Recommended Affiliate Programs
Write-Publish-Speak
By - Susan Scharfman
Are We There Yet?
After writing and re-writing your manuscript it barely resembles
the first draft. Then after interminable rejections and more re-writes--Eureka!
You achieve victory. You nail an editor who finds your query letter and synopsis
irresistible, your manuscript saleable. You convince the publisher you
understand the business end of the business, i.e. you will work your behind off
with the editor on revisions; you will do whatever legwork is necessary to help
market your book. You have a signed contract in hand.
The instant you emerge from writer's womb, you will put your
writer's hat on the shelf until your next book. You are now a
"motivational" speaker and fulltime salesperson. You may not know how
good you are until your first book signing talk. But make no mistake; the
ability to capture an audience of one or many is integral to successful
marketing. Notwithstanding today's book industry "stars," some of who
are incredible bores, I learned early on that an unknown author cannot afford to
lull an audience to sleep. And, unless you have a foot in Oprah's door, all the
PR and book reviews in the world may not add up to sales without your strong
input.
I attended a packed-to-the-rafters book signing of well-known
author, Peter Matthiessen. If you ask me to name my favorite explorer/writer of
non-fiction, I adore this guy. After self-consciously introducing himself,
Matthiessen proceeded to read from his latest book. When he finished speaking,
someone had to nudge me awake. He's still doing what he does best--roaming the
world and writing great books. Are you a Peter Matthiessen, a Tom Clancy? Maybe.
Some people are naturally charismatic, blessed with positive body
language and the ability to project their voices and charm an audience. Others
could use a little help. If you are among the latter, the best place to put your
time and money is a live public speaking class. Reading about it or taking
courses on the Internet is helpful. But working with an experienced teacher is a
life-altering experience that can do wonders for your self-esteem. Okay, so you
might embarrass yourself in front of your peers, but so will they. It's kind of
like taking acting lessons. Better to goof at rehearsals than when the curtain
rises.
Rule Number One is the Only Rule
Do not read from your book. When you speak to your audience it's
not the book you are selling. It's YOU. Be the authority without being
authoritarian. If you are a natural born introvert, tell them you took a special
course so you can talk to them without heaving. They'll relate. Tell briefly who
you are, where you come from--small town-big city. Engage them by asking if
anyone is from your hometown. If you were in a foreign country recently, relate
an amusing anecdote. Laughing softens the atmosphere. Once you've established a
friendly rapport with them, summarize your book. You do this the way you
prepared the copy for your book jacket--briefly. Hand out free bookmarks. They
might ask what compelled you to write the book. If they don't ask, tell them. In
about 20 minutes they will think they know you. They will want you to succeed.
They will root for you. They will buy your book. Amen.
"Simplicity-Courage-Humor-Soul"®
-------------------------------------------------------------
About The
Author:
********************************************
Home Marketing Tips Helpful Resources Added Resources Articles
Helpful Links Recommended Affiliate Programs Free Newsletter
Contact Us Reciprocal Links Submit An Article
Copyright © AHomeBusinessOpportunity.net, All Rights
Reserved.
Unauthorized use of the contents or design of this website is prohibited.
You may not duplicate, or publish any of our materials without our express legal
consent.