Hello Author.
You're one of my favorite types of people. We understand each other because, in a way, we're part of an exclusive club. But, before we get too comfortable, we need to face the facts.
Most authors never sell more than a few hundred books in their lifetime. Let's be honest—books were meant to be read, not just written. That means they need effective marketing.
You might be thinking, "Marketing? Ouch!" Or even "Yuck!" Humor me for a second. Have you ever thought:
• “An author’s job is to write, not market.”
• “I don’t like people who self-promote.”
• “A good book should stand on its own."
• “I don’t have a marketing or publicity budget.”
• “I don’t know how to market my book.”
I used to say these as a way to justify my lack of success. Then after my third traditionally published book that went nowhere, I said, "there has to be a secret I'm missing." (See three books below.)
I wanted to go pro with my passion, but I knew the marketing piece was kicking my tail. And with three kids and a wife I wasn't about to leave my day job.