Seth Godin has yet another great post on his blog. (I think all bloggers want to be Seth when they grow up! He gets quoted by everyone.)
This time he gives 19 tips to wanna-be authors. While Mr. Godin has sold millions of copies of his books to my thousands....I can still tell you that his advice is right on the money.
If you have a desire to write a book, and it is said that 82% of Americans do, then click over to Seth's post and read carefully.
My own two cents on the subject (adding to Seth Godin's list of 19 tips)
20. If you want to write a book, just do it. Do not let your self doubt or others around you talk you out of it.
21. Realize that it takes a lot of time after a book is released for it to get traction. Do not get discouraged if sales start slow. Be tenacious and keep promoting. I have a three year marketing plan for my first book....and while sales are good, we are still in the early stages.
22. Some of your friends will let you down. Most people I have talked to are surprised by how few of their friends read their books. I have a personal policy that if I meet someone who has written a book, I buy it and read it (that is getting a bit more difficult now that I meet a lot more authors...but I still try).
22A. You will also find that some of your friends will dismiss your fulfillment of a lifetime achievement as "no big deal".
22B. You will be surprised how many of your friends will expect a free copy. I was in my doctors office and he asked for a free copy. I did not ask for a free co-pay.
22C. Forgive those around you for not being as excited as you wish them to be. It is your book, not theirs.... and it is not their responsibility to get enthused about everything you do (AKA: "It is not all about you!").
23. Always carry copies of your book with you (keep a box in the trunk of your car). You never know who you will meet who might want to purchase a copy or copies!
24. If you write a blog on a related topic to your book, your loyal blog readers will buy your book. Make it easy for them to purchase.
25. Opportunities you have never imagined will come your way once people know about our book. Do not get cocky, but enjoy the ride.
Have A Great Day.
Thom Singer
www.thomsinger.com
thom@thomsinger.com
You can purchase a copy of Some Assembly Required: How to Make Grow and Keep Your Business Relationships at Amazon.com.
I came here on Chris's recommendation. I'm scrolling through and really enjoying it. I, like so many, would love to write a book but so far have made no effort. I'm still deciding where to start. I know I just need to dive in but alas, procrastination seems to be my bad habit de jour.
ReplyDeleteI think you're doing a great thing here. The encouragement is wonderful. Keep up the great work!!