Develop your marketing plan

You’ve got this amazing story. Maybe not the next great American novel, but at least next greatest in your county. So what’re you gonna do with it?

Yes, get it published. I know.

But what about after that? Sit back and enjoy all the literary accolades? The harsh reality seems to be that even after all the mental crunch of producing the book, even after the hurry-up-and-wait of finding an agent, getting the book contract, and at least a year’s delay in publication process, your job still isn’t over. You’ve now got to be part of the marketing plan that gets out there and sells the book.

Here then, to help with this, is a good rundown of what a marketing plan is, why you might want one, and some steps to get you started in preparing for it

The Novelist Goes To Market:
Developing Your Marketing Plan

I know. This falls into that shadowy “business” realm of writing, with trolls under bridges, and baby-snatching gremlins lurking in legal matters and sales numbers. Isn’t this the whole reason you wanted to become a writer in the first place? To avoid having to do “business” stuff?

While you certainly don’t have to do powerpoint presentations in front of a bunch of suits, it always pays to know your audience (demographic) and implement some strategies to get your book to that audience in the most effective and profitable way possible. Who else knows your book better than you do? Who better to present it to the soon-to-be adoring public?

This quote from the article says it well:

“Be prepared to take the initiative when it comes to promotion. And follow up on everything. The squeaky (but pleasant) author gets reviewed and asked to speak.” (Susan Perry, social psychologist and author of the bestseller, Writing In Flow)

I see that smile.