Self Publishing Advisor

It often seems as though the terms writer and procrastinator go hand in hand. Many authors find themselves constantly putting off finishing or promoting their book. Maybe it is because the amount of work that goes into writing and promoting a book seems daunting or because authors aren’t sure where to start. Whatever the reason, I am here to help.

The key to overcoming procrastination is taking small steps towards accomplishing your goals. In this series of posts, I am going to help all of you procrastinators to promote your self published books so you can start increasing your exposure and sales.

Rewards are a great motivation tool. To help you finish and market your book, create a list of goals. For example, your list may include write 5,000 word, send out 5 press releases and create a Facebook page. Next assign a reward for each goal. For instance, you may treat yourself to a new pair of shoes, a new book or a special lunch out. Be sure to choose rewards that are practical but motivating, and try to match the reward to the difficulty of the goal. For instance, finishing your manuscript deserves a much bigger reward than updating your Facebook five times this week.

I’d love to know, how do you use rewards to help you finish and market your book?

ABOUT JODEE THAYER: With over 20 years of experience in sales and management, Jodee Thayer works as the Manager of Author Services for Outskirts Press. The Author Services Department is composed of knowledgeable customer service reps and publishing consultants; together, they all focus on educating authors on the self-publishing process in order to help them publish the book of their dreams. Whether you are a professional looking to take your career to the next level with platform-driven non-fiction or a novelist seeking fame, fortune, and/or personal fulfillment, Jodee Thayer can put you on the right path.

It often seems as though the terms writer and procrastinator go hand in hand. Many authors find themselves constantly putting off finishing or promoting their book. Maybe it is because the amount of work that goes into writing and promoting a book seems daunting or because authors aren’t sure where to start. Whatever the reason, I am here to help.

The key to overcoming procrastination is taking small steps towards accomplishing your goals. In this series of posts, I am going to help all of you procrastinators to promote your self published books so you can start increasing your exposure and sales.

Procrastinators love social media because it is a wondferul distraction. While you are procrastinating, why not make that time useful? Next time you want to spend time on social media instead of working on your writing, set up a Facebook page for your book or for you as an author. This is a great way to connect with your readers and promote your work. Here are a few tips to get you started.

• Include a picture. Every social media page needs a professional picture. You could use the cover of your book or a photo of yourself. If you use a photo of yourself, be sure it is appropriate.
• Get creative. Social media is a great place to flex those creative muscles. For instance, you may decide to post as your characters or engage readers in games.
• Stay consistent. I am actually going to give you permission to check and update your Facebook every day, or at least a few times a week. To keep from spending too  much time online, set a schedule of when and for how long you will use social media. You still need to spend time on other writing and marketing tasks.

For the procrastinators reading this post, share your story in the comment section below. What are your biggest obstacles? Your greatest strengths? Why do you procrastinate? Now, get offline and go work on your book.

ABOUT JODEE THAYER: With over 20 years of experience in sales and management, Jodee Thayer works as the Manager of Author Services for Outskirts Press. The Author Services Department is composed of knowledgeable customer service reps and publishing consultants; together, they all focus on educating authors on the self-publishing process in order to help them publish the book of their dreams. Whether you are a professional looking to take your career to the next level with platform-driven non-fiction or a novelist seeking fame, fortune, and/or personal fulfillment, Jodee Thayer can put you on the right path.

It often seems as though the terms writer and procrastinator go hand in hand. Many authors find themselves constantly putting off finishing or promoting their book. Maybe it is because the amount of work that goes into writing and promoting a book seems daunting or because authors aren’t sure where to start. Whatever the reason, I am here to help.

The key to overcoming procrastination is taking small steps towards accomplishing your goals. In this series of posts, I am going to help all of you procrastinators to promote your self published books so you can start increasing your exposure and sales.

This week, I recommend scheduling a book signing. This is a great way to interact with your readers and gain exposure. Contact your local bookstore or other venues (such as coffee shops or libraries) about hosting a book signing. Here a few tips to make the signing a success.

• Personalize it - Always ask who you should make the message out to and double check spellings, even for common names. This makes the signed book even more special.
• Make it legible - You never know, one day your  book may just be considered a collectible, so imake t legible. If necessary, practice your signature ahead of time.
• Bring good pens – Obviously you will be signing books all day, so make sure you not only have plenty of pens but that you also like the way they write. Your signature is a reflection of yourself.
• Display your cover – Enlarge and laminate your book cover to make a nice poster to display during the signing. This will help catch people’s attention at the event.
• Share the news – Be sure to invite everyone you know and ask them to spread the word. Also, send press releases to local media to promote the event. You also share the news on your website and social media pages.

For the procrastinators reading this post, share your story in the comment section below. What are your biggest obstacles? Your greatest strengths? Why do you procrastinate? Now, get offline and go work on your book.

ABOUT JODEE THAYER: With over 20 years of experience in sales and management, Jodee Thayer works as the Manager of Author Services for Outskirts Press. The Author Services Department is composed of knowledgeable customer service reps and publishing consultants; together, they all focus on educating authors on the self-publishing process in order to help them publish the book of their dreams. Whether you are a professional looking to take your career to the next level with platform-driven non-fiction or a novelist seeking fame, fortune, and/or personal fulfillment, Jodee Thayer can put you on the right path.

It often seems as though the terms writer and procrastinator go hand in hand. Many authors find themselves constantly putting off finishing or promoting their book. Maybe it is because the amount of work that goes into writing and promoting a book seems daunting or because authors aren’t sure where to start. Whatever the reason, I am here to help.

The key to overcoming procrastination is taking small steps towards accomplishing your goals. In this series of posts, I am going to help all of you procrastinators to promote your self published books so you can start increasing your exposure and sales.

This week, we will start with a simple press release. If you want people to buy your book or turn to you as an expert, people need to know  you exist. One of the most classic ways to do this is the press release. If you don’t already know, a press release is basically a news article that you write and submit to news sources. Thanks to the internet, this now easier than ever. Also, some self publishing companies will help you write and/or submit your press release. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when writing a press release.

• Keep your audience in mind. Every publication caters to a specific market, so your press release should be written to catch the attention of the appropriate audience.
• Include information about your book and yourself.  If your release only describes your book, you are writing an advertisement. If you share your story or the story behind the book, you are writing a news piece.
• Make it professional. Most news sources will use a press release as is, so if it isn’t professionally written, they won’t publish it. Hire a ghostwriter or editor to help you if you need assistance. Not everyone can write marketing materials for their own books. It is a special skill.

For the procrastinators reading this post, share your story in the comment section below. What are your biggest obstacles? Your greatest strengths? Why do you procrastinate? Now, get offline and go work on your book.

ABOUT JODEE THAYER: With over 20 years of experience in sales and management, Jodee Thayer works as the Manager of Author Services for Outskirts Press. The Author Services Department is composed of knowledgeable customer service reps and publishing consultants; together, they all focus on educating authors on the self-publishing process in order to help them publish the book of their dreams. Whether you are a professional looking to take your career to the next level with platform-driven non-fiction or a novelist seeking fame, fortune, and/or personal fulfillment, Jodee Thayer can put you on the right path.