You
never know where opportunity lies.
Last
month I was a speaker at the Independent Book Publishers Association
conference. I was one of several dozen
speakers over a multi-day conference in Chicago. My
session competed with three others simultaneously. I was given the last time slot of the
day. Not an ideal situation.
But
it didn’t matter. My talk ended up being
attended by only 16 people – out of 300 attendees. But my goal was achieved. I came there for three reasons – to generate
business for the book publicity firm that I work for, to meet with writers and
support what they do, and to help educate others on what they can do to promote
their books.
Throughout
the conference you have many opportunities to meet people, whether by intention
or fate. Of course, one makes their own
opportunities, as I did with an author while we were on line to order a glass of
$12 house wine.
I
don’t recall who spoke to whom first, but the woman in front of me began to
tell me what her book was about once she found out I am a book promoter. We hit it off during that brief encounter
that lasted no more than five minutes and exchanged business cards.
She
followed up with me after the conference by sending me a copy of her book. She’s now a client of mine.
I
tell you this story for two reasons.
First to encourage you to network and to reach out to others anytime,
anywhere, as you never know who can help you if you only ask. Second, I caution it doesn’t always work out
that way. Many conversations lead
nowhere. But one should keep trying and
putting themselves out there so that good things can unfold.
To
promote a book you need some strategy, a good story, and lots of gumption. Your strategy revolves around your targeted
readers. Once they are identified by you, please circulate where they can be found.
On the marketing side, determine where they gather so you can attend
events and speak at them. Locate them on
social media so that you can engage them.
Learn which media they consume and seek to be interviewed or reviewed by
them. Advertise on platforms where your
readers tend to be.
When
it comes to being assertive, aggressive, or in dogged pursuit of those who
could help you buy, promote, or sell your book, there’s not much to
debate. Let yourself be positioned for
success. You don’t have to let yourself
fail. Let yourself succeed. Open your mouth. Send an email. Mail a book reach out to any and all who can
help you. No time to be shy or filled
with doubt. Just put yourself out there
and allow for new doors to open.
And don’t forget to talk to the person waiting behind you on line.
And don’t forget to talk to the person waiting behind you on line.
DON”T MISS THESE!!!
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that sells tons of books
So what is needed to be a champion book marketer?
Catch Me At Book Expo America May 31
Don’t Forget To Give Back
Don’t some of your book proceeds to a
worthy charity. Feel free to consult these reosurces:
This
nonprofit is dedicated to finding worthy giving opportunities.
This
ranking system evaluates tons of charities.
Here
are the 100 largest U.S. charities.
