Authors Must Sell Themselves, Not Their Books

Authors often have interesting and powerful stories to share. They lived interesting lives and reveal an empowering message that is sure to uplift and enhance the lives of others. But so many of them are challenged to be heard. Who do we tend to listen to and why don’t we give others a chance to be heard?

In a new book, Messengers, authors Stephen Martin and Joseph Marks explain in a compelling way how, in an uncertain but ambiguous world, the messenger is increasingly the message. They insist that we frequently fail to separate the idea conveyed from the person delivering it.

Their book jacket asks some revealing questions, stating: “We live in a world where proven facts and verifiable data are freely and widely available. Why then, are self-confident ignoramuses so often believed over thoughtful experts?  And why do seemingly irrelevant details such as a person’s appearance or financial status influence whether or not we trust what they are saying, regardless of their wisdom or foolishness?”

The book identified eight aspects people gravitate towardsin a messenger, few of them surprising.  We want to listen to people who sound confident, almost dominant. They must sound competent and may occupy a certain socio-economic position in society. We prefer them to be attractive.  Further, we like our messengers to exude warmth, charisma, and trustworthiness, and even a sense of vulnerability.

“One question we’ve been asked a number of times in the course of our research is whether there is one messenger trait, out of the eight we have identified, that is particularly powerful – that trumps all others.”  Their book states.  They conclude it is trustworthiness.

So how does one establish a level of trust in a quick interaction?  How do you, as an author, get others to believe in you, like you, and trust you?

Start by saying things people can agree with, emotionally and personally. 

Quote statistics from reliable sources.  State ideas with passion and compassion. 

Humanize your self -- tell us real-life things about yourself that we can relate to and identify with. 

Sound authentic and be true to your values. 

State a fear. Tell a joke.  

Mention a family member. Say things that can’t alienate. 

Don’t identify with a group they don’t like. 

So no politics, religion or sports talk.  

Connect with their values – love, friendship, family, peace, freedom, wealth, health.  

Be someone they’d want as a friend, mentor, boss, neighbor, colleague.  

Sound humble and idealistic but filled with desires, dreams, and goals.

Your book is your hook but the message is the messenger. Do they like, trust or desire you?

Do You Have a Bookstagram?

I’m active on Linked In, Twitter, and Facebook, but I have not cracked Instagram.  In need to sleep and not just live on social media, right?  But Instagram could be a great way to promote your book.  Consider forming a bookstagram an Instagram account centered around books. To get started, check out: www.digitaltends.com/mobile /how-to-use-instagram/.

One Fourth of America Ignores Books

At least 72% of Americans reported consuming a book last year, while 27% firmly did not read or listen to a book.  Oddly, one percent said they didn’t know or didn’t answer the question posed to them by Pew Research Center, according to USA Today. Only 7% of respondents said they consumed books only digitally (ebooks, audio books) while 37% said they only read print books.  28% said they consumed both print and digital books.

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Brian Feinblum’s insightful views, provocative opinions, and interesting ideas expressed in this 
terrific blog are his alone and not that of his employer or anyone else. You can – and should -- follow him on Twitter @theprexpert and email him at brianfeinblum@gmail.com. He feels much more important when discussed in the third-person. This is copyrighted by BookMarketingBuzzBlog ©2019. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester. His writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s Independent.  This was named one of the best book marketing blogs by Book Baby http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs and recognized by Feedspot in 2018 as one of the top book marketing blogs. Also named by WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.” He recently hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America.