V.P. Spoken Books Publishing, Dave Giorgio, February 8, 2011:
Many authors ask about Marketing, and for good reason. It's easier than ever to write and publish a book, but once it is published, how do you drive sales and achieve some success?
There's not enough room in a blog to cover all of the ins and outs of marketing a book. Besides, the first step towards marketing your book is making that decision to commit to the idea, set goals, and really put your heart and creativity into it.
Here's a list of reasons why marketing your book can really pay off:
1) No one will do it for you. There isn't any among us who don't cherish the idea of handing this task off to someone else and then watching the sales come in. But it doesn't work that way unless you are already famous.
2) You have a unique qualification by being the author. No one knows or understands your book the same way that you do. While a professional can really help in your marketing effort, you have to be at the heart of the marketing of your book. No one will care the way you do, be as excited about the book as you, or have the same connectivity with readers as you.
3) Fame. This word natively conjures up a fantasy of big cars, lights, paparazzi and autographs. But keep in mind there are many aspects to this that are just as real, though less dazzling than those above. Imagine having a following of loyal readers of your novel, who await the next book. Or imagine being an expert on a subject and becoming a recognized authority for your non-fiction book. Imagine writing blogs that people read, because they are written by you. Imagine being desired.
4) Money. You'll be paid a royalty on the sales of your book. So by creating a name for yourself, you will put yourself in a position to make some money.
5) Self satisfaction. It is gratifying to write a book. But it is also gratifying to see the rewards of achieving sales.
In short, making the decision to devote yourself to your book will serve both you and your book very well as you keep moving into the future as a published AND selling author.