Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen delivered a workshop on what it takes to create a New York Times Bestsellers book. When you think of what typically goes into the delivery of a book – the writing, editing, graphic design, printing, binding and distribution – these efforts represent only five percent of the effort required to achieve the “rich and famous” goal.
95 percent of the success of a book is how well it is marketed.
These winning authors explained that if an author of an average book promoted it well, it could very well make the list. Obviously, a terribly-written book would never be able to achieve such status. On the other hand, a critically-acclaimed book would not make the list either, if no one knew about it.
Always begin to write a book with another goal in mind.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization estimates that 328,259 new titles were published in the United States alone in 2010.
“If you are going to write a book,” advises Carolyn McCormick of Success Coach for Life, “make sure that you do it for another reason, such as to promote your consulting, speaking or training business.”
Should you have your book published by a major publishing house or should you self publish?
Asking this question is like asking, “Should you appear in a play on Broadway, or on stage at your local theater?” You stand a far better chance of fame and fortune if you can get noticed on Broadway.
Do a search on Amazon on the topic of “communication.” What will likely appear on the first screen are books that have been promoted by major publishing houses. The reader will most likely choose from among those books on the first couple of pages. That action will only reinforce that book’s ranking on the Amazon site, ensuring the likelihood that it will be purchased again.
Large publishing companies will be far more interested in your writing if you can bring with you a loyal following that you have already developed, even if it is a database of subscribers to your newsletter.
On the other hand, self-publishing can be far more lucrative, on a per copy basis.
One of the worst places to sell your book is . . . a bookstore!
Your killer book on communication is competing against over a half-million similar titles on Amazon. Instead, your book may have little competition when you offer it for sale following a public speaking engagement.
Your editorial control and profit margins can be a lot greater with self-publishing. You can get your money almost immediately, rather than waiting months to receive the dollar per book (or less) from sales as your profit diminishes on its way through the channels of traditional outlets.
Most of all, remember that how well you market your book after you publish it will be the ultimate key to your success!
