Myth: once a book is published the author is sky-rocketed to fame and fortune
Fact: once a book is published the author needs to promote the book, in order to generate book sales. Fame and fortune can be years off - in fact you may never achieve fame and fortune. If you're lucky, you will be able to make a nice living as an author.
Myth: publishing companies do most of the marketing necessary to generate book sales.
Fact: unless you are a household name, most publishers do little-to-nothing in the way of promotion. If you're lucky, your publisher will send out a press release announcing the publication of your book. [Claddagh Ltd. Publishing House sends out press releases and works with our authors in an effort to ensure their success.]
Myth: agents promote and market your book
Fact: an agent's job ends once a publishing deal has been secured. You must hire a marketing firm to promote your book or you have do it yourself.
Now that I have dispelled three of the biggest myths in the industry, let's get on with a plan to help you achieve success.
Let's begin with the basics:
Step One: Know your audience before you write your book. Ask yourself: "is this a topic/subject/genre that at least one million readers will purchase?" If the answer is yes, then begin writing your book. If your answer is no, then you must look closely at the subject and decide which market this will appeal too. Are you writing an academic book which will appeal to a very limited community? Are you comfortable knowing that you may only sell a few copies, possibly a few hundred? These type of books are fine, they are even necessary in certain circles - just understand that your success will come from something other than being an author - perhaps publication is necessary for your career advancement.
Step Two: Begin to market your book before it is complete. Halfway to two-thirds of the way through your process, begin letting people know that you are writing a book. At this point you want to put together a little teaser. Give just enough information to entice potential readers - keep your teaser short; no more than a paragraph. Practice your teaser and stick to it. You don't want to give away so much information that readers feel as if they have already read your book.
Step Three: Editing. I cannot emphasize this enough - professional editing is essential to successful publication, positive reviews, and increased book sales. A poorly edited book will kill your reputation faster than you can say "huh?" You cannot and should not rely on publishing companies for editing. Why? Because a poorly edited book will never make it past an acquisitions editor's desk. It will wind up in the reject pile. So my advice to you is: save your pennies, give up your lattes and spend the money on a real editor.
Step Four: Create a marketing plan.
Step Five: Follow your marketing plan. You would be surprised at how few people actually follow their own marketing plan.
Step Six: Book tour! Understand that book tours are normally created by the author (or their promoter/marketer) and they take place at the expense of the author. Publishers do not pay for book tours. Let me repeat this: publishers do not pay for book tours. What does this mean to you? It means that your book tour is limited by the size your pocket book, your creativity, and your determination. Start out regionally. Book stores love to have in local authors. Everyone wants to know an author, especially one who lives locally. Do not limit yourself to book stores; book yourself at local clubs and libraries.
Step Seven: Press releases. Learn how to write them and then out your press releases informing your community about your book and local book tour.
Stay tuned - more to come!