What Are The Odds Of Success For An Author?

  

The odds of success for authors are anywhere from poor to great. It depends on how how you define success.   

The word “odds” is misleading. The odds of something happening based on past results is not the same as the statistical odds of something involving definitive terms and circumstances.   

For instance, the odds of any particular person out of a group of ten competing tennis players, winning their league’s championship is 10 percent. 1 out of 10. But once you know more of a player’s abilities and past performance, we may discover that one or two players have a far better chance at winning it all. The odds changed.  

If you look at the odds of any one particular bad thing happening to you, one should take comfort in knowing many lousy things are highly unlikely to occur to you — or anyone. 

If you consult an oddball book, You Bet Your Life: Your Guide To Deafly Risk by Sheila and Joe Buff, you will see what I mean. It says that;

* You are ten times more likely to die by dog than shark. Only 34 Americans — out of 337 million — die by dog annually.

* There have been no accidental deaths in recent years on commercial airlines in the US.

*Skateboarding accidents kill as many people as skiing and snowboarding annually — which is a tiny amount.

* Hypothermia, though twice as likely to kill you than heat-related causes, only kills 1300 annually in the US. 

Okay, sorry, I digressed. So, the odds of an author being successful depend on what you use to measure success. Is it book sales? Being on a best-seller list?  Movie deals? Book awards? Clicks on a website? Changing a reader’s life? Influencing public opinion?  

Some two million books will be published this year. Many authors will say they are successful just because they got a book published. Far fewer will be satisfied with book sales or other hardcore metrics like positive professional reviews, book awards, or foreign rights deals. But many will feel successful because their creativity, experiences, beliefs, ideas, and work are available and on display. They are shaping their legacy with each book.  

Whatever your goals, figure out how to move the odds in your favor. What might help with that?  

*Hiring pros to help you

*Focusing only on your strengths

*Competing where fewer authors go

*Working longer/smarter

*Asking others for favors  

For example, compete for awards and contests where fewer people participate. Buy book reviews — they are a sure thing. Look to sell books where other books are not sold. Find an extra 30-60 minutes a day to promote, where other authors can’t or won’t dedicate such time. Lean on people that you know for favors — and keep growing your network without boundaries or self-imposed limitations.  

Manipulate the odds – and you control your fate!  

 

Please Contact Me For Book PR Help

Brian Feinblum, the founder of this award-winning blog, can be reached at brianfeinblum@gmail.com He is available to help authors promote their story, sell their book, and grow their brand. He has over 30 years of experience in successfully helping thousands of authors in all genres.

 

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About Brian Feinblum

Brian Feinblum should be followed on Twitter @theprexpert. This is copyrighted by BookMarketingBuzzBlog ©2022. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester with his wife, two kids, and Ferris, a black lab rescue dog. His writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s The Independent.  This blog, with over 4,000 posts over the past decade, was named one of the best book marketing blogs by BookBaby  http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs and recognized by Feedspot in 2021 and 2018 as one of the top book marketing blogs. It was also named by WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.” For the past three decades, including 21 as the head of marketing for the nation’s largest book publicity firm, and two jobs at two independent presses, Brian has worked with many first-time, self-published, authors of all genres, right along with best-selling authors and celebrities such as: Dr. Ruth, Mark Victor Hansen, Joseph Finder, Katherine Spurway, Neil Rackham, Harvey Mackay, Ken Blanchard, Stephen Covey, Warren Adler, Cindy Adams, Susan RoAne, Jeff Foxworthy, Seth Godin, and Henry Winkler. He recently hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America, and has spoken at ASJA, IBPA, Sarah Lawrence College, Nonfiction Writers Association, Cape Cod Writers Association, Willamette (Portland) Writers Association, and Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association. His letters-to-the-editor have been published in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Post, NY Daily News, Newsday, The Journal News (Westchester) and The Washington Post. He has been featured in The Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald. For more information, please consult: linkedin.com/in/brianfeinblum. 

Interview With Parenting Author Dr. Michael King

 

 

1. What motivated you to write your book, to force you from taking an idea or experience and turning it into this book?

As soon as I became a father, I realized this was the greatest gift in the world.  I thought it was important to tell our story especially in this troubled world.  We have to keep being reminded that it’s all about the love of family.

