Every author that writes a book wants to sell it or at the very least have people read it. They have spent over a thousand hours writing and rewriting. Through the agonizing labor pains of late nights, dry eyes, and neglecting family and friends they have given birth to a 12 oz. bundle of joy– their book. The pride, the passing around the cigars, the congratulatory hand shake and slap on the back only carries the author so far and then they face the mountain–marketing and sales. A shear face of slippery rock that rises a mile above them. It seems impossible to climb. But wait, the author hears the faint calls of those who have gone on before them. They look up. They see those that were successful. They hear their voices boasting of numbers of sales and money generated. They want to be like them, scale the mountain, find the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. But soon they find nothing works. Their sales are in the toilet and they discover their time has been wasted, and the have neglected friends and family for an unjust cause, and lack of sleep served no purpose at all.
Is this the harsh reality for writers? The answer is–it depends. First of all, you better have a passion for writing. Second of all, you better totally enjoy the process. If these two are true then the answer above is no. What you enjoy doing is never a waste of time, even if no one ever reads a single word you write. But you say- wait a minute, I love writing but someone has to enjoy what I’m writing about–right? That is true, and the answer is you– you enjoy what your writing. Pat yourself on the back for accomplishing the task of writing a novel and at the same time enjoying the process.
But what about sales? I’ve got to have sales least I die–right? For some yes, for others no. For me I need to sale, sale, sale because I have a message and a story and a world, and a so forth and so on I absolutely have to share.
Finally I will get to the point. After six months of having my book Poison from the Pulpit released I needed to generate some sales. I tried two advertising campaigns, each lasting only one day each. I will share the details later. So how’d I do? Ehh, only minimal sales on the first campaign, but I was almost satisfied with the results. The second campaign was three times more effective than the first. I jumped up touched my heels and did the happy dance. Did I make money on either campaign? No, but I didn’t think I was going to, so I wasn’t disappointed. I am counting on the assumption that my book is good, so good that those that purchased it will tell others about it. Is this happening? It is too early to tell but I do see some sharing going on Kindle.
I’m just getting started in advertising and I believe at some point there will be a payoff– if there isn’t–I seriously would be surprised. My advice to authors is to read other authors post about the ways to advertise and the results that they have received with each advertisement. If you think you have a great book, then don’t give up, keep plodding forward in hopes that your book will soon be discovered.
Happy writing and happy reading to all, and to all a good night.
