How to become an author entrepreneur?
An author’s business isn’t just about being able to write a good book. The discipline and organization that it takes to write a novel or nonfiction book is one of the many good qualities that will help successful authors.
When I looked at the possibility of writing for a living, never in my wildest dreams did I think of marketing. I wanted to write a good book, worthy of publication and that my readers will love and tell others about it. That will be the ideal situation for us as writers, a book that sells itself. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way.
The truth of the matter is that there is some knowledge of marketing that every author must possess to be successful. But I don’t want to discourage you here, I just want you to know what to expect in the industry as now more than ever publishers have more consideration for authors who know their writing, their competitors, their readers, and how to promote their own work. Authors who have this knowledge are more likely to be offered a publishing contract than those who do not. The number of books published daily is too great for publishers to promote all of them. Authors with good sales tracking records will most likely be promoted first.
Before writing your book, research the topic and your competition.. Can you write something that has not been covered and is necessary or can you write a book on a popular topic better than what has been written before?
Be prepared to spend money. As an enterprising author, like any other business, you will incur expenses to get the book in front of your audience. Be prepared to invest in promoting your book with time and money.
Do something to promote your book on a daily basis.. It could be as simple as writing a press release, making promotional flyers, handing out your business cards to people you know, and meeting when you’re running your errands. Visit the writers group in your area or online and meet others who like or write your genre.
Be creative. Just as you are creative in your writing, you must be creative when it comes to promoting your work. Since you know your audience, you can think of effective ways to attract their interest. Look in magazines, newspapers, book reviews at the bookstore or online and see how they do their promotions, stories, articles, etc. When you publish your next book, you must be absent to include your previously published work in your promotions.
Don’t ignore the technology. These days a lot is being done online and you should not miss the opportunity to use it to spread the word about your book and with it it is a message vehicle to let the world know about your book.
Keep perfecting your craft. I don’t have to tell you how to be a better writer, being an entrepreneurial author is a daunting task for many of us. Make it your homework to study successful authors, read their memoirs and how they achieved their success and how they continue to reach your audience. Read about marketing in all areas and aspects that are applicable today. Meet with other artists on your own and exchange ideas and resources offline and online.