 

2. What is it about and who is it for?

This book is for anyone who’s thinking, debating, contemplating, having or taking care of a child now or in the future, or for anyone who has experienced what my wife and I experienced in trying to adopt a child.  And it’s for anyone wanting to read a heartwarming story about love and family.

 

3. What takeaways might the reader will be left with after reading it?

That the price we paid for parenthood, even with all that we went through, was worth it.  It’s important to keep an open mind, because sometimes the best things happen when you are resistant to changes, as they do through overcoming obstacles and adversity.

 

4. How did you decide on your book’s title and cover design?

It was either that, a Flow Chart or a roller coaster.  To get from point A to the finish line is often a maze in which you have little control and with each new challenge you alter your direction. This is especially true of adoption.  We describe our journey to our very talented artist, who did pics for The New Yorker magazine, and he came up with the maze.

 

5. What advice or words of wisdom do you have for fellow writers?

Think of the real reason you’re writing; not just having something to say, but the purpose you’re saying it.  We all heard, everyone has a unique story or a tale to tell.  It just sitting and writing is the hard part.  I feel the more you can define the real purpose of your story, the more you’ll stick with the writing.  I’m sure there are a few writers who have the formula down and now do it for the money.  I wrote this book to affirm the joy of family and to give a boost to those debating bringing children into this troubled world.  I say bring them, if there is any chance of getting out of all this mess, it won’t happen without love.

 

6. What trends in the book world do you see -- and where do you think the book publishing industry is heading?

Of course, there are more and more digital books.  I read e books and audio are up 30 percent.   I think publishers face a lot of challenges and that even major publishers for unknown authors are not as generous as they once were.  Good news, I read that there is a revival of bookstores. There is nothing like hanging out in a bookstore and browsing.  There is a great place to escape to, especially those where you can get a coffee and relax.

 

7. What challenges did you overcome to write this book?

It was hard for me to relive through writing the emotions of our journey.  Often in writing I become so focused, and I am transported to that place in the story.  Writing a book takes a lot of commitment and working through doubts.

 

8. How would you describe your writing style?

Being a comic for so many years I’ve learned the importance of simplicity.  A good joke is almost like poetry.  However, simplicity as in many things is really hard to achieve.  There is a real beauty in simplicity and that’s what I strive for.

 

9. If people can buy or read one book this week or month, why should it be yours?

If you want to laugh, to cry, and know the beauty of what’s best in this life, then I would recommend it.

 

About The Author: Dr. Mike King, comedian and pediatric dentist, has built his practice in an unusual way: to relax the kids, he incorporates comedy and magic tricks into his treatment. He has written two children’s books, Flossopher and the Brushing Trees and Enamel the Camel. Entertaining is in Mike’s blood: His dad owned Sid King’s Crazy Horse Bar in Denver, Colorado. In the 1970s and ’80s, it was one of the most popular burlesque houses West of the Mississippi, so it was just a matter of time before Mike began to perform for grown-ups. In the comedy-club circuit he’s known as “The Fifth Dentist”—you know—“Four out of five dentists recommend sugarless gum.” Mike appears regularly at Broadway Comedy Club, New York Comedy Club, and Gotham Comedy Club. His musical, The Lap Dance Kid, is in production, and he’s also written a one-man show. Mike’s greatest joy is spending time with his wife and their daughter. They live in New York City. For more information, please see: www.MikeKingWrites.com

 

 Please Contact Me For Book PR Help

Brian Feinblum, the founder of this award-winning blog, can be reached at brianfeinblum@gmail.com He is available to help authors promote their story, sell their book, and grow their brand. He has over 30 years of experience in successfully helping thousands of authors in all genres.

 

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About Brian Feinblum

Brian Feinblum should be followed on Twitter @theprexpert. This is copyrighted by BookMarketingBuzzBlog ©2022. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester with his wife, two kids, and Ferris, a black lab rescue dog. His writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s The Independent.  This blog, with over 4,000 posts over the past decade, was named one of the best book marketing blogs by BookBaby  http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs and recognized by Feedspot in 2021 and 2018 as one of the top book marketing blogs. It was also named by WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.” For the past three decades, including 21 as the head of marketing for the nation’s largest book publicity firm, and two jobs at two independent presses, Brian has worked with many first-time, self-published, authors of all genres, right along with best-selling authors and celebrities such as: Dr. Ruth, Mark Victor Hansen, Joseph Finder, Katherine Spurway, Neil Rackham, Harvey Mackay, Ken Blanchard, Stephen Covey, Warren Adler, Cindy Adams, Susan RoAne, Jeff Foxworthy, Seth Godin, and Henry Winkler. He recently hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America, and has spoken at ASJA, IBPA, Sarah Lawrence College, Nonfiction Writers Association, Cape Cod Writers Association, Willamette (Portland) Writers Association, and Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association. His letters-to-the-editor have been published in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Post, NY Daily News, Newsday, The Journal News (Westchester) and The Washington Post. He has been featured in The Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald. For more information, please consult: linkedin.com/in/brianfeinblum. 

 

 

 

Queen Of Ratings Should Inspire Authors

 

 

There are reports that more than half of the world’s living population saw the funeral for Queen Elizabeth.  I just have to ask: Why?

Are we so starved to watch a fairytale of the rich and famous unfold before our eyes? Or do we enjoy seeing the powerful weakened by mourning and pain?

Let’s keep a few things in mind. First, the queen had zero official power. She was not the elected leader of a nation. She is merely a celebrity heir to a family that used to run the world. She was basically the equivalent of a Tik Tok influencer.

Now, that is not a jab at the queen, just her title. But she does serve a role. She had the ear of world leaders and she did a lot for charities and to uplift the citizens of England.

The question here is: What is the takeaway from the fact that over four billion watched some part of the same event, something unrivaled in our world’s history. As authors, what do we learn from a writing or marketing perspective?

Well, based on subject matter, I would say that books about or by the Royal Family — or novels with a Windsor connection — could get some consumer love. The news media seems to fawn over England’s palace, so to write about something connected to royalty seems like a good idea.

Many movies and TV shows have certainly revolved around the Royal Family. And they do well at the box office and in the ratings. Books should follow suit. If you research bestselling books about the Royal Family, it is quite long. There is still an insatiable appetite for this.

So, dear author, before you write about the vampire apocalypse or a romance involving time travel, pen something steeped in royalty lore. You will no doubt be enriched for it.

 

Please Contact Me For Book PR Help

Brian Feinblum, the founder of this award-winning blog, can be reached at brianfeinblum@gmail.com He is available to help authors promote their story, sell their book, and grow their brand. He has over 30 years of experience in successfully helping thousands of authors in all genres.

 

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About Brian Feinblum

Brian Feinblum should be followed on Twitter @theprexpert. This is copyrighted by BookMarketingBuzzBlog ©2022. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester with his wife, two kids, and Ferris, a black lab rescue dog. His writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s The Independent.  This blog, with over 4,000 posts over the past decade, was named one of the best book marketing blogs by BookBaby  http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs and recognized by Feedspot in 2021 and 2018 as one of the top book marketing blogs. It was also named by WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.” For the past three decades, including 21 as the head of marketing for the nation’s largest book publicity firm, and two jobs at two independent presses, Brian has worked with many first-time, self-published, authors of all genres, right along with best-selling authors and celebrities such as: Dr. Ruth, Mark Victor Hansen, Joseph Finder, Katherine Spurway, Neil Rackham, Harvey Mackay, Ken Blanchard, Stephen Covey, Warren Adler, Cindy Adams, Susan RoAne, Jeff Foxworthy, Seth Godin, and Henry Winkler. He recently hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America, and has spoken at ASJA, IBPA, Sarah Lawrence College, Nonfiction Writers Association, Cape Cod Writers Association, Willamette (Portland) Writers Association, and Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association. His letters-to-the-editor have been published in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Post, NY Daily News, Newsday, The Journal News (Westchester) and The Washington Post. He has been featured in The Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald. For more information, please consult: linkedin.com/in/brianfeinblum.