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4th June 2008
C.F. Jackson
With the large increase of books being
published by self-publishers, and the up-rise
of print on demand, there is still a lot of
death taking place in the publishing industry.
In the United States, over 291,920 books were
published in 2006, per
Bowker.
Are you a part of this population? There are
many aspects that make up these individuals.
However, let us target just three that are
undeniable to anyone reading this article.
As in anything we do, a large portion of it is
about taking risks. Are you a risk taker?
You've completed your manuscript or just
published your novel; it is time to open the
entrepreneur portion of your brain.
Risk takers do not mind the possible end result
because the thought of success in pure
motivation. Many writers and authors remain
reclusive within the safe haven of their
creativity. What makes this ideology costly? It
is the slow return on their investment.
Are you wondering if you fit into this
population of authors? Sure you have published
your work for the whole world to read, even
critique. But that is just the beginning of
this venture. What makes you any different than
the other hundreds of thousands of writers and
authors?
Sure you can play it safe and hope your
extraordinary opportunity hits you over your
head. Why not become a risk taker and take it
by authority?
Becoming a risk taker you must be:
--- persistent
--- creative
--- passionate
Another obvious bludgeon death is the lack of
knowledge.
Yes it is lovely to remain in your creative
world and just produce book after book. Can you
imagine leaving all the other hoopla for others
to sort out?
No one whose a true business person would dare
allow themselves to walk blind in their
business. Prime examples are Oprah, Donald
Trump and Bill Gates. However, many writers and
authors are just that, blind.
In order to be successful, you need to be savvy
on all levels in the literary industry. If you
are not, just like buying a car, you are going
to get taken every time. Do your homework,
rather than relying on third party hearsay. Why
would you find knowing unimportant? For
example, POD (print on demand) writers. Many
have shouted foul play. The pitch is knowing
the short and long term of POD. Before signing
any contract, may it be for a car, house,
student loan, or what have you, the rule of
thumb is to know what it says. If you do not
know, you will swing at a curve ball because
the only pitch you anticipated was the
fastball.
To become knowledgeable:
--- ask questions
--- take the time to research
--- make sure you understand
Lastly, the beast of all beasts, is marketing.
It is amazing how many authors who are not
marketing exhaustively.
This reverts back to the second point: lack of
knowledge. Too many authors belief that a
publisher will sign them and they will promote
and market their book. Happy to inform you,
that is not always the case.
This is your business and these publishers have
invested enough in you, such as, advance,
printing, and a brief promotion run. After
this, it is the author's job to build a
website, create news releases, get interviews
and so on.
There are many authors and writers out there
with published works who are at a lost. Many
assume self-published authors must deal with
marketing and promoting. If no one has informed
you, allow me: that is not true. All published
authors, in any realm must market
themselves.
How else will your book or novel sell without
getting out to the masses? Your readers?
To market, you must:
--- think-outside-the-box
--- market everyday on some level
--- address all angles of your novel or
book
--- have a user friendly website
Take a look at where you are and where you
desire to be in this literary world. Determine
if you are killing your publishing career.
This is going to be a challenge, but you have
to have enough energy, passion, and juice to
make it past the trying moments.
As a writer or author, make sure you are
multi-dimensional. You are becoming an
entrepreneur, so know where your hats are and
when to wear them.
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