What is your goal as a writer? Do you want to write a book just to record family history and make it available just for family members? Do you want to write a book and start a career as a writer, a money-earning writer? Either reason is right so long as that is what you are willing to work towards. The easiest way to achieve your goal is to make a plan and work towards it.
The days of a writer doing ONLY writing are pretty much non-existent. This is all about that right brain/left brain thing — be creative AND have a logical business mind.
The days of a writer doing ONLY writing are pretty much non-existent. This is all about that right brain/left brain thing — be creative AND have a logical business mind.
While you might have the ability and opportunity to write about many themes, and it certainly can improve your finances, you should still decide on one or two main themes/goals; decide first whether you want to write fiction or non-fiction, the general genre or cross genre, and an epic novel or a quick read.
Put your goals on paper. Write down three to seven steps that are necessary to reach (each of) your goal(s). The first step could be as simple as Write a Book (aka, finish your manuscript). It is important to know what steps will take you towards your goal so that you can concentrate your efforts. Set a TENTATIVE time table in which to achieve each step.
Put your goals on paper. Write down three to seven steps that are necessary to reach (each of) your goal(s). The first step could be as simple as Write a Book (aka, finish your manuscript). It is important to know what steps will take you towards your goal so that you can concentrate your efforts. Set a TENTATIVE time table in which to achieve each step.
There are other considerations to keep in mind, considerations that will help to keep you on track. Who will want to read your book? Who do you want to read your book? Remember that not every book will appeal to everyone. How do you define success? A word of caution, most writers do not make a living from writing alone so you must also be rational when you dream of success.
Establish a target audience. Your marketing efforts will have to be geared to that specific audience; place blogs, interviews, advertisements and appearances in places where your target audience will see or hear them. For instance if your target audience includes long-distance truckers, chances are a nursery school bulletin will not influence any of them, but it might pay to place flyers/ads in roadside diners, trucking magazines, or places where maps and travel guides are available.
Think of actions that will help you to reach your goals. Once you establish your audience, consider appearances, placing ads, posting blogs, etc. Marketing plans are not short term spurts, they must be ongoing, steady and should keep your name and your book’s name in the forefront. Consumers generally need repeated exposure to an item before they consider purchasing. Ways to keep publicizing your name (the brand) and your book (the product) can include bookmarks, contest giveaways, personalized SWAG, author appearances, book discussions, radio interviews, blogging, paid advertisements, and press releases.
Set a timetable, a pragmatic schedule that will permit you to create and keep the buzz out there without burning yourself out. What do you have to spend in both time and money? Be prudent and don’t go over budget. When giving away books remember two things – don’t devalue yourself and don’t give away what you cannot afford. Get creative in designing and purchasing SWAG such as personalized labels to put on wrapped candy, themed key chains, trading cards, etc. There are inexpensive companies out there to build up your collection, get opinions from other authors about where they purchase supplies.
Finally keep a journal of all your marketing efforts and any results you can attach. Sometimes the results may not be immediate so be sure to record any increased sales and examine what you’ve done recently. Before long you will be able to see which efforts produce and which don’t. Spend your time, and any money you may invest, on the actions that get you the best results.
Writing Exercise: Free write about any subject for 30 minutes. Free writing is a fabulous way to loosen up your creative genes. Allow your mind to wander, it doesn't matter WHAT you write, just keep writing.
Writing Prompt: Choose one of your favorite authors. Imagine you get to spy on this author for a day. List the daily activities this author does in order to prepare for a day of WORK (it doesn't have to be accurate it just has to be things this author (might be) does to work towards his/her goal.
Challenge Assignment: Make a detailed business plan, be specific about your goals and the steps you need to take to reach your goal. Post this plan where you work. For 30 days make notes on this plan wherever you need to modify something you are doing (or not). At the end of this first month re-write your plan of action.
Writing Exercise: Free write about any subject for 30 minutes. Free writing is a fabulous way to loosen up your creative genes. Allow your mind to wander, it doesn't matter WHAT you write, just keep writing.
Writing Prompt: Choose one of your favorite authors. Imagine you get to spy on this author for a day. List the daily activities this author does in order to prepare for a day of WORK (it doesn't have to be accurate it just has to be things this author (might be) does to work towards his/her goal.
Challenge Assignment: Make a detailed business plan, be specific about your goals and the steps you need to take to reach your goal. Post this plan where you work. For 30 days make notes on this plan wherever you need to modify something you are doing (or not). At the end of this first month re-write your plan of action.
