I’ve been a writer for a while now. I’ve
produced one novel and two children’s books. This year I hope to have three
novels ready if edits go well. What I’ve come to realize is you need a marketing plan to make your book
launch a success. Using social media, writing groups, speaking engagements and
word of mouth are all good ideas to let people know about your work. That is
just a start of what publishers might expect of you as a new author. You need a marketing plan that carries the information.
produced one novel and two children’s books. This year I hope to have three
novels ready if edits go well. What I’ve come to realize is you need a marketing plan to make your book
launch a success. Using social media, writing groups, speaking engagements and
word of mouth are all good ideas to let people know about your work. That is
just a start of what publishers might expect of you as a new author. You need a marketing plan that carries the information.
Recently
I had seven publishers request the complete manuscript of The Rescued Heart, my romantic suspense novel. To my surprise they
also wanted my marketing plan. In my head I said, “My what?” Fortunately I was
able to recite things I’d done in the past and willing to do in the future. I’m
not sure if that will be enough information to show I’m ready to do whatever it
takes to make this novel successful. After I sent in the appropriate queries,
synopsis and manuscripts I sat myself down to make a real marketing plan.
I had seven publishers request the complete manuscript of The Rescued Heart, my romantic suspense novel. To my surprise they
also wanted my marketing plan. In my head I said, “My what?” Fortunately I was
able to recite things I’d done in the past and willing to do in the future. I’m
not sure if that will be enough information to show I’m ready to do whatever it
takes to make this novel successful. After I sent in the appropriate queries,
synopsis and manuscripts I sat myself down to make a real marketing plan.
1.
Thanks to Lisa Medley, author of Reap and
Repent, I began to formulate a plan. She met with me over breakfast one morning
to show me how she created a notebook of ideas for her launch and promotion of
her debut novel. She included letters of “How to Write a Review on Amazon” to a
calendar of events before and after the launch. With her help I started my
first notebook of ideas. I’m a very organized person so this was right up my
alley. All those abstract info sheets I’d been squirreling away in file folders
found a home in the notebook.
Thanks to Lisa Medley, author of Reap and
Repent, I began to formulate a plan. She met with me over breakfast one morning
to show me how she created a notebook of ideas for her launch and promotion of
her debut novel. She included letters of “How to Write a Review on Amazon” to a
calendar of events before and after the launch. With her help I started my
first notebook of ideas. I’m a very organized person so this was right up my
alley. All those abstract info sheets I’d been squirreling away in file folders
found a home in the notebook.
2.
The
book, The Book Marketing Bible by
Norm Schriever was offered free for my Kindle one weekend so I snatched that up
too.
The
book, The Book Marketing Bible by
Norm Schriever was offered free for my Kindle one weekend so I snatched that up
too.
3.
Yesterday
I signed up for an on-line class about marketing. It was less than $50. Maybe
with all the information coming my way I’ll easily make that $50 back.
Yesterday
I signed up for an on-line class about marketing. It was less than $50. Maybe
with all the information coming my way I’ll easily make that $50 back.
4.
Talk
to other writers. All the ones I know are anxious to see you be successful. Ask
them for help and ideas. Then put them in the new marketing notebook you
create.
Talk
to other writers. All the ones I know are anxious to see you be successful. Ask
them for help and ideas. Then put them in the new marketing notebook you
create.
Maybe
next time one of those fancy name publishers ask me about a marketing plan I
can dazzle them with my ideas.
next time one of those fancy name publishers ask me about a marketing plan I
can dazzle them with my ideas.
0 Responses
I haven't even thought about putting together a marketing plan, although I have lots of ideas. Guess I should organize them!
I swear, social media and marketing have somehow turned into half the battle of being published.
I have encountered the same thing. I'd never heard of a marketing plan before I started submitting my novel Bear Dreamer. I know it's relatively new that they ask for one, but am sure it will eventually become rather standard.
Interesting that they asked for a marketing plan up front! I've been reading professional magazines about how fiercely publishers want us to market. It takes about half the time as writing, it seems. That was great of Lisa to help you!