Whats Killing Your Publishing Career?

With the large increase of books being published by self-publishers, and the up-rise of print on demand, there is still a lot of death taking place in the publishing industry. Thus far, 175,000 books have been published in 2005.

Are you a part of this population? There are many aspects that make up these individuals. However, let us target just three that are undeniable to anyone reading this article.

As in anything we do, a large portion of it is about taking risks. Are you a risk taker? You've completed your manuscript or just published your novel; it is time to open the entrepreneur portion of your brain.

Risk takers do not mind the possible end result because the thought of success in pure motivation. Many writers and authors remain reclusive within the safe haven of their creativity. What makes this ideology costly? It is the slow return on their investment.

Are you wondering if you fit into this population of authors? Sure you have published your work for the whole world to read, even critique. But that is just the beginning of this venture. What makes you any different than the other hundreds of thousands of writers and authors?

Sure you can play it safe and hope your extraordinary opportunity hits you over your head. Why not become a risk taker and take it by authority?

Becoming a risk taker you must be:

--- persistent

--- creative

--- passionate

Another obvious bludgeon death is the lack of knowledge.

Yes it is lovely to remain in your creative world and just produce book after book. Can you imagine leaving all the other hoopla for others to sort out?

No one whose a true business person would dare allow themselves to walk blind in their business. Prime examples are Oprah, Donald Trump and Bill Gates. However, many writers and authors are just that, blind.

In order to be successful, you need to be savvy on all levels in the literary industry. If you are not, just like buying a car, you are going to get taken every time. Do your homework, rather than relying on third party hearsay. Why would you find knowing unimportant? For example, POD (print on demand) writers. Many have shouted foul play. The pitch is knowing the short and long term of POD. Before signing any contract, may it be for a car, house, student loan, or what have you, the rule of thumb is to know what it says. If you do not know, you will swing at a curve ball because the only pitch you anticipated was the fastball.

To become knowledgeable:

--- ask questions

--- take the time to research

--- make sure you understand

Lastly, the beast of all beasts, is marketing. It is amazing how many authors who are not marketing exhaustively.

This reverts back to the second point of lack of knowledge. Too many authors belief that a publisher will sign them and they will promote and market their book. Happy to inform you, that is not always the case.

This is your business and these publishers have invested enough in you, such as, advance, printing, and a brief promotion run. After this, it is the author's job to build a website, create news releases, get interviews and so on.

There are many authors and writers out there with published works who are at a lost. Many assume self-published authors must deal with marketing and promoting. If no one has informed you, allow me: that is not true. All published authors, in any realm must market themselves.

How else will your book or novel sell without getting out to the masses? Your readers?

To market, you must:

--- think-outside-the-box

--- market everyday on some level

--- address all angles of your novel or book

--- have a user friendly website

Take a look at where you are and where you desire to be in this literary world. Determine if you are killing your publishing career.

This is going to be a challenge, but you have to have enough energy, passion, and juice to make it past the trying moments.

As a writer or author, make sure you are multi-dimensional. You are becoming an entrepreneur, so know where your hats are and when to wear them.

C.F. Jackson is the author of the ebook The Self-Publisher's Little Black Book: The Resource Book to Self-Publishing for Writers, Authors and Poets: http://www.thepublisherslittleblackbook.com This author has been Nominated Atlanta Daily World Reader's Choice for Author of the Year ? 2005 for the suspense fiction novel, Won't Be Denied. Visit http://www.cfjackson.us to learn more about this author and or contact.

---

Secrets to Selling Books by Mail

This is intended for informational purposes only. Selling books by... Read More

How to Self Publish and Promote Your Own Book

If you are reading this article then you have already... Read More

Your Book Marketing Plan - Winning Strategies and Tips

Many authors hit a roadblock when it comes to putting... Read More

Book Signing: Fun and Profit for Writers and Readers

Have you ever walked into a bookstore when an author... Read More

Best Sellers Aren?t Written ? They?re Made - It?s All About Promotion

Writing a book is becoming more and more of a... Read More

How to Get Your Book Reviewed

Imagine your book at the top of the Best Sellers... Read More

Five Tips To Consider When Choosing A Publisher

Choosing a publisher probably seems like a complicated task, however,... Read More

Attract More Buyers to Your Book: Use Metaphors

Surprise your potential buyers. Give them chocolate frosting!After we entered... Read More

Dont Clone your Book or Business Marketing

Remember that the miracle of cloning sheep has its drawbacks.... Read More

7 Vital Book Promotion Tips

As a literary publicist I often am asked about publicity... Read More

Book Promotion Myth -- The Best Place to Sell Books is a Bookstore

When authors think of their audience buying books they think... Read More

Sell Your Book with Pennies

Imagine you share a huge penny... Read More

Publicity Through Philanthropy For Writers

I am twenty three years old, have sold over four... Read More

19 Ways to Secure Non-Returnable Book Sales and Sell More Books

Surprisingly, book stores are not always your greatest source of... Read More

FSBO Author believes in Bookswaps

Hi Noel,I absolutely love your website, As an MS sufferer... Read More

Why Should I Buy your Book?

How would you like to have countless people clamoring for... Read More

Media Events for Book Promotion

"How do I set up a media event?" -- As... Read More

Online Book Promotion Beats Traditional Seven to One - Part 2

Think of Your Promotion Time and BudgetMost one or two-book... Read More

Interview with Book and Marketing Coach-Judy Cullins - Part 1

To know what to do at the right time in... Read More

4 Questions to Answer Before Contacting a Book Agent

Obtaining agency representation is your first step toward getting profitably... Read More

Creating a Book Poster

Posters can be a great and inexpensive way to promote... Read More

Writing a Book?s Marketing Plan for Maximum Profit

Much has been written about book proposals. But less has... Read More

8 Ways to Find Good Reviewers for Your New Book

Review Your Reviewer: You will be sorry if you do... Read More

Top 10 Ways to Know your Book Concept will Sell--Before you Invest Time and Money

Make your book stand out from the crowd! Test your... Read More

Know These Five Audiences to Write a Top Selling Book

To create a saleable book you need to know your... Read More

Successful Book Marketing The Natural Way - Part 1

Is your mind muddy on book marketing? Do you wake... Read More

Successful Book Marketing The Natural Way - Part 2

Is your mind muddy on book marketing? Do you wake... Read More

Does Your Book Cover Pass the ?Ignore? Test?

Your book cover is the first impression a potential client... Read More

Marketing Virus ? Every Writer Needs to Catch It

For you writers aspiring to greatness, you might need a... Read More

Self Publishing Success Starts With Marketing

Self-publishing is not for the faint of heart. The publication... Read More

Book Marketing 101- Book Publicity for Authors -- Creating a Book Publicity Campaign

Publicity is that elusive thing that can make or break... Read More

Why Writers Dont Do a Book Signing

Whenever someone suggests you do a book signing and you... Read More

Seven Really Truly Unique Ways to Sell More Books

These marketing tips aren't for the weak at heart. Use... Read More