Over
the years I've talked to several authors about book promotion, and many
expressed that shyness, or a lack of self-confidence or belief hindered their
success. Some authors expressed that they find marketing to be difficult, embarrassing,
nerve-wracking experiences. They don't like or don't want to do events or
interviews. Others felt it was a necessary part of a writer's life. I agree
with the latter.
You
cannot expect to put a book out into the world and then abandon it. Yet, many
authors do just this. Often it's fear that gets in their way. Fear of
failing…or fear of success. They don't believe they can succeed. They don't
believe they know how to promote. Or that they can learn how to promote. So they don't.
I
understand where these authors are coming from. It's true that some people are
more natural at selling, some can learn how easily, and some are just overly
pushy. We all know the arrogant salesman or telemarketer who won't let us hang
up. And no author wants to be that
person.
As an
adult, I've always been good at sales. I can sell something—if I believe in it. Of course when it comes
to my books, I've believed in them from day one; otherwise I wouldn't have put
them out into the world. I believe my books are worth reading, that they are
entertaining, that many (not all) will enjoy them. That's what gets me the
sales—not shoving a book in someone's face saying 'Buy this! It's the best book
you'll ever read!"
People
pick up on your attitude. That's why it's key to LOVE those doing events,
especially online ones. Remember, you never know who you will meet, whether in
person or online. Building relationships with people can lead to exciting possibilities.
I've been interviewed on TV, radio, in newspapers and magazines; invited to
participate in major events; asked to speak at conferences; and invited to be a
beta tester for many new advertising companies because I was visible online.
Now
consider that all I've said above is coming from the shyest kid there ever was,
the kid who sat in the back row at school, who had zero self-esteem. Sure I
became very good at sales, but that took time—and a lot of practice. I learned how to be good at promoting my books and
myself through trial and error, and through taking risks.
I
want be the best at everything I do, and since writing has always been my
intense passion and I want to be very successful at it, I overcame my
nervousness of book signings and meeting people online because there was no
other choice. I had to—and I wanted to.
We choose our success; it doesn't
choose us.
And we all have different definitions of what success is. So for those who are
happy with the odd book signing, a bit of advertising, and a few sales a month,
that's great. For those who want more, choose
more. Then find ways to get it. Are you happy with your success? Satisfied with your sales? Want more?
It
all boils down, I think, to one key question: How badly do you want success? If
writing is your passion and you want New
York Times bestseller's status or you want to catch the attention of a
highly motivated traditional publisher, you have to put yourself out there,
step out of your comfort zone and grab onto the belief that you CAN do it. If
you want it badly enough, you'll make
it happen.
BELIEVE
in yourself! BELIEVE that your book is good enough to be read, that it will
find its audience as long as you are actively seeking it. Once you truly
believe, great things will happen. BELIEVE it!
~ * ~
Learn more about Cheryl Kaye Tardif at http://www.cherylktardif.com and follow
her on Twitter and Facebook.
