Self-Marketing
There's a lot of work to be done in writing. First, and foremost, we need to write the best work we've ever done. Next, we have to establish a network of contacts that can help further our careers as writers. Some of us probably need editors and publishers. With or without those, we have to become experts at self-marketing.
Not too long ago, we had a crash course in Marketing. We covered the four "Ps" of marketing: Product, price, placement and promotion. The product, of course, is our written work. Price and placement are dependent upon each other. An e-book is going to be less costly to create and generate less overhead than a print book. The price, therefore, would be adjusted accordingly.
A publisher would, of course, help with the determination of price and placement. Most likely, the publisher would also assist with promotion. Even so, we need to get involved in this activity ourselves. It is, after all, our livelihood that is depending on the success of that promotion.
If you've created a book, carry bookmarks with you that contain an excerpt from the book. The excerpt can be a poem if that is the type of book you are publishing. Have copies of your latest review on hand to share with willing audiences. If someone asks about your writing, hand them a sample or a review. You can even have business cards created with the name of the publication and how they can order.
If the book is small enough, carry a couple of copies in your car. If you are asked about it (say they overheard you talking about it), you can say you have a copy available if they'd be interested in purchasing it. Be bold! Go for the sale. Have your product and price handy for anyone that shows an interest. Failing that, have ordering information handy.
Believe in yourself and you can convince others to believe in you. Take advantage of that position. Even if you only make a couple of sales, you're better off than you were without making the sales and even if a sale is refused, those people are likely to remember your conviction.
Not too long ago, we had a crash course in Marketing. We covered the four "Ps" of marketing: Product, price, placement and promotion. The product, of course, is our written work. Price and placement are dependent upon each other. An e-book is going to be less costly to create and generate less overhead than a print book. The price, therefore, would be adjusted accordingly.
A publisher would, of course, help with the determination of price and placement. Most likely, the publisher would also assist with promotion. Even so, we need to get involved in this activity ourselves. It is, after all, our livelihood that is depending on the success of that promotion.
If you've created a book, carry bookmarks with you that contain an excerpt from the book. The excerpt can be a poem if that is the type of book you are publishing. Have copies of your latest review on hand to share with willing audiences. If someone asks about your writing, hand them a sample or a review. You can even have business cards created with the name of the publication and how they can order.
If the book is small enough, carry a couple of copies in your car. If you are asked about it (say they overheard you talking about it), you can say you have a copy available if they'd be interested in purchasing it. Be bold! Go for the sale. Have your product and price handy for anyone that shows an interest. Failing that, have ordering information handy.
Believe in yourself and you can convince others to believe in you. Take advantage of that position. Even if you only make a couple of sales, you're better off than you were without making the sales and even if a sale is refused, those people are likely to remember your conviction.
posted by Vickie at 9:06 PM
2 Comments:
Good info.
Thanks, James. Good to see you.
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