Marketing is often the biggest roadblock for authors. Many of them have a story to tell, and they present it in a remarkable way. Yet, when it comes to sharing their story with the world, they balk. This is the reason many authors have a large inventory of books in their attics or a listing on Amazon which is never seen.
It is time to make a shift in thinking. Story-telling and marketing are not mutually exclusive. In fact, telling a story is the very essence of marketing. Many of the techniques which guide an author while writing his story are useful in sharing the story as well.
- Develop the Characters
When an author writes, he wants his readers to identify with the characters. He presents their unique and unforgettable characteristics so the reader feels connected to them.
In the same way, an author must consider his target market and its unique characteristics. He must continue to develop the specifics of his market to effectively share his story. At this stage, the author asks, “Who are my readers and what are they like?”
- Create a Plot
No matter how creative a style of writing each author has, he sits down to write with at least a skeleton plot in mind. Likewise, his marketing strategy may shift over time. However, it is necessary to have an overarching plan in mind to launch his book. He must ask, “Where will I tell my story?”
- Use Active Verbs and Colorful Adjectives
Authors limit passive verbs and show action with the most expressive words possible. They know to use descriptive terms to show the reader their stories rather than merely tell them.
It is imperative not to leave that skill behind when sharing a story with the world. Whenever an author markets his book, he communicates his message by showing people they need his story rather than telling. He learns how to catch their attention with descriptive language, and he gives a call to action in every marketing story. The question he asks now is, “How will I tell my story?”
- Craft a Story That Leaves the Reader Wanting More
Every story has, in literary terms, a climax. The dictionary defines it as “a decisive moment that is of maximum intensity or is a major turning point in a plot”. This is the point of a book which keeps the reader turning pages to see what is next.
The author must craft a marketing story just as compelling in order to get his message before his readers. As he writes his book, he asks himself a question to keep himself motivated through the days he does not feel like writing: “Why am I telling my story?” If that question compelled him to write the story, it also gives him the motivation to do what it takes to release it into the world.
I hope you learn solid principles to help you on your journey of success—whatever success means to you.
Change something today to make your tomorrow better.
Tom Blubaugh
Literary Strategist, LLC
TomBlubaugh.net
tom@tomblubaugