How Do We Avoid the Rip-offs?
By Jerry D. Simmons | November 17th, 2008 | No Comments » (Click to add yours!)
Over the course of the past five years, I’ve written numerous articles, blogs, and newsletters, warning writers about the scammers that plague the independent publishing community. It bothers me to no end that these people exist, let along seem to thrive off the backs of unsuspecting authors. I have to give them credit; they are obviously better marketers than me.
I’m not a hard sell person, I do not fill my newsletter with advertisements and I offer free phone consultations to almost anyone that asks. Some call me foolish, while others warn against giving time away, yet I feel a need to help writers and authors before they fall victim to the scammers.
I’m asking for your help. Please, spread the word about this newsletter and our web site, Nothing Binding. We must stop the unscrupulous “experts” who sell nothing but lies and false promises, but it won’t happen without your help. Tell your friends and writing colleagues that we are creating a place where writers and authors can get the facts.
Together we can elevate the self-published author’s reputation and in the process sell more books. The market is ripe for what we do but without a substantial quorum, we will not make progress. Industry perception is critical, and if we join together with the truth about publishing as our foundation, we can create a huge impression in the marketplace which will ultimately translate into book sales.
Can You Spot Opportunities?
By Jerry D. Simmons | November 4th, 2008 | 1 Comment » (Click to add yours!)
Understanding the basics of the business of publishing, and how the marketplace operates and the pieces fit together, is important to the success of all authors. The more you understand, the better equipped you are to ask the right questions. If you aren’t self-publishing, then asking the right questions signals your editor or publisher that you are motivated to help them make your book a success. If you are self-publishing, this knowledge is critically important if you want to sell copies of your book(s).
Successfully marketing a book is not difficult. All that’s really required is for you to spend time reading industry publications, my book and newsletter, making blog posts and being a regular visitor to local chain and independent bookstores. However, like most things, research is important. Regular visits to the publishing laboratory, the retail bookstore, will reveal a lot about how experienced publishers merchandise and market books. After a while, you will begin to spot trends and pick up tips on how the biggest publishers attempt to grab the attention of the consumer. Taking time to talk with the manager of such stores, providing they aren’t busy, can also provide a wealth of useful information. All are ideas you can use on your own.
Make it a continuing goal to read about the business, visit bookstores on a regular basis, maintain a positive, never-give-up attitude, and be consistent in your marketing efforts. Remember, the important thing is not how many copies you sell. Your book will sell itself if you find the correct niche for it. Concentrate on developing a platform for yourself. Locate pools of readers who are interested in what you have to say or the stories you have to tell. Regardless of sensational media stories you may hear, success hardly ever comes overnight. Put the required in the time and effort, and you will be successful.
Your book might not wind up on the New York Times bestseller list (unless you have a multi-million dollar advertising budget), but you can look forward to knowing that people enjoy your writing, and appreciate you as an author. Can you think of anything better?
