Marketing is the key to Self Publishing Success

1. Marketing is the key to Self Publishing Success Marketing is the key to Self Publishing Success Getting books where they need to be needs a professional touch. Generally speaking, authors aren't marketers; but to make a profit from their work, they need to be. As an author, one of the scariest aspects of publishing, whether traditional or self publishing, is how to market their book. This is where an experienced, professional book marketer can be an invaluable investment. There are essentially two options when hiring a book marketer or book marketing service. The first is to hand over marketing lock, stock and barrel to the marketer. The second is to engage a book marketing service that will guide and lead the author through the marketing process to enable them to successfully market their book now and for years to come. For those who are pressed for time, the first option might seem attractive, but it can also be expensive and there are no guarantees the book marketer will be around in a year or two or three or ten. The second option, scary as it may seem, is what sets a long term path to success not only for the first book, but for those still to come. The good news is it is possible to gain the skills and knowledge to carry out book marketing as an author. In an increasingly saturated market, there are few authors who know how to market successfully, but those who do stand out from the crowd. They weren't born knowing what to do. They learnt the ropes and probably benefited from the expert assistance of a marketing advisor.

2. A marketing advisor should understand the book market today, its challenges and its opportunities. They also understand how crucial it is nnot only to handle book marketing effectively, but to do this cheaply and strategically. Above all, they should believe in helping authors to become self sufficient in marketing their own titles to reap higher benefits from their work. A book marketing service for self publishers should look at both aspects of post-publication, that is distribution and marketing. Distribution is getting books to customers while marketing is making them want to buy them. Distribution and marketing go hand in hand for self publishers as most sales will be made by word of mouth. Shoddy distribution can ruin even the most convincing marketing. Marketing activities include promotional activities such as interviews and book shows, press release creation and distribution, ebook marketing and global distribution, paperback marketing and global distribution, book store marketing and liaison, online book stores, print-on-demand services, and inclusion in Amazon's Search Inside and Google Book programs. Strategic marketing campaigns involve creating worthwhile and achievable book marketing activities that can be used for current, previous and future publications. Social media campaigns form part of this and involve building a loyal target audience and fan base via a range of social media platforms proven to reach the target audience. Target marketing plans involve learning how to identify a target audience, locate that audience, reach out to them and network to increase book sales. This can involve contacting education authorities, schools and library distributors if the book is suited to those niche audiences. Marketing is always goal based. Book marketing projects should have SMART goals: specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound. SMART goals across a range of marketing activities leads to brand building, that is, establishing an online, social and live presence that develops the author and their work as a recognisable and trusted brand. Finally, and most crucially, is the necessity of industry-based knowledge. Navigating the market is a tough business and many elements can be overlooked by a newcomer. For example, distribution networks and platforms, online tools, brand creation, how to liaise with book stores and

3. chains, and what marketing activities are effective for different genres and writing styles. Book marketing for self publishers should never be slinging mud against a wall and hoping something sticks. Most likely, very little will stick and the author will burn out. What self publishers need is marketing coaching and support that offers step-by-step guidance and assistance in each aspect of marketing and distribution for better profits and a more rewarding experience. Rownvale Books is an independent, UK self-publishing company passionate about helping authors reach their potential. Rowanvale Books is based in the UK, but works with authors from all over the globe and offers self-publishing packages as well as traditional route options. Authors can choose from a wide variety of self-publishing packages and services that are tailored to suit their needs. Rownavale's professional and dedicated team enable authors to achieve their publishing dreams from concept to distribution and marketing in the UK and worldwide. To find out more, visit: www.rowanvalebooks.com.