Think like a businessperson, not an author. Once
final draft is written, you're no longer an author. You're an entrepreneur with a product to sell, and it's critical that you start thinking that way. Instead of spending your time on editing and proofreading, you've got to invest your time in marketing activities. That means finding answers to three critical questions:
a.Who is your audience? b.What will compel them to buy your book? c.What methods should you use to reach them?
At this stage, you need to think about capturing leads, producing sales material, getting testimonials and positive reviews, and arranging publicity events. Your focus should be on all ways you can create awareness of your book.
The best way to get started in thinking like a businessperson is after your final draft is done but before you go to print, sit down and write out answers to these questions:
·What is my marketing budget? ·What resources do I have in place already? ·What people do I know who can help me? ·What are my sales goals for year?
Keep your expectations realistic.
The average self-published book sells only about 3,000 copies, and average book issued by a publisher sells only a few thousand more. For every bestseller, there are hundreds of books that sell moderately and disappear. So you've got to keep your expectations realistic, or you'll set yourself up to get discouraged and quit trying to market your book.
Rather than worry about overall number of copies sold, I recommend that people set their goals, especially for a first book, this way:
a.Monetary goals. For most authors, selling enough copies to break even is a very worthwhile goal. If you can do that, you've done great! b.Career goals. Your book might give a big boost to your speaking career, medical practice or other endeavor. c.Publicity goals. Your book could position you as an expert in your field, so that you get invited on radio programs, TV, speaking engagements, etc. d.Publishing goals. Maybe your book will be noticed by a publisher who wants to re-release it, or you are offered a chance to write future books. e.Networking goals. You meet agents, designers, journalists and others who could be wonderful contacts for future.
