Thanks, Pinar. This is just one example of why an email list and corresponding newsletter are helpful for market definition. You can survey your list for demographic information but also talk to your subscribers to learn more about them, what they read, where they learn about books, who they recommend them to, etc. The people on my newsletter list are always teaching me things, and I’m so grateful for that.

Sandy

Thanks, Sonia! And I’ll bet that if you knew what was involved with the marketing, you would have started some of it while you were writing your book, or maybe even before. There’s no question it’s work, but you know better than anyone how good it feels to touch a life with your words.

Thank you!

Sandy

You, too, eh Trish? I do feel like a Negative Nancy sometimes, but if being an author was easy, everybody would be one, right? Honestly, I’d rather be a cheerleader and I’ll bet you would, too, but we’re probably both too grounded to pretend these less pleasant realities don’t exist.

Thanks for sharing — I appreciate the camaraderie!

Sandy

Thanks, Jane. I suspect it’s even harder for less-experienced authors. Some will say they’ll invest in marketing and promotion when they “start making some money” from the book, but it’s a Catch-22, isn’t it? The right people have to know about the book to buy it, and it can be difficult to reach enough of them without spending to do so. If it’s a good book that people want, the investment will be worth it, though. Getting featured in BookBub’s deal newsletter when you’ve discounted the price is a good example. Any author I know who has been able to secure a spot has earned back what they’ve spent to be included.

Sandy

Thank you for this feedback, Sheila, and for reassuring me that at least some people aren’t going to slam the door in my face after they read this! Writing a good book is hard work. Let’s make sure the reward is worth the effort!

Sandy

Barbara, I love, love, LOVE your attitude! And isn’t the learning that’s involved fun?

Substituting “sharing” for “marketing” is so smart! It reflects and important attitude adjustment. It reminds me of this article I wrote a few years ago to help people realize that when you believe in your book, you’re doing your audience a favor by letting them know about it: https://buildbookbuzz.com/uncomfortable-with-book-promotion/

How can your book educate, entertain, or inform anyone if they don’t know it exists, right?

Thank you for making me smile today. I appreciate it!

Sandy

I knew I had to self-publish before going in, but I never imagined how much work was involved on the marketing side. That’s why you need to factor in the time and expense required to do things right. As you said, it is not a hobby. Publishing a book requires commitment and a thick skin.