WISE COUNSEL—WITH MUSCLE I

You’ve probably heard the phrase, “Writers write because they have to.” If you’re reading this blog, I know you’ve not only heard this statement, you’re feeling it right now. So it is that the world will never be without writers and the works they produce. Sadly, however, too many of these excellent and noteworthy pieces may never reach the hands of the Readers who will enjoy them and/or benefit from them. Why?  Because we’re writers not publishers or marketing experts.

Not long ago, I was talking with a friend about my newly self-published book which took me nine (9) years to finish. He asked me for my business card so he could remember the title and purchase it online. Business card? I wrote the title on a sticky note and we parted as he congratulated me on completing such an extensive project. Today, I have a business card showing the cover of my book on one side, the title and my contact info on the other side.

That conversation really got me motivated to get my book marketing plan on track. But, of course, first I had to develop one! I did a quick google search, and found this illustration. I’m one of those visual/tactical learners, so this picture of what I needed to do has really helped me. I hope it will give you some focus, too.

Immediately, my eye went to the circled word: SUCCESS. Yep, that’s a main goal I’m reaching for. And the next word I noticed is the underlined word strategy. Okay, I know the definition of the word—to develop a plan, or approach. However, my writer’s idea box about just how to go about doing that was empty. And all those other words listed on this illustration intimidate me even more—except for the word PEOPLE. A definite goal of mine is to introduce this book to everyone!

Reviewing the remaining words, I took a yellow notepad and started making a list. Media. Promotion. Campaign. Advertisement. Branding. Communication. Business/Profit/Budget. Research. Sales. Customers. When I reached the word SOLUTION, I realized that I was not the solution to my marketing dilemma. Even if I went back to school and took hours of marketing classes, I realized that marketing is not my natural gift. I needed specialized assistance and I needed it now. Then I recalled a conversation I’d had with my publishing consultant when self-published my book. She told me that she could help me connect with one of their Marketing Specialist! Why I hadn’t thought of that before, I don’t know. But I was already feeling a big sense of relief.

I am now happily back to work on my next book. No longer am I anxious about spending all my time plotting and planning the ways and means of promoting my book. Plus, with everything my Marketing Assistant—and new friend—is doing, I’m learning more about being an Author Entrepreneur. Much like my neighbor, who is a photography artist, I’m now showcasing my work in multiple unique book galleries. Those PEOPLE I was hoping to connect with are now reading my book. Being a writer/author has become fun again. ⚓︎

ABOUT ROYALENE DOYLE: Royalene has been writing something since before kindergarten days and continues to love the process. Through her small business—DOYLE WRITING SERVICES—she brings more than 40 years of writing experience to authors who need “just a little assistance” with completing their projects. This is a nice fit as she develops these blogs for Outskirts Press (OP) a leading self-publisher, and occasionally accepts a ghostwriting project from one of their clients. Her recent book release (with OP) titled FIREPROOF PROVERBS, A Writer’s Study of Words, is already receiving excellent reviews including several professional writer’s endorsements given on the book’s back cover.   Royalene’s writing experience grew through a wide variety of positions from Office Manager and Administrative Assistant to Teacher of Literature and Advanced Writing courses and editor/writer for an International Christian ministry. Her willingness to listen to struggling authors, learn their goals and expectations and discern their writing voice has brought many manuscripts into the published books arena.