Launch Pad Publishing

     I know this may sound a little harsh, but if you hate sales, you might as well not write your book.

     I can hear the “buts” and the “butts” burning right now! How could I say such a thing? Easily! Because you are going to have to market and sell your book if you expect anyone to buy it!

     Did you know that there are more books being published now than ever before? Yup! About 400,000 a year, was a recent statistic I saw. So you have more competition than ever. In order to rise above the crowd, you have to be very creative, think strategically, and ask plenty of questions to determine who is your audience and how to find them.

     Whether you have an opportunity to be published traditionally, or have opted for the more practical hybrid or self-publishing, you will have to do a fair amount of marketing and selling of your book. Otherwise no one will know it’s out there. The more you want to sell books, the more you have to connect with your audience in all sorts of ways.

     Create opportunities where you can bulk sell your book to companies or organizations that have a good strategic fit with your project. You will have to contact those companies and offer them your book. Sure, you are calling and speaking with someone you’ve never met, and you are making them an offer. They might say “no” or they might say “yes.” But you are making the call with the intention of getting a “yes” or at least a request for more information!

     If you have some fear of selling… just remember, kids are the absolute best sales people on the planet. They will sell you on the ice cream they want, or the bicycle, or the latest bit of technology. They don’t let up until you say “yes” or send them to their rooms. If one parent says no, they ask the other one (heading up the “corporate ladder”). If all else fails, they ask a grandparent or aunt or uncle. They’ll ask at a different time of day. They’ll do the dishes or mow the lawn, and then ask again.

     They are persistent. Sure, sometimes they can be very annoying. But they are not deterred by the word “no” if it’s something they really want. And one day, they finally get a “yes” and all is right with their world.

     They can be very creative about how they ask, especially if it’s something they think you’ll say “no” to on first glance. So they plan their attack very carefully.

     You need to do the same. Get to know your prospect and how your book can make a difference for their business/employees/customers. Have your case together, along with supporting documentation that removes doubts and questions. (“Susie’s going, too. Her parents will drive us and said we can stay at her house after. You can even call them!” Wow! How can you say no to that?)

     So if you’re shaking in your shoes over selling, take off your high heals or your wingtips and put your “P.F. Flyers” or “Red Ball Jets” back on from your kid days and get creative, think strategically, and ask plenty of questions to set yourself on a strong path to move ahead.

     Otherwise, never mind—don’t write the book. (wink, wink)

Happy Writing!

Faye Levow, President

Launch Pad Publishing