The difference between a successful writer and an unknown writer is tenacity
Book Promotions: It's all about the reader (not you!) ;-)
This one will be short. I have a question for you, Author. You are actively involved in promotions for your book, but are you promoting yourself when you really should be promoting your story?
Sure readers want to know a bit about you, that's true, like in a biographical piece telling them about how you got into writing and why you continue, what your next works might be, what you're working on now. But what they really want to know is whether your story is the type of book they could sit with over the long haul in their big easy chair. It is your job to tell them what they want to know most -- it's the story.
Here's an example of what I'm talking about. Think about the last time you watched a movie with an A-list movie star. Did you really see the character portrayed in the movie, or did your familiarity with knowing everything about the actor block your ability to engage your "suspended disbelief" so you could forget the actor and immerse yourself in the story? Unlike movies, books rely 99% upon the reader's imagination to engage their "suspended disbelief" and let them forget the author so they can immerse themselves in your story.
Now, think about one of your favorite movies. Can you recall the name of the executive producer? No? That's okay because the executive producer's goal is to have you remember the story (and tell all your friends about it). If their movie sells well and earns $$$ that's the professional affirmation and acknowledgment that counts.
When promoting your book think of yourself as an executive producer (not the A-List actor). What is it about your story, your book, your series of books, that is so enticing that readers should spend their hard-earned cash to give it a read? Give them some juicy tidbits.
Like fishing, throw the line out there with some alluring bait. Tell readers about your characters. Talk about the characters as if they are real people with whom readers might identify. Once readers get to know the story and empathize with your characters, even after they have finished reading one book you've written, they will be hungry for more time with your characters.
That's when the magic happens … that's when they remember YOUR name ;-)
If you have questions, throw me a line at sandy@bookcandystudios.com or call me at 949.613.2099.
Sure readers want to know a bit about you, that's true, like in a biographical piece telling them about how you got into writing and why you continue, what your next works might be, what you're working on now. But what they really want to know is whether your story is the type of book they could sit with over the long haul in their big easy chair. It is your job to tell them what they want to know most -- it's the story.
Here's an example of what I'm talking about. Think about the last time you watched a movie with an A-list movie star. Did you really see the character portrayed in the movie, or did your familiarity with knowing everything about the actor block your ability to engage your "suspended disbelief" so you could forget the actor and immerse yourself in the story? Unlike movies, books rely 99% upon the reader's imagination to engage their "suspended disbelief" and let them forget the author so they can immerse themselves in your story.
Now, think about one of your favorite movies. Can you recall the name of the executive producer? No? That's okay because the executive producer's goal is to have you remember the story (and tell all your friends about it). If their movie sells well and earns $$$ that's the professional affirmation and acknowledgment that counts.
When promoting your book think of yourself as an executive producer (not the A-List actor). What is it about your story, your book, your series of books, that is so enticing that readers should spend their hard-earned cash to give it a read? Give them some juicy tidbits.
Like fishing, throw the line out there with some alluring bait. Tell readers about your characters. Talk about the characters as if they are real people with whom readers might identify. Once readers get to know the story and empathize with your characters, even after they have finished reading one book you've written, they will be hungry for more time with your characters.
That's when the magic happens … that's when they remember YOUR name ;-)
If you have questions, throw me a line at sandy@bookcandystudios.com or call me at 949.613.2099.
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