How to Overcome the Biggest Obstacle in Promoting Your Book
Published: Thu, 03/28/19
Does the word "platform" give you heartburn?
Do you feel awkward when you think about promoting your book?
Here's My Story
True confession.
In 2009, Bethany House released my book, Strange Fire, Holy Fire. Between 2008 and 2009, traditional
publishing was in the midst of a tectonic shift. Much to my dismay, I fell through the cracks.
Pre-2008, authors wrote books and publishers marketed their books. But afterward, authors were expected to promote their own books.
Nobody told me this.
Two weeks before my publication date (the launch date for a book), I received a packet in the mail from my publisher with instructions about how to promote my book.
I literally broke into a cold sweat.
Within hours, I pleaded with the publisher’s marketing department to at least design a website for me. Nothing doing, they said. So, based on a referral from someone who knew even less than me about book promotion, I paid a person to design my book website. It was beyond pitiful.
It's Really About Your Identity
But that wasn’t the biggest obstacle to promoting my book.
It was me.
While I deeply believed in my message, I felt uncomfortable making a big deal about me. Now, I’ve spent half my life on a stage as a musician and a pastor. I’ve performed and spoken for multiple thousands of people at a time. Standing up in front of people wasn’t a problem.
I just didn’t want to talk about me—so I didn’t. And I didn’t talk about my book—so it didn’t sell.
Here’s what I’ve learned since then...
There’s a difference between your message or story--and you. If you can’t separate the two, I know some good therapists who can help you.
Here’s my advice if you feel funny about promoting your book...
Get over it!
Let me say it another way...
It’s not about you!
Just giving you some tough love. When you overcome that hurdle, promoting your book really isn’t that hard.
That’s why I love talking about Illumify. I so deeply believe in the quality of our books—from the cover to the editing to the typesetting—that I shamelessly promote it.
Because I know it’s not about me—and it’s not about you.
We recently launched some new marketing and social media packages to help you promote your book. If you're interested please let us know.
But let me add--you're still going to need to promote your book apart from our marketing. Just keeping it real!
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