From writer to marketer!

I have never been much of a marketer but as a writer, in the modern world, marketing is a key element to the success of any book reaching the audiences intended.  With the help of my assistant and some other wonderful people, interviews are starting to come in.  My first interview will be on WED Feb. 2, 2011 on www.blogtalkradio.com/jblairbrown and I have to admit, I'm nervous.  It is much easier to write a book, knowing exactly what you are intending to write than it is to try to explain why you wrote what you did.  However, the bread comes with the basket!  Okay, it's an old saying but it still applies.  In order to earn an income from writing, you must participate in the basket (interviews, articles, signing, etc.) that will carry you there.  Interviews are a great basket to help spread the word about your book and create the buzz needed to get people to buy it. 

Many people have told me that I have written a book that is in demand.  When I wrote 101 Behaviors a Guy Needs to Understand about His Woman! I believed that as well.  Now, as my work begins materializing in the marketing world, I am excited to talk about it but it took me a while to get there!  So, how do you alter your mind so that you are prepared for interviews?  Glad you asked! 

First, travel back to the beginning, before you wrote the book, and ask yourself why you wrote it in the first place.  This will help you remember, not only why you wrote your book but, how you felt when you wrote it.  Because the publishing process takes a while and so does marketing, authors can often forget the origin of their writing process and you must remember this as you sell it through the various marketing avenues. 

Second, remind yourself that what you have to offer is important and has an audience that wants to hear what you have to say.  I live a fairly quiet life and it is more difficult for quiet types to compel their intended audience to buy their work.  Why?  We often don't enjoy being out in the open.  We would rather just tell you to read it and see for yourself but this isn't realistic.  However, you can minimize fears by remaining true to your cause.  You have something of value to offer readers and this should be on the forefront of your mind. 

Lastly, enjoy the process.  I will say this over and over, even to myself, because it is equally important to enjoy your work through the full process of fruition.  Just because you finished writing your book doesn't mean the process is over.  So sit back and relax.  Enjoy participating in seeing your book take off and get into the reader's hands!  It's an exciting time and your own excitement about your book will transfer over into those who tune-in to your marketing campaign!

I believe the most important thing to remember is this: You wrote a book for a reason and though readers will probably enjoy reading your work, you must first help them understand what caused you to write it!  You possessed enough confidence in yourself to complete your book and now, you must use that same confidence to demonstrate to your soon-to-be fans how they can relate to your book!  When they do, they will buy it and you will feel even more achieved than when you finished writing it!

Jaymes Ian Woode