Children are born utterly helpless and dependent. And a book is no different. Many authors think after a book is written the hard work is over. But writing a book is like giving birth. A baby can’t take care of itself and neither can a book. Both require supervision.
Much like parenting, the book launch process is an arduous and rewarding journey. You’ve produced this living thing, but now you’ve got to make sure it survives and thrives.
This week on The Portfolio Life, Andy and I talk about why it’s easier than ever to publish a book, but more difficult than ever to sell one. Listen in as we discuss the death of the golden age of publishing, and what it means for writers.
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You and what army?
Back in the day, if a writer landed a contract with a publisher, they were set. All they had to do was write the book and the publisher took care of everything else.
Now, with the introduction of self-publishing and digital channels, the game has changed. Publishing houses are folding and merging. They are adapting their approach to acquiring new talent and launching books. For authors, writing a good book isn’t enough anymore.
To write a book that sells, the weight of marketing and promotion falls on the writer’s shoulders. To succeed, authors need an army.
Show highlights
In this episode, we discuss:
- The difference between a good book and a great one
- The myth many writers believe about getting published
- What the end of the golden age of publishing means for writers
- How to pursue your passion while considering your audience
- The realistic ratio between how long it takes to write a great book and how long it takes to launch it
- A fatal mistake authors make during book launches
- How a writer can understand the reader’s investment in a book
- Why a launch team isn’t enough to sell books
- Questions an author must answer to rally an army
- Bridging a marketing budget gap with magic
- How to get people to share your book like crazy
Quotes and Takeaways
- When you rise out of obscurity people pay attention.
- Good books don’t sell anymore.
- Once you finish writing a book, the work has just begun.
- People buy books slowly.
- It doesn’t take a team to launch a book, it takes an army.
Resources
- The Scientific Secrets of Shareable Content
- The $100 Startup by Chris Guillebeau
- The Happiness of Pursuit by Chris Guillebeau
- Platform by Michael Hyatt
- The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell
- Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
- David & Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell
- Contagious by Jonah Berger
What do you need to do differently for your next book launch? How are you raising an army for your book launch?