We’re talking here about the post-publication life-cycle of
your book. Each published book goes through certain stages and we look here at
how shelf-life may be maintained or even extended.
The initial buzz
Release day approaches. Press releases and product
information sheets go out. The author launches the book, some book shops
arrange signings, maybe there’s also a cyber-launch and perhaps the author goes
on a blog tour. There is a buzz of sales activity and the rankings on Amazon go
up.
Reviews and book
clubs
The first reviews come in. Some book clubs might obtain the
text. Some more serious reviews then come in. It’s great to have all 5* ones but
actually all reviews help; they inform the readers of what the book is about
and they raise awareness. They also keep your book appearing on searches.
Drip feed
Sales settle down to a trickle. Yet if you have several
books trickling sales you may still have a torrent. The proactive author anyway
will massage this quite successfully.
Backlist
When you next book comes out you may successfully sell several
earlier works, particularly if they have a connection with the new one. Even if
they don’t, the new book brings your name nearer the top of the list.
The proactive author
This author makes sure they are always visible – but does it
in such a way that they are not saying “Hey, look at me,” all the time. They
will use social media sensibly – maybe 80% of the time being cheerful and friendly
and responding to others, only 20% talking
about their own work and then never as a direct sales pitch though it’s always okay
to announce the release of your book and any events you’re organising. And they’re
never daft there.
Proactive authors are also willing to go and talk to people -
festivals, writing groups, schools, even if it’s not precisely about one
particular book but perhaps about writing, being a writer or about a theme in
your book.
Proactive authors must also be proactive in seeking these opportunities.
Balance
Many writers, of course, prefer to spend their time mainly
writing. That is fine, but the trickle will be slower in the “drip feed”
period. Consider also that you may not be able to write 24/7 or even 8/5 and a
balancing activity may well be welcome. Each writer must find their own perfect
balance. Note, however, many successful indie writers admit to working seven days
a week and spend 50% of their working time writing and 50% marketing.
Worth a thought?
