Self Publishing? Who will read your book?
Stop! Don’t write your first novel or memoir if you are not the following:
# Angela Merkel, German Chancellor for 16 years
# Hilary Clinton, who ran for U.S. President twice
# Michelle Obama, former U.S. First Lady
# Elliot Hamilton, British Formula One racing driver with 100 F1 wins
Publishing is a business. It must make money. That’s why some publishers have probably asked Angela Merkel and Elliot Hamilton to write books. Clinton and Obama are already on the shelves.
Publishers don’t know you so they won’t approach you with a book offer. That is why self-publishing is the only option for unknowns. Before you start on the pottery, molding characters, do some self auditing.
1. Who will read your novel or memoir? Who are your block readers? Don’t count on family and friends. They’ll jump on board only when they see you on television.
2. Do your block voters buy books? Remember visuals (YouTube, sports, video games, podcasts etc.) are your main competitor.
3. How many people follow you on social media, including Facebook friends? It doesn’t mean that all 2 million read books, but word of mouth will surely happen. Twitter should not be your sole public relations.
4. Do your block readers buy books as in traditional books, or do they prefer e-books, which cost about three or six dollars?
5. Book tours. You don’t have a publisher so you must budget for travelling across the country for book signings.
6. Cities. If you plan to do book tours, which cities will you target and why?
7. Television. Oprah Winfrey doesn’t know you, so forget about sitting opposite her. Podcasts and radio stations are an option. How will you approach them?
8. Do you have famous friends who can plug in your book diplomatically?
9. Self-publishing. Which publishers will you approach or will you handle all aspects yourself?
10. Suicide prevention. U did it, self-published, but the book is not moving. You are contemplating suicide. Do you have someone to call?
By: Nonqaba waka Msimang.
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