On Own It! The Podcast, episode 133, one of Judith’s colleagues shared this thought in a newsletter which, in turn, prompted this week’s challenge about book marketing for writers and authors:
“Before you rush off to write your life story, it’s worth noting that current (2014) statistics state that 93% of all books written never sell more than 500 copies and a book’s success is dependent on 5% writing and 95% marketing!”
No surprises there then; just a salutary reminder. So, what can be done about selling more copies of your book(s)?
In the Show…
Judith starts by mentioning the terrorist attack in Manchester and she and Nicola try to get their heads around it, and fail.
Nicola tells about her first foray to the Cribbage and Moussaka Club and describes all the variety of other activities available to her in Greece.
Client Challenge of the Week
So, writers and authors… if you want to be in the 7% who sell more than 500 copies, what must you embrace? Book Marketing!
Judith describes the various different business models she observes amongst her clients who either do or who want to make a living as an author, and also the reluctance some writers seem to feel when it comes to being visible and marketing their work. If you want to make a living as a writer, all you have to do is find a way you love to engage with your audience and grow their number and their anticipation of your next book. This is so easy for a writer as it mostly involves the written word, just more of it and put to a different use, a different form of story-telling.
Nicola cites examples of three book marketing resources which are listed below. Note that these are mostly about business books though no doubt some of their wisdom could be adapted to fiction, memoir and self-help which are the main three genres discussed today.