Preparing Yourself To Market Your Book

Let’s face it; every writer is different. We all love different things about the writing process and struggle with others, and this is never truer when it comes to marketing our work. It’s fair to say that for every author, marketing one’s book is a mammoth task, while some revel in it, others simply dread it!

Gearing yourself up to market your book is so important. If you can start the process in good time and in the right frame of mind, you are so much more likely to do it well.

But, and particularly if we are one of those writers who dreads having to market their books, how do we get ourselves into a headspace where we feel energized, positive and prepared to start the marketing process? Here are some ways to do it.

Think of marketing as sharing your passion

You didn’t spend all that time and effort writing and editing your book because you hated it did you? Our books, the stories we create - they are our passion. Marketing your book is simply sharing that enthusiasm, that love of writing with other people. Assuming you are marketing your book to people who are interested in reading, and in particular people who might love the kind of book you’ve written, they’ll surely appreciate hearing about it . Whatever you book is about there is an audience out there for you, you just have to find them!

You already are a salesperson - because everyone is

You might think that you don’t want to be a salesperson, or that you won’t be good at it, but the truth is, you already are a salesperson. We are all selling something in some way or another, no matter what job we do or who we are - you might be selling the idea of further education to your kids, or selling the idea of eating healthily to your partner, or you might be selling your ideas, your wares, your time, you creations, your skills and knowledge - everyone is selling something and if you realise that your already a salesperson and you’re already good at it, your attitude towards marketing your book will be a whole lot more positive.

You are the only person responsible for your success

You can be exactly as successful as you want to be. But you have to put the effort in. If you believe this, you will come to realise that the world is your oyster and your potential is limitless. Truly believing that you will reap the rewards of properly marketing your book if you try your hardest will encourage you to keep going, and to give it your all.

Marketing is incredibly creative, and you can use your creativity to successfully market your book

Many writers hate the idea of writing because while they feel it’s something necessary, they also view it as restrictive and boring. However, you need to adjust your idea of what marketing is. Marketing can be extremely creative, and there are plenty of ways to use your writing skills, imagination and creativity to make it rewarding and fun.

The more you learn, the better you’ll get

Becoming good at marketing requires practice, so you need to experiment with it and learn from it. Just like writing, the more you do it, the better you’ll get. Sure it might be tricky to get your head around it at first, but if you persevere, it will get easier and become more natural too.

Marketing requires a budget

While there is plenty you can do to market your book for free, it’s almost impossible to properly market your book without a budget to help you along the way. Save up for this and be prepared to spend on certain services - it will be worth it in the long run - your book is an investment after all.

If all else fails, you can always get help!

Remember, if you get overwhelmed there are plenty of options for help out there! From fellow writers to hiring a professional you don’t ever have to feel stuck - so just try to bear that in mind!

If you follow the above as you try to market your book, you’ll find yourself better prepared for it both regarding your attitude and in terms of organisation too.

What do you do to prepare yourself for marketing your book? Let us know here!

Bethany Cadman -author of 'Doctor Vanilla's Sunflowers'