The Book Marketing Network

For book/ebook authors, publishers, & self-publishers

What's Your Biggest Challenge with Your Book?

I'd be interested to learn what authors/publishers on this network think their biggest challenges are with their book. I wonder if there's any common, pervasive challenge we all face.

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Hi Susie,
Thank you so much for your help. I know I need to confirm legally what should be done. I do know that I need a disclaimer. I'll let you know how I make out.
Alberta
Hi Susie,
I made my mind up to go ahead and just write the book. While I am, I'll see who allows me, in writing, to use their names. Who don't, I'll make a name up.
I've wasted too many months, like eight, trying to decide. The fiction part of my book was too over-whelming. I'm writing it the way it was, real name, places, etc. and it's flowing nicely.
Thanks,
Alberta
The hardest part is over: making the decision. It should flow easier from here on in.

Blessings and best wishes!!!! If you need to talk about anything feel free to email me!
Thanks Susie,
I just may. Have a great Thanksgiving.
Alberta
Hi Bill,

This is one of the best discussions I have followed in a long time. My biggest hurdle has been learning the publishing game through the school of "Hard Knocks". It has definitely been On-The-Job-Training. One of the best lessons learned has been, not to put your eggs or shall I say trust in one person or entity. Publishing is a business and you have to treat it as such. Which means wearing many hats. In my efforts, I try and gain as much knowledge on my own when conferring with the so-called experts in the field. It has been proven oftentimes you are given selective information versus the whole picture. The publishing houses ultimate goal is to sell as many products and services as possible. As a marketer, I understand the concept marketing is one of the single most important task of any artist. With or without a publishing house backing you, no one is going to promote your work like you would or as their own unless you are raking in the big dollars. Every encounter is an opportunity to infuse my work into the conversations without beating the potentials over the head with it. Its just a matter or picking and choosing your battles or should I say chance encounters.

We have also created another network, the Author Book Bag Club (ABBC) to help enhance the overall marketing strategies for up and coming authors to expose their work. Our tag reads...Every where you want to be and more. Just another way to stretch your promotional legs. Log on the wwwmgroupmanagement.ning.com for more details.

I look forward to the continual dialouge.

Happy Reading!
I have read so many books and attended so many teleseminars about organization, marketing, publishing, etc. that my head is spinning. But I am LOVING it!!!! I agree that we need to do for ourselves even if the publisher says they will. We are the only ones who truly know our book and ourselves. It may seem difficult (and is at times) but it is worth keeping ourselves in the process whether we are self-publishing or traditional publishing, or New Era Publishing.

Thanks for the input, P.M.!
Hi T.M.
You hit it on the head: Readers just want something good to read. I'm sure there are so many excellent books out there and the poor authors don't get a chance to show their writing talent.

It was so much easier writing the book. The hard part is the marketing; finding the places for it and the time.

Good Luck!
Alberta
Good for you, T.M. I applaud your decision to self-publish and by-pass the traditional publishing grist mill.

Using the major online retailers gives you the distribution you need for your book. You've found your voice and your distribution. Have you identified who your ideal reader is? How will you let your reader know that your book is available online? What are you doing to drive readers to the online retailers?
Hi TM Moore,
I enjoyed your answer on the marketing world. I had my first book published through POD. I'm not sure what way to go with my second. Guess I have to investigate this more deeply. I hate putting so much money out on the production.
Alberta
Hi,
I just thought I'd comment that no matter what, publishing costs money. Authors just need to figure out where they want to the cost to occur and which method best fits that plan. I also agree with TM, none of them is wrong, you just need to weigh the pros and cons for your project.

For example, if you go POD or true self-publishing, the money goes out up front for production. If you go traditional, there's no outlay up front, but you'll give up significant profits on the back side. Again, both are costs of publishing and you simply need to consider your resources.

Hope that helps.

Cheryl
I obtained the permission for quotes from well established, famous authors by e-mailing their publishers. All of them granted me permission via an e-mail and a letter. Lawyers had offered to obtain permission for me for hundreds of dollars per hour. Others advised me that I did not need permission and to take my chances by using the fair use law as a shield. In the end I ended up obtaining permission for free.

Kenneth McGhee
Way to do it yourself Kenneth. More often than not, just simply asking can get you a long way.

Peter

___________________________________________
Director and Editor: Bauu Institute and Press
Editor: Indigenous Issues Today
Publisher: New Great Books

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