Landing a book deal can be a great way to promote a company. Many authors use their book as a platform to be a thought leader and get lucrative speaking opportunities. As an expert and thought leader, you are in a great position to promote your company as the solution to the problems facing your chosen industry, helping to bring you ever closer to great success.
However, getting your book published can seem a daunting task. Between writing a proposal, finding the right publisher, deciding whether you want an agent, and doing the daily work of writing and promoting, the process can be confusing and frustrating. But with the right know-how, you can circumvent the more difficult tasks and be well on your way to becoming a published author. Here is some helpful advice that I learned from landing a deal for my first book, Online Marketing: A Users Manual.
1. Publishing houses want to publish for the already famous.
A common misconception is publishing houses want to create fame for their writers. However, it is much more profitable for them to sell books an audience already wants to buy, from previously vetted and lauded authors. Though you may not be famous yet, it is in our best interest to build a large platform and online presence to show publishing houses that you can sell lots of books to your followers.
2. Book speaking gigs where you can sell books.
In order for others to want to talk about your book, you need to talk about your book. Speaking gigs will help you gain exposure for yourself, with the added revenue (if negotiated correctly) of selling books after you speak. Take your passion to other people and talk about it as much as you can. Conferences, workshops, podcasts, interviews, radio shows, and book clubs are a great start; the more you speak, the more likely you are to get speaking gigs where you can sell more books.
3. Write so much that you are THE expert on your topic.
Your online writing is one of your greatest tools for landing a deal. In fact, Wiley and Sons found my blog posts on my Twitter, and then contacted me to give me that book deal. Start your own blog and build a following, as well as reach out to other bloggers to guest blog. Build your platform until it is solid with content and reaches a large audience.
4. Contribute to other books.
A great way to get more exposure is to contribute to other books. Your name will pass through the hands of publishers over and over, and the exposure will help you when they see your name on your own manuscript and remember it.
5. Meet publishing houses at face-to-face events.
One of the largest mistakes that new writers make is trying to pitch their ideas to any and all publishers. Besides being a waste of time, understand that publishers have their own areas of expertise. They are looking for books that can sell in their market, as well as books that they are interested in. Go to events where you can meet publishers and find out what kinds of books they’re publishing. Then pitch the book that THEY want instead of book that you think they want.
6. Be persistent.
The majority of the stories about writers getting book proposals rejected time and time again are true. Rejection is inevitable in the publishing world; don’t give up. Listen to each rejection and let the critiques improve your writing. Plenty of very successful writers spent years and years trying and failing to get their books published, before finally getting a deal and establishing great success.
7. Engage on social media.
The value of social media cannot be understated. Publishers, agents, and editors have social media accounts like Twitter and Facebook, and if you aren’t engaging, you’re missing a huge opportunity. Get your name and face out there and start a conversation. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
8. Be aware of the various publishing models.
"It used to be that the few major publishing houses held all the cards. But times have changed and new models have emerged. The once-ridiculed self-publishing industry has turned, and provides great opportunities for thousands of authors who weren’t able to secure a traditional publishing deal. The level of professionalism can equal any book you would see in a store. Also, hybrid entrepreneurial authoring models combine the best of traditional and self-publishing". Joel Comm
Murray Newlands would be thrilled if you’d share this story with your networks. You can find him on Twitter (@murraynewlands), Vine (murraynewlands) and learn more about his work at www.murraynewlands.com
