The Authorprenuer
At the heart of every successful entrepreneur is a risk-taker. Someone who possesses initiative to create a new venture, acts on an idea, and is responsible for all expenses and outcomes. The independent author is such an adventurer. They capture their ideas, plunge full forward to write it down, refine their message, and acquire the audacity to stand up and make the world listen. In order to successfully publish a book one must view it like starting a business. Thriving authors know that every decision is as much a CEO initiative as it is a creative process. Just as in business not all books will sell without resource and effort.
Research is Key
Before you start to craft your message it is important that you research the market. You must take the time to establish your specialty in a world saturated with the written word. Determine your key uniqueness and write your book to best fit your niche. Start by establishing your starting category then branch out to identify your special methodology of communicating that message. Try to find topics that nearly no one has presented or decide how you can write it in a new way. Take an honest look at your message. If there is little interest in what you have to say then you do not have a sustainable idea.
Determine Your Audience
Narrow your readership to the core group of people most interested in or need your book. Determine if the necessity and the market is large enough to sustain marketing and sales endeavors. You may feel as if your book must be read by the entire universe, but let’s face it; the independent author does not have the resources to reach that demographic. You must pinpoint your exact target audience and learn as much about them as you can. Conduct personal interviews with members and groups in your readership. Find out what they enjoy reading, what problems keep them up at night, or what new insights can you offer them.
You Must Spend Money
It requires expense in order to build your audience and place your book in front of them. Be prepared to spend both time and money. Think in terms of leverage and efficiency. What endeavors can you utilize that will give you the most reach for your dollars? It’s important to remember that marketing does not buy books, audiences buy books. Focus your energies and resources on connecting with your target readers.You should do something every day to promote your book. Just as a business has its regular hours of activity you should run your book promotion in the same way. Make an annual plan of action of what you will do each month and set realistic goals. Determine the milestones necessary to reach your overall plan. Since you should have thoroughly researched your market you will know how to attract their attention.
Select a Qualified Publisher
The authorprenuer knows his or her limitations and strengths and is prepared to elicit the help of professionals in their fields. Marketing strategists, successful authors, business coaches, brand professionals, and other experts can help support your work. Most importantly select a qualified publishing company who in every sense will be your publisher. Choose a publisher that provides services in representation, production, and promotion. Hire only the best and don’t settle for cheap alternatives or “get in print fast” companies.
Use Today’s Marketing Channels
Today’s field of marketing channels has widened and you should make use of today’s many technologies. Don’t rely too heavily just one marketing medium. Combining a melting pot of websites, print promotions, direct marketing, social networking and more; you can successfully let your audience know about your book. Be realistic with your expectations and have patience with the results. However, it is important to measure and track your efforts so that you can know what is working, how you should improve, and what methods fall short.
When you publish a book you are running a business. As an independent author you are the CEO, marketer, publicist, and financier. You are an authorprenuer and you must unwaveringly embrace your passion and accept all risks. Remember as an authorprenuer you will enjoy all the rewards.
Points to Remember
- The independent author is a risk-taker.
- Research your market.
- Determine your unique message.
- Plan to spend money.
- Select an experienced publisher.
- Make use of today’s marketing technology channels.
Unbeatable Book Publishing Quality, with You in Control
It’s time to reform the way we think about book publishing. Stop giving up all your rights. Stop giving up control of the process. Stop settling for mediocre “self-published” books. Start publishing the right way. WinePress provides all the services and representation you need to publish books people will read and enjoy.
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