Why should writers be lifelong
learners?
First,
writing is an ever-changing business. Yes, writing is a business just like any
other business that requires flexibility in the businessperson to adapt to
changes.
Many changes
have occurred in publishing, and publishing changes almost daily. This requires
you to keep up with these changes, even if you plan to self publish your book.
Publishing
has changed so much that even household named authors are opting for
self-publishing. Do think they do their homework with regard to the publishing
business? More than likely, the answer is yes.
After
working hard on your story, the last thing you need is, not having an author
platform plus a marketing and promo plan. Guess what; even traditional
publishing houses require a marketing and promo plan plus what you’re willing
to do in marketing your book.
As part of your writing business, the time to begin marketing your book is before it’s completed. Companies offer preorders for upcoming products as part of their marketing. Your book is a coming attraction that needs marketing and promotion just like all upcoming items to build interest. If potential purchasers aren’t aware of your book, will they know you’re writing it, or when to begin looking for it online or bookstore shelves?
Second, without
building a following, how will readers know about you? The Internet is today’s
Yellow Pages. More people search online to find what they’re looking for.
Without a
platform, how are readers to know you exist? You have to learn how to build and
maintain your platform. For people to find your platform it must be dynamic,
not static to achieve search engine ranking.
Writers,
it’s up to you to learn what’s necessary to engage your readers, and build a following.
Followers are your readers, and readers
properly engaged are book buyers.
Continue to
learn about your craft, publishing, and your business.
About the author:
Robert Medak is a retired Communications Technician
turned freelance writer, blogger, editor, proofreader, and reviewer learning
marketing.
He was born in southern California, and lived in Kansas until
moving to southern West Virginia with his wife and their cats and dogs. While
in California, he and his wife Connie ran an animal rescue where Robert wrote
job descriptions, flyers, and was treasurer.
