Knowing Which Way To Turn

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Which way?

As you journey into the life of a published author it is important to remain focused.

There are many, many obstacles ahead. First, before you self publish answer the following questions:

 

* Have I educated myself about the career of being a published author?

* Have I identified my target market?

* Is the manuscript error free?

* Am I willing to invest the time, and money to market the book?

* Am I prepared for rejection?

* Do I have a “Plan B?”

 

This week I met a wonderful author. She admitted she didn’t think my workshop would be worth her time, or money. We authors are a skeptical bunch. Appreciating her honesty, I explained that uncertainty is common…now more than ever. My goal is to help, not hinder.

 

She listened while I explained that I did not plan to write Stress-free Marketing: Practical Advice for the Newly Published Author, last year.  She nodded when I said I was writing a novel, but stopped after meeting people who worried me. Further explaining the number of self-published authors I have met who have  hemorrhaged 5, 10, 20 thousand dollars (and more) on books they can’t sell, this particular author made me smile when she said, “I am in the planning stages.”

 

Finally, someone I can help. Finally, someone who not only has a finished manuscript, but understands that marketing before you release a book is important.

 

We sat, she and I, discussing her book, her plan,the vision she has for her book. Then she said: “what I really need to determine is how I am going to sell my books and whether I want to drag them with me everywhere I go, or whether I trust someone else to help sell my book.”

 

Hallelujah !  Ring the bells. She understands. One more author has been saved from a potential financial tragedy. Now if she will only help  me spread the news to other authors, eventually we will create a world of authors who aren’t worried about selling their books.

 

 

Renea Winchester is the author of Stress-free Marketing: Practical Advice for the Newly Published Author. Her first book titled: In the Garden with Billy: Lessons About Life, Love & Tomatoes, earned a SIBA nomination and a Georgia Author of the Year nomination. She is an award-winning author who believes in the value of community and relationships. Her work has appeared in various magazines, anthologies, and literary journals. Visit her at www.reneawinchester.com