I’m frequently asked about self-publishing success and how to launch a self-published book into the stratosphere. I talk about publishing here, but have added more below on what I believe are the “musts” regarding traction for your book.
Note that self-publishing has everything to do with your marketing budget and online know-how. You can write the most compelling book in the world, but how will anyone buy it if they don’t know it exists? That’s where smart marketing comes in.
Click here for a list of successful self-published authors!
The bottom line is that any book, even an unedited and poorly designed book, will sell if marketed correctly. So imagine what a well-written, well-designed book can do… once you get it in front of readers.
Patrick Byrne as an Example of Self-Publishing Success
I follow the exploits of Patrick Byrne, former CEO of overstock.com, because he is a brilliant marketer. Some may call his new book controversial — The Deep Rig: How Election Fraud Cost Donald J. Trump the White House, By a Man Who did not Vote for Him (or, What to send friends who ask, “Why do you doubt the integrity of Election 2020?”).
But Patrick generated intense interest for this book by first sharing his adventures on his website, sort of rolling out informal teasers episode by episode, and then linking his blog posts to his social media. He admitted that his blog posts needed editing, but few seemed to mind. They were more fixated by Patrick’s White House exploits with Sidney Powell and General Flynn and less focused on Patrick’s grammar and punctuation.
Then came a surprise. Patrick put his blog posts into an e-book and listed it on Amazon. He already had a built-in following because he recognized the value of free mainstream social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) — and don’t forget alternative social media platforms like Telegram, Gab, Clouthub, MeWe, BitChute, etc. Patrick knew this is where his audience existed — online — and where he needed to reach them to propel book sales.
Where is Your Audience and How Will They Find Your Book?
After you go through the effort of writing your book, what is your marketing budget? Are you ready to invest tons of hours (and perhaps some serious money) in marketing your book? Well, you should — or have a team do it for you.
Honestly, it kills me when authors say, “I don’t like social media” or “I’m old school and don’t want a Facebook account.” If you think your book will somehow magically end up in the hands of readers or materialize on a bestseller list without any genuine online effort, then brace yourself for disappointment. Sure, luck is a component in any publishing venture, but more realistically, you have to be smart about promoting your book and meeting your potential audience where they are: in cyberspace.
Here are some helpful steps:
- Identify your audience(s)
- Name your book and get a book cover designed while the book is still being edited. Your cover design is a huge element of your branding, so figure that out now.
- Set up a mobile-friendly WordPress website with a blog that will feed the search engines. Use an SEO plugin. If you are unfamiliar with any of this, ask me.
- Get your social media going. Again, ask me if you aren’t sure how.
- Start dropping the news (teasers) about your upcoming book on different sites — organizations, fraternities, sororities, memberships, social media, etc. Let me know if you aren’t sure how to get started.
- Send an email to all your contacts and let them know a book is coming, and let them know you’ll send an Amazon link once it’s out, and ask them to share the link. Again, I’m here to help.
- Set up book signings NOW. Museums, libraries, book stores, alma maters, churches (if large) and organizations you belong to — all are possible book signing venues. Let me know if you need help with book signings.
- Once the book publishes, have interviews already set up with radio stations local news stations. I can help with this too.
- Think big if you have a big story. If you want to be featured on a television talk show, then research how that occurs. You might need someone in your corner to actually make contact with a national news network. As always, I’m here if you need help!
Self-Publishing Success in a Nutshell
Marketing, marketing, marketing!
Start with a book cover design and brand from there. Effectively use social media and your website blog to drive interest. Line up interviews. Line up book signings. Get the word out that this book is coming in a big way. And let me know if you need help or guidance.
Let’s Collaborate!
Contact me today for a consultation!