Three Things I Have Learned Since Becoming A Published Author....

Three Things I Have Learned Since Becoming A Published Author....

There are so many things that come to mind when I contemplate the knowledge I have gained since beginning my literary journey. Most of the articles I write in my Literary Journal “Trials, Tribulations, and Torn” are about my path to get on the shelves. Now, that I have rightfully obtained the moniker “Published Author” I now know the hard work it really takes to sustain in this industry. There are many things I can share on this topic and actually, I could write a book about it J but this particular article I will focus on three things I’ve learned.

The first thing that I have learned for sure is that marketing your book is a must. Some people get so caught up in social media they forget to shut down their PC’s and hit the pavement.
I was one of these people. Don’t get consumed in the social networking machine. It is definitely an invaluable tool and has made it so much easier to reach the masses; however, don’t under estimate the power of the original hustle and get out and meet and greet the public. These are the folks who will remember you took the time to sign and autograph your book that they’ve purchased. It will also exemplify that you are hungry enough to be out and about to spread the word on your work. In turn, these people will continue to spread the word too. Word of mouth is the BEST advertisement you will ever get and the most cost effective.

Marketing and promoting yourself, your work, and your brand, can and will get costly. So it is a MUST to use creative strategies when you begin to hear echoes in your wallet. You can’t put your business on hold when you hit road blocks. Think outside the box to keep your progression going. If you are not being seen or driving traffic your way then you will have sacrificed for nothing.

After you have posted in every and all social media sites, gone out and made yourself known amongst the consumers, and set up a website for all of them to reference … NOW what? Cross promote. Team up with someone in your shoes or shoes that you one day wish to fill and target one other supporters. This is a win, win situation for both parties. You know for sure that if they are making sales and doing well they have obtained a fan base. Readers are waiting on their next read while in the middle of their current book. You know that they have a need for what you have, you just need to gain their attention long enough to tell them. What better way to do so than to get someone they already support to pass along your info. It works both ways. This creates great networking connections and customers for all parties involved.

Don’t forget to ALWAYS give your supporters a deal. Not a hook up but a deal. We all love a deal and if you have people who have been on the fence about your book, a good SALE may just be what they need to take a chance on you, especially if you are new on the scene.

Remember there are always marketing options that will not leave you in financial straits.

The second thing I have learned is ALWAYS be professional. Your professionalism is your brand. Always keep that in mind when you are working and even when you are not. I mean are authors ever off the clock? Your office is not a conventional one. You are a public figure so to speak. Your demeanor in social settings, social media included, will propel your success OR send it diving.

Your conduct as a professional is imperative no matter the genre you write. Consumers want to spend, and support businesses that show longevity and give their clients respect. Becoming an author is starting a business essentially, especially if your goal is to continue writing as a career. Approach each encounter with a buyer, or potential buyer like they have stepped into your office and you need to impress them with not only your business savvy, but your product.

Conducting yourself in a professional manner on social media is MUST! It is so easy to get caught up in the fact that you are behind a screen. Your internet footprint is lasting and can be accessed by almost anyone. If you’re on your social media pages fussing back and forth or get caught up in senseless drama it is unbecoming as a professional and a turn off to potential readers/buyers. Don’t take the bait and allow someone to take you outside your character. The anonymity can make it so easy and although social media should not be your only form of marketing/promoting it IS a wonderful asset. Don’t get a reputation in the negative regarding your interaction or comments made in a public forum. The word of mouth can work both ways.

The third, and most important thing I’ve learned is to believe in your vision. When I started I knew what I wanted. I knew what I wanted my book cover to look like. I knew I wanted to work with a company as opposed to self-publishing. I knew the market I was targeting. I knew what I hoped to grow into as an author. Keep your vision. In this business you will gain a wealth of knowledge from those who have done it before you and their advice will be valuable and help you to get to another level. That does not mean that your game plan is all wrong. That means that you may have to grow your vision or shelf certain ideas until you can bring them to fruitation, but never let them go. Your vision is what brought you this far.

Opinions will come at you, which you need to modify this and do away with that. However, that may not be exactly what you envisioned. As the head of your new literary venture you must take control and make the final decision. It may not be the right one, but it will be yours and you will know that you took control. The mistakes is where the learning process begins. If anyone tells you they have the formula for success and it is 100% guaranteed they are fooling you and themselves. They too had growing pains. Some will reach out and express concern because they failed in the direction in which you chose to take. The thing is they cannot tell which path will bring you success. You have walked your path and only you know your circumstances. You can’t follow someone else’s blueprint to the letter because their start and their finish will be different than yours. Although they have obtained success doing exactly what they explained you should do, there is no way to know if that same advice will work in your favor. That is why you can’t look at the next person and wonder why this is not working for me? Or if you are successful you should not question why are they going about things that way? Believe in you and take it all in. Learn your business, research everything! Then research again to make informed choices.

Please base you business decisions on what you KNOW will work in your favor. Base them on what you KNOW you can accomplish on your means. By all means take advice and apply where you can. What you can’t, like I stated before get creative, and stay on the path to your vision.

Three Things I Have Learned Since Becoming A Published Author. By: Elizabeth Funderbirk for Urban Bookshelf.
This article along will many other will also be featured on the Author Literary Blog “Trials, Tribulations, and Torn” http://writingtorn.blogspot.com
For more information on Elizabeth “LiteraryLiz” Funderbirk please visit “Literary Liz Writes” www.LiteraryLiz.com