Has Your Book Stopped Selling?
By Dr. Tyra Seldon
I am going to start with a true story that may sound eerily familiar.
There was once a writer who wanted to write a novel. She came up with a concept, developed her characters, outlined the plot, and learned as much as she could about story writing. Within months of writing the book, she had a full manuscript. She shared the manuscript with trusted friends [all of whom loved it]. Shortly thereafter, she self-published. For the first three months, the book did exceptionally well. The royalty checks kept coming in and she was invited to do a workshop or two.
The feedback about the content was great—although her team of amateur editors missed a few typos—she was overjoyed by what she thought would be the launch of her writing career.
The newly minted author started daydreaming about retiring. She even envisioned herself sitting on Oprah’s couch talking about the book. In one daydream, she sat at the table and negotiated the film rights to her movie.
Then, like a torrential rain pounding against the roof of an empty warehouse, the sales stopped. The sound was deafening; there was no warning, just an immediate change in the weather. She waited and waited, yet the sun never did shine as brightly as it did during the first three months of her book’s launch.
Why do I know this story so well? Because it was me.
I wrote and self-published my first novel, Empty Spaces, in 2009. I knew a lot about writing, but I knew nothing—nada—about the commerce side of self-publishing. So, there I sat with a pretty good book. Yet, once I had exhausted my friends and family, my book was stillborn.
I draw from this experience when I am helping clients who have had similar experiences. I will often share that the reason why I am so knowledgeable about the frustration, disappointment, and even shame of not selling enough books is because I have been there.
The good news is that I learned from that snafu and now I am able to help my clients prepare for their marketing strategy well before their books are even born. What’s the number one advice that I give them?
A book is a product.
Like any product, you need to be clear about who you are selling your book to and why. It’s not enough to just write the book. Who, potentially, will want to read what you’ve written? How do you reach out to these people? What can you leverage (e.g. experience, credentials, visibility) to enhance your book’s brand with your targeted audience?
These are just a few of the questions that I ask clients before the book is launched. Writing a book is like having a baby. Gestation is the time to get ready for the baby’s arrival. Just as parents will buy the crib, car seat, clothes, bottles, and diapers before the baby is born, you need to consider how you will introduce and market your book before it is published.
And remember, we can always help you along the way!
Photo credit: Foter.com
A native of Detroit, Michigan, Dr. Tyra Seldon earned her Ph.D. in English Language and Literature from the University of Rochester in 2002. Her scholarship revolved around the literary works of nineteenth-century Black women. She has served as an English instructor and professor at the University of Rochester (NY), Dickinson College (PA), Anderson University and Martin University (IN). After a successful teaching career in higher education and K-12, she launched Seldon Writing Group, LLC in 2011.
Dr. Seldon has served as a writing consultant and freelance writer for several national initiatives, organizations, and Fortune 500 companies. Currently, she writes a weekly article for Freelancers Union. To learn more about e-coaching, email: seldonwritinggroup@hotmail.com