Thursday, April 27, 2017

Writers Need A Spring Cleaning Of Their Mind



I recently did some spring cleaning at home.  Actually, it was a bit more than that.  We’re in the process of selling our house and in order to show it well, a super cleanup was in order.  We’ll need to make even harder decisions when it comes time to pack up and move.  But this purging and cleansing process made me think that an author preparing to promote and market herself also goes through a similar process.

Writers need to get certain things lined up in order to publicize their book, including the need to: 

  • Establish and define what their brand or writing essence is:
  • Succinctly summarize what their book is about.
  • Identify who their book is for.
  • Clearly state their unique selling position.
  • Gather assets such as images, excerpts, video, and past news clips.
  • Put together a strong press kit.
  • Design a solid website.
  • Have established profiles on select social media outlets.
  • Research the marketplace and map out a strategic plan and timeline for execution.
  • Be media coached and ready to deliver a polished message.
  • Secure partners/friends/relatives who can help advocate for their book.
  • Line up bookstore signings and event appearances.
The process of sifting through one’s physical possessions and making quick judgments on what to do with them is similar to how authors have to review their experiences, ideas, and resources and start to figure out which ones can help them advance their writing career.

At home I made several piles so that when I reviewed an item I could place it in one of the following boxes:

·         Donate.
·         Garbage.
·         Keep, but store.
·         Remain in place for use.

Where possible, I looked to see what could be condensed, combined, or reformatted so it takes up less space and looks neater.  I had to reduce the clutter and get real about what I can use vs. what I can toss.  Writers need to also filter what’s swarming around their heads and make firm decisions and declarations as to which information they will commit to using – and what gets abandoned.

Once you start the process, it gets easier.  You get into a frame of mind of being on a mission.  You give yourself a feeling of purpose and value as you seek to assign a currency to the things you’ve held onto for years. So whether it’s a physical object or a writer’s idea, comb through your collection and make some useful decisions.

Check These Posts Out
Do You Promote Your Book Outrageously?

What's In A Name Or Word?

How Should We Define The Dictionary?

Do You Support The Bookism Movement?

What Color Is Your Book Marketing Parachute?

Welcome To Your 2017 Complete Author Book Marketing & PR Toolkit


Brian Feinblum’s views, opinions, and ideas expressed in this blog are his alone and not that of his employer. You can follow him on Twitter @theprexpert and email him at brianfeinblum@gmail.com. He feels more important when discussed in the third-person. This is copyrighted by BookMarketingBuzzBlog 2017©. Born and raised in Brooklyn, now resides in Westchester. Named one of the best book marketing blogs by Book Baby http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs

No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.