If you’re an author or publisher who wants to sell more books, never forget this point: you’re not in the writing business. Instead, you’re in the marketing business. Here’s the simplest, most effective, book marketing plan you’ll ever need:
1. Build a big email list by giving away free content based on your new book
2. Create an attention-grabbing book hook
3. Write your manuscript (notice this step comes third)
4. Insert marketing tools into your manuscript
5. Write persuasive back cover copy
6. Set up a book landing page on your website
7. Send promotions to your email list with book excerpts and discounts
8. Generate pre-orders by giving away enticing incentives
9. Schedule speaking engagements and media interviews
10. Create a launch team to help spread word of mouth
11. Contact organizations who can buy books in bulk
12. Request and display testimonials from happy readers and leaders
Rinse and repeat these steps…
(Notice that I didn’t mention anything about social media. Here’s why.)
