Do you know John Kremer?
Posted by Lynne Klippel on July 21, 2009If not, you should. John is considered the foremost book marketing authority in the US. Additionally, he is a honest and wonderful person. It was an honor to interview him for Book Marketing Blitz.
I wholeheartedly recommend that you read and study his book, 1001 Ways to Market Your Books. This 700 page book has more book marketing ideas than you can imagine. My copy is so full of post it notes that it looks like I stuck one on every page. It is that good.
When I interviewed John for Book Marketing Blitz, I was a bit star-struck. However, one thing he said made me fall in love with him– in a very platonic sense of course.
I asked him how much money a first time author should budget for marketing a book. He said, “Less than 100 dollars. Book Marketing is about two things: making friends and taking at least one action every day to tell people about your book.” He followed that by saying an author should love his book enough to devote 3-5 years to marketing it.
Wow!
Do you love your book that much?
Are you willing to make a long term commitment to its success?
If not, ask yourself why.
Fix whatever is stopping you. It may be doubts about your writing talent, fears that your book isn’t professionally packaged, or boredom with the topic. These concerns, either about your book or yourself, will get in the way of your success.
Then adjust your time line to market your book in a steady stream instead of a quick hit. Plan on a gradual increase in sales instead of an overnight sensation.
That old story of the tortoise and the hare is true. Slow and steady wins the book marketing race.
Go ahead, take the plunge and make a 3-5 year commitment to your book. Love it enough to give it the time it needs to achieve success. You’ll be glad you did.