?
3 of the Most Important Tips for Effective Author Platform Building and Book Marketing
Whether you landed a book contract or not (if you’re self-publishing, these three tips are just as important, if not more so):
1. You absolutely need an author website. And, it needs to be optimized.
Optimization means having the right domain name, the right website title and subtitle, using keywords, optimizing your blog posts, creating the ‘right’ web pages, using optimized images, and so on.
Another key optimization trick is to keep your website simple: easy to read, easy to navigate, uncluttered, and active.
2. You need an understanding of how to market your book.
According to the February 2013 issue of The Writer, “The slam-dunk team” article explains, “Publishing houses want a business partner, someone who’s going to work hard from the get-go, tirelessly promoting, working connections, and never saying no to an opportunity.”
Do you know how to blog effectively? Do you know how to create a subscriber list and use email marketing to drive more sales? Do you know how to work social media marketing to increase website traffic, boost authority, and boost sales?
These marketing strategies are all part of an optimized author/writer platform – they’re considered inbound marketing. While it’s all must-know-stuff, it can be easy to do.
There are lots of online opportunities to learn these skills. One super-effective and super-reasonable tool is: Creating an Author Platform. It’s a four-week interactive ecourse by a former WOW! Women on Writing instructor.
3. Put your website and newfound knowledge to work.
It’s true there’s a lot involved in building your platform and book marketing, but once you get the hang of it, it will become second nature. Think of it like a puzzle. You have to put the pieces together before you get the results you want.
Have an optimized author website; create an Amazon Author Page; get book reviews; blog your way to visibility; use email marketing to promote new releases; and use social media marketing to widen your marketing reach.
Give your publisher what she wants: A book marketing-savvy author.
4. This is a bonus tip:
According to just about all expert book marketers, including Chuck Sambuchino and Jane Friedman, you need to have all your marketing strategies in place before you even start submitting to book publishers or literary agents.
So, if you’re writing a book or you’re in the submissions process, be sure to get your author platform and book marketing strategies in place.
Be able to tell a publisher or agent that, YES – you can help market your book.
I’m a working children’s ghostwriter, rewriter, and coach. I can help turn your idea, outline, or manuscript into a book you’ll be proud to be the author of, one that’s publishable and marketable.
OTHER HELP I OFFER:
HOW TO WRITE A CHILDREN’S FICTION BOOK
A 200+ book that will help you write your own children’s book.
FICTION WRITING FOR CHILDREN eCOURSE
4, 8, or 12 Weeks / 9 Sections / Instructor Guided Self-Study Program
WRITERS ON THE MOVE SELF-PUBLISHING SERVICE
Self-publishing help for children’s authors (picture books and chapter books)
You can contact me at kcioffiventrice@gmail.com.
MORE ON WRITING FOR CHILDREN
Writing for Children – 4 Simple Tips
The Outline Method of Writing (Are You an Outliner?)
The Book Summary – Five Must-Know Components
Karen, although this is all very good advice, I believe it is way too much to expect of a brand-new author unless they have a book that is somehow associated with an existing profession. Certainly they should make an effort, but we both know it isn’t the easiest thing in the world to write a first book, so to expect them to have all of these things in line before they have a publisher or agent could be very discouraging. As an alternative, I suggest they show some passion for learning how to partner with a publisher and for marketing in general in their query letter and their book proposal. Sometimes, with a little experience in marketing, and Author can come up with some really brilliant and originall approaches to marketing that could impress the gate keepers. They may be able to do this because they bring a fresh perspective to the table.
Carolyn, you’re so right. Thanks so much for adding your experience and input to the post!