The days of a writer writing a book, polishing it, sending
it to publishers, getting a contract, seeing the published book, going on to work
on their next book, have long since gone. Today, publishers want a book that
arrives at their posh offices wearing a suit and a tie (please don’t forget the
pant and shirt). They want a polished manuscript, edited until it shines like a
cluster of diamonds. The shiny manuscript must be accompanied by a reputed
agent.
Independent publishers are upfront with writers,
some indie publishers want authors to pick half the copies of their first print
run, while others want the writer to take their books in place of royalty
payments. Yes, this happened to a writer I know. She said that she preferred
payment, however small it was. Another writer had to pick half the copies of the
first print run which she donated to various school libraries. She was so
thrilled to see her book in print that she had no qualms about picking up the
copies herself.
The big six publishers ofcourse pay an advance,
however small or big it maybe. But they like the authors to be active
participants in selling the books. Meaning having a Facebook page, blog,
Twitter account, and other social networking accounts. Today writers play an
overactive role in promoting their books, from the day they sign the contract.
Actually, one can’t blame the publishers. With
publishing budgets being tightened, bookshops closing down and newspapers
reducing the number of pages that carry book reviews, it becomes important for
writers to be active participants in promoting their books. Writers must plug
in all their social contacts to talk of their books, buy their books, hold
contests, tweet, facebook and anything else they can do. The more copies sold,
the more viable the author becomes.
A writer I know, sent copies of her books to several
book review sites. She is also keeping a track of all the awards that her book
can be nominated for. As nothing perks up a book’s sales as much as an award.
What are all the things you are doing to be active
participants in your book sales? What is your book promotion strategy?
The list is exhaustive, Rachna. I'm publisher, editor, publicist, book cover designer, book file maker, school speaker, author speaker to women's groups.... book signings in shops, castles, world heritage sites, on and on.... the only thing I don't do is print them! I really must try for some help, maybe a publisher might be the thing :0)
ReplyDeleteThe author needs to invest time and money nowadays. I think, marketing could be focused once the author has written at least 6 novels. Because that's when the quality will be good enough to recoup the investments. Just my opinion, others may feel differently.
ReplyDeleteDestination Infinity
You've been watching mine this week. My publisher does some marketing, but I have to do my fair share as well.
ReplyDeleteI'm always grateful for any promo my publishers do. Of course, more is better, but I understand they have limited resources. My job is to do all I can to boost the sales and I work on blogging as one main source. All other social media supports that.
ReplyDeleteUseful information Rachna!
ReplyDeleteIt is hard to promote effectively without an agent. I've done the best I can do and even won an award. For my next books, I'm seeking an agent!
ReplyDeleteAwesome advice! Writers can't do it alone. And nowadays publishers don't do it all. It's best to work with your publisher and pick up the slack.
ReplyDeleteAwesome advice! Writers can't do it alone. And nowadays publishers don't do it all. It's best to work with your publisher and pick up the slack.
ReplyDeleteYes, the book publishing world has changed. I remember I was shocked when I got my first publishing contract and realized the amount of work I'd have to do. At that time, I didn't even have a blog. :)
ReplyDeleteEven though my new book is being published by an independent press, I'm having to do a lot of the leg work: interviews, guest posts, reviews, school visits, book signings, etc. I'm learning a lot for sure.
ReplyDeleteI've always enjoyed visiting you, Rachna! You are SO full of writerly wisdom! :D
ReplyDeleteI am wary of publishers. All of them. I've yet to come across one that does not get sticky and tangled in nonsensical politics. Though I know we are only human, they are all about business and numbers--many of them are callous to the author as a living, breathing being and only make us feel like we are book factories.
Thanks for sharing your wisdom! <3
Elizabeth Mueller
AtoZ 2015
My Little Pony
Elizabeth Mueller
AtoZ 2015
My Little Pony
ABSOLUTELY. People think traditionally published authors don't deal with this but we definitely do. Although being with a big six publisher has its benefits, you have to take control of the marketing or you won't get future book deals. I know of one author who writes for the same line I do--she pays a publicist to handle everything. In the months surrounding a book release, she's all over Twitter. As soon as the book is out? Nothing. She doesn't even post one tweet on her own. But she pays big bucks for it and the thing is, because her account is dormant most of the time, she doesn't have the follower base she needs.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to be pushing physical copies of my books this summer. i've done well just hanging out at the beach and selling them to people walking by.
ReplyDeleteStephen Tremp
A to Z Cohost
M is for Movies
Promotion strategy? I really should have one. :) Basically, my strategy is currently - tweet 8 times a day (both book and non-book tweets) M-F, facebook post about a book five times a week but keep it social otherwise, blog and take part in blog fests (platform building and social purposes), look for review and guest post opportunities, and I've just started looking for more places to "vend" my books in person. I have three events coming in the next three weeks plus one in July - a Poetry Reading, a Book Signing with a Bookstore, and a Mother's Day Vendor's Event/Bazaar - not quite the usual place, but I'm trying it. The fourth one in July is a book fair.
ReplyDeleteYep, we have to work for our success. And what one writers does doesn't necessarily mean it will work for you. You have to make your own marketing plan that works for you.
ReplyDeleteWise!! I'll kee this in mind when publishing. You know you stuff girl!
ReplyDelete