Who Sells Your Books and Products?
Answer: YOU!
Bookstore chains like Border’s and Barnes and Noble, independent bookstores, second hand bookstores, and garage sales, plus web sites like Amazon and so many more, just inventory product. They might make suggestions on their web site like people who bought this book also bought this one, or people who recommended this book, recommended this one. But ultimately the only one who sells your book is YOU!
You have to create the marketing plan AND execute the marketing plan. I am intensely sensitive to this because I see so many disillusioned and uninformed authors with very good books that never make it past the first printing. I see these good books in the discount bookstore bins at 90% off the retail price. This saddens me; I like to see people be successful.
It is a real shame, but vanity publishers will publish people’s work without a marketing plan, or take the time to make them understand that getting published does not sell your book or products. All they want to do is take is your money.
The last time I was driving back to Florida, on I-75 in South Georgia, we needed a break to stretch and get some food. The Chinese Buffet sign was calling us, but after we parked and before we went in, we agreed we needed some shopping therapy at the outlet bookstore next to it. I bought 10 brand new, good books for a buck or two each. My sweetie bought several books, as well. At dinner we discussed the lost dreams of the authors and lost money and opportunities by the publishers and authors on these failed projects.
Have you ever walked into a bookstore and had the clerk recommend a book to you? It would be a great feat to convince every bookstore clerk to recommend your book. If you figure out how to do it, let me know.
Summary: Virtually every product needs a marketing plan. Your book, your product, your service, your DVD, your album, your speech, your TV show, your movies, your web site, your company, your resume, your career – they need a marketing plan that works. Stay tuned.
Frank Candy
www.frankcandy.com
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