What made me think that completing a manuscript was the hardest part? Where in the wide world of sports did my mind spin out a belief like that? Future authors listen up; marketing is a BIG part of the author-experience.
If you are uncomfortable with having your own blog, or break out in hives just thinking about sharing what you had for lunch over Facebook and Twitter, you're in trouble.
Some people are gifted social marketers. People like my agent, Rachelle Gardner, or Thomas Nelson CEO, Michael Hyatt, they can blog like the best of them and even create intelligible, thought-provoking prose in 140 characters or less.
Then there's the almost-author, like me. If you desire to cut your publication-teeth on a nonfiction book, get ready to hear LOTS about platform, brand, and social marketing.
This means yours truly is seriously thinking about creating a new blog for busy moms. Which translates into trying to find a WordPress designer. Fun. Add that on my list of to-do's. Great.
No publishing house Christian or secular, is going to set aside a fat publicity bankroll for a new author, unless your name is Lucado or rhymes with farbashion.
I have about four months before my book is published. This means I'm working hard on figuring out what bookstores I need to contact, which conferences I should attend. (She Speaks & MOPS Intl. are in my cross-hairs for this summer.) and which mom-bloggers I need to contact for book reviews. Yeah, there's lots to do.
So, what have I been up to lately? I'm earning an online degree in grassroots author marketing. Keep your eyes open, you may just see me pulling a red wagon full of my books around your neighborhood this summer!
For anyone interested in brushing up on author-marketing before their book contract, read these books: Get Known Before Your Book Deal, Guerrilla Marketing For Writers and Publicize Your Book.
Happy Reading!
12 comments:
:))) Grinning from ear to ear.
yep, yep, yep! been there, am there and going there, sister!!! glad I am in good company ;) praying for you as your book nears completion!
Life on the other side of a contract is something one can attempt to prepare for, but it's a lot like having a child or living in a foreign culture. It has to be experienced.
I wish you well on your promotion efforts. With your engaging personality and wonderful message, I feel certain you'll do well.
I'm sure you'll do great! I can't wait to read the new book!
Anxious to hear more about this journey! You will get to the other side!
Loved your comment on my blog today. It warmed me right up to you. Since you offered, I'll be over here for lots of encouragement.
Thanks for the insight on the post contract experience. xo- Brigetta
I'm reading "Get Known Before the Book Contract" now. I'll have to check out the other two.
Do you know any good books on the whole Twitter thing?
My neighborhood is open for red wagons.
God will show you all you need to get Just Too Busy into the hands of mommies who need to be reminded to keep first things first. I know moms are going to be blessed by this book (and your books that follow).
Girl -- I'm so thrilled for you! Don't sweat all this, just relax and enjoy! God has this in His control!
Your blog is BEAUTIFUL. And I'm with you... know idea how to market but I'm trying to figure it out. I'm totally going to get those books you suggested. And try to go to MOPS, too. I'm also trying to ramp up on speaking engagements and trying to figure out *sigh* Twitter.
Since I've had the privilege of reading the manuscript of Just Too Busy, I believe it will sell like wildfire by word of mouth. It is a great book on several counts--what you have to say will resonate for families in our world today.
Can I get a ride in your wagon?
I can sing a good tune and hand out Girl Scout Thin Mints..Maybe not!
You don't need extra weight at a time like this, you need a helping hand. So maybe I should offer to help pull the wagon?
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