How about we venture into what most authors find mysterious–the dynamic realm of book marketing? What are some critical strategies that can significantly boost your book sales?
Before we delve deeper, let’s address a dichotomy that exists in the world of writing and selling books. There are essentially two types of authors: those who consider bookselling a game of chance and those who transform it into a strategic business enterprise. The former group, constituting about 90% of published authors, write their books, set them adrift, and patiently wait for fortune to smile upon them.
Conversely, the remaining 10% treat book writing and selling as a business venture, dedicating their time and energy to devise strategies for success. You might be familiar with the famous 80-20 rule, but here, it’s a 90-10 rule. If we imagine the total money earned from book sales in America as a pie divided into ten slices, the industrious 10% of authors walk away with nine of those slices, leaving the remaining 90% of authors to scramble for the last piece.
In essence, the 10% of authors who diligently work to sell their books earn 90% of the total book sales revenue, while the majority, the 90% who merely wait for luck, end up sharing the leftover 10%, which, metaphorically speaking, are the crumbs.
So, how can you shift from being a passive participant to an active player in the book market? Here are some effective strategies:
- Create a Quality Book: The bedrock of book sales is the quality of the book itself. It should be an original and compelling idea, narrated through a well-structured, eloquently written, and carefully edited story.
- Build a Robust Website: A functional, e-commerce-enabled website is a must. This site should not only sell your books but should also promote you as an author. Incorporate a blog section where you can interact with your readers, cultivating an engaged community of followers who might become advocates for your books.
- Master Social Media: Harness the power of social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, Twitter, and LinkedIn (especially for professional or business-related books) to grow and engage with your audience.
- Encourage Reviews: Urge your readers to post reviews on platforms like Amazon and Goodreads. Positive reviews enhance your ranking and attract more potential buyers.
Implementing these four strategies could dramatically improve your book sales. For more insights, be sure to check back here often and also take a look at our “Videos for Authors” page.
I hope you found this information valuable. Don’t hesitate to reach out; we are here to assist you on your journey. Together, let’s turn your passion for writing into a rewarding business venture.