Seven Steps






			Seven Steps To Successful Book Marketing by book marketing coach Margaret Klee Lichtenberg. Article for Professional Coach Newsletter -- Copyright © December 1996 Many writers think that once they deposit their completed manuscript on the publisher's desk their job is done. Not so! Willing self-promoters who create a partnership with their publisher from day one receive the most attention and promotional dollars. Writers also think their agent will do everything for them. Again, not so. Good agents (i.e. agents that are (1) passionate about your project (2) have genuine connections to editors who are interested in your subject, and (3) will return your phone calls) are not watchdogs of the publishing process. You owe it to yourself to be that watchdog -- to be a friendly and reliably communicative author -- in order to receive optimal attention. Here are seven basic tenets to follow in order to have a positive publishing experience: Take some time to learn how the business of publishing actually works. You'll be surprised how complex a business the book business is -- 50,000 new titles are published in the US every year. At the Barnes & Noble/Borders superstore level you will have a lot of company in the section where your book belongs -- like 500-800 titles similar to yours whether business, self-help, alternative medicine, fiction, you name it. Take a class at your community college to inform yourself. There are also excellent books on the publishing process worth investing in. Learn the ingredients of a book proposal that sells, and take the time to put together an outstanding proposal. Work with a publishing professional, an agent, or a coach to be able to articulate persuasively where the market for your book actually is. Be able to articulate clearly in your proposal and in conversation with publishing professionals and the media why your book is unique. Just as important, be able to speak to: why you, the author. Why are you a good bet for a particular publisher and what active role do you plan to take? Learn the ten questions to ask (even if you have an agent) before you sign on the dotted line. The underlying message here: you are communicating that you care what happens to your book. You are going to stay on your toes in this relationship! Convey your expectations to your editor, keep track of progress, but let the publisher do the job. Don't be a pest, but keep in touch regularly with your ideas and questions. Show yourself to be a willing partner with your publisher to do what it takes to create a marketing success. Genuinely offer your complete participation in the process. Remember, there are another 49,999 books coming out this year!

				Maggie Lichtenberg, PCC — Book Publishing Coach & Consultant Margaret Klee Lichtenberg Coaching, Santa Fe, NM 87508 Contact Maggie Copyright © 1999-2008 Margaret Klee Lichtenberg. All rights reserved.