An interesting post on "The Right Way to Build a Book" from Theodore Savas of small historical press Savas Beatie:The fundamentals for selling any book are essentially the same. Here is the secret: talk about your book as often as you can, with as many people as you can, for as long as you can, wherever you can, even if you don't sell a single copy when you do. Oh, and there is a follow up: REPEAT--REPEAT--REPEAT.
...Do you have copies with you all the time? Have you sent a letter to everyone you know telling them about your book? Are you talking about your book as often as you can, with as many people as you can, for as long as you can, wherever you can, even if you don't sell a single copy when you do? Are you asking people who they know in the media that can help you?
The honest answer to that question will explain a lot the next time you open a royalty statement or read in the news about some author who has a bestseller that is no more interesting than the book you spent years working on. What does he know that you do not? What is he willing to do that you are not?
The post details a recent baja hay-making trek Savas shared with author Gary Moore to promote Playing With the Enemy. Check it out.
Comments
Too many authors have too little understanding what it really takes to make his or her book a success--especially in today's challenging marketplace. Hopefully it will help someone, somewhere.
I was unaware of your blog, but find it very impressive--something I will be routinely reading.
Keep up the good work.
tps
Theodore P. Savas
Savas Beatie LLC
989 Governor Dr., Suite 102
P.O. Box 4527
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
916.941.6896 (phone
916.941.6895 (fax)
www.savasbeatie.com
(I think something you also demonstrate in your original post is the amazing level of personal support and friendship authors sometimes get at a small press.)