I didn’t have the time or energy to write a long post this week, but yesterday I ended up checking in with myself about what I know about marketing. Admittedly, this isn’t much. But when I started trying to bootstrap myself out of complete lack of sales, it was less, so I’m gonna count it a win.
Current marketing strategies, in order:
- Keep writing. You can’t sell what you don’t produce.
- Keep studying. It’s easier to sell a good book than a bad one.
- Don’t let the money fall out (keep it easy for people to find what they need and buy it). MAKE SURE YOUR FANS & POTENTIAL FANS CAN GET IT.
- Keep networking. A lot of my recent opportunities have come directly or indirectly from people I met ten years ago.
- Don’t sell plots, sell reader feelings. People won’t remember your plots unless you make them feel the way they want to feel.
There’s a possible sixth but I’m still testing it out:
Don’t waste time on assholes. They aren’t actually networking with you, helping your career, or providing any kind of support, even when there’s money involved; they’re using you and will, over the long haul, screw you over. Make time and room for people who, when you do nice things for them, don’t make feel like you’re pouring your time down a gaping pit or that they’re blowing smoke up your ass.
I mean, obviously it’s a good idea–but is it a good marketing idea?
Pondering…
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