A few things you should know before you begin.

It’s time. You’ve decided you are going to write that book, the one you’ve dreamed about, thought about, talked about, that won’t leave you alone.  Your message to the world. Quite possibly, you’ve already bit the bullet, written the book, self-published, have it ready for print-on-demand sales.

A Question: How will you market your book?

There are steps you will need to take to establish your author business and platform and also your authenticity and credibility. Online services are available to help get your book out there. In fact, it is essential to have a plan. Okay, you say, tell me more. There are people who will guide you. Avail yourself. Gather the right tools in your tool chest to establish and grow your author business.

Story in a nutshell: I had a book. I spent seed money to promote my self-published book. But people weren’t lining up to buy my book. My book and my name were invisible, unknown, and unproven. My understanding of the book marketing process? Nada. Right. The problem? I was missing key components.

Ignorance is bliss? Not in my case. To establish myself as an author with an authentic message, I would need to do more than visit local book retailers for some shelf space and to host book signings. The illusion of success quickly dispelled. Reality does that to you. It wasn’t rocket science. The self-published author is responsible for gaining the confidence of the reader by establishing the book’s benefit. As the advocate for their book’s message, the author becomes the purveyor of its content to the intended audience. The new author must approach the public arena of online visibility. There are many useful forums available for a newly hatched author which will open the door to an effective online presence.

Believing in your book is not enough. Do your homework. Now. Start where you’re at even before you write the book. Line up with people in your genre. Seek out the gurus in the business.

I decided to take action. I began looking on the web for publishing and marketing information through twitter, blogs, and industrious searches. I found revered sources that solidified into positive contacts; consultants who know the book trade inside and out; who are knowledgeable, experienced, and savvy. Their blogs provide rich content for new and wannabe authors. I became selective in my choices. I removed my poorly crafted WordPress site, an embarrassment, and built a new site more to my liking. I looked for classes that would help me.

I kept on reading. It was time intensive. I pushed myself to take some baby steps, to start somewhere. Stagnation isn’t very attractive! One of the leaders in the field posted a link to an online book marketing course. Because it was she who posted it, I believed it would be a worth-while course. Reputation means a lot in this field. It was one of the first things I did right! The course was excellent. The presentation hit all the major areas a novice author needs to know. It included notable presenters and excellent hand-outs. Even some freebies. The course is now available as a self-paced venue. I recommend it for anyone who wants to come up to speed. (see D’Vorah Lansky recommendation)

I learned what it takes to effectively market a book in the crowded self-publishing market-place. Ready. Set. Go! My next books will gather momentum through my “do” diligence as I plan, share, interact through effective marketing know-how. These books will find their readership. In the process, I will meet lots of nice people.

Here is a nudge. If you are so inclined, take the next step. Put your ducks in a row–then you will know in what direction to swim and where to fly. Here is a recommendation for D’vorah Lansky’s excellent online course.

I highly recommend this online marketing course for any person who wants to write a book or is seeking to increase sales for their current book. Known as, The Marketing Wizard, D’vorah Lansky, is a leader in the field. She specializes in making the online world of marketing an insightful enterprise. She unpacks this ‘know-how’ in manageable and informative lessons. These online lessons help solidify learning and also increase exposure to the critical aspects necessary for marketing a book in today’s world. The marketing boot camp is available as a self-paced program.
Check it out.Become a Celebrity Author Boot Camp You will be glad you did!  Norma

Happy book writing and book selling!

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