“Lisa, everyone is asking me when they can buy a copy of the book.”
I looked at my friend without exasperation as I explained what I knew of the process. “I know, but first I need an agent, and then a publisher.”
“But why do you need an agent and how do you get one?”
Ah, there’s the rub. The advent of self-publishing has changed how people view the process of getting an actual “I can hold it in my hands” book into the marketplace. It’s easy enough to put an e-book together, and it takes more work (and money) to hire a company to print your book. If you go that route, the general rule is you must pay for the book’s production and then you have to do the marketing and get it placed in bookstores on your own. It can turn into a tremendous outlay of time and money (See a theme here?).
When an author wants a powerhouse publication, we go the traditional route, securing an agent who then finds a publisher. To get an agent you need a book proposal, which is like a business plan. Can you say research?
When I first met with the lady who would become my agent (Yes! It happened!), she liked the premise of the book and asked me to submit a proposal. It includes three synopses of the book (of varying sizes), chapter summaries, comparable works, an endorsement list, marketing plans (There it is!), and a few chapters of the book. After all, you must show the agent that you can, you know, write.
I had no clue what was involved until I started writing Marshall’s memoir, Someplace To Be Somebody. He finally got it when he thought of LeBron James, a local young man some of you may have heard of.
“Okay, so it’s like LeBron. For him to get the best contract, he has to have an agent who looks out for him.”
“Bingo!” We finally jumped that hurdle of understanding.
“But why are we doing all of this advertising when we don’t even have a book?”
It’s a valid question because it’s imperative for an author (especially a first-timer) to be a viable asset for a publisher. They need to know we have a following of people who will buy the book. I keep Marshall busy with promotional videos, and I asked him to share news on his social media sites. We were recently interviewed by Patricia Durgin (Marketers on a Mission) about the book, and we utilize Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and blog posts.
You have to get creative when it comes to book marketing. Publishers no longer do all of that work for an author, and it’s more than just going to book stores and doing a signing. It’s thinking way outside of the box and coming up with unique ways to interest people in your adventure (Yep, we’re not in Kansas anymore).
It’s about getting name recognition, speaking engagements, email lists, viral blog posts and Youtube videos, a large following, and giveaways.
Wait. What? This is where the real creativity comes in. I have to bow to those who lead the way in this (Bethany Jett, Cody Morehead, Edie Melson, Cyle Young, e.g.). They know what entices publishers, and they share! Wow! What a bonus, too for a new author to have their excellent help and support.
As we maneuver our way toward publication, marketing serves as an essential tool. As I learn, it’s my joy to share with other authors.
Lisa Kibler is a writer/blogger and international speaker. She has been published in Celebrate Gettysburg, CBN.com, and contributed to Heart Renovation by Lighthouse Bible Studies. She has just completed Someplace To Be Somebody, the memoir of former Black Nationalist, Pastor Marshall Brandon. Lisa is represented by Hartline Literary Agency. Her website is lisakibler.com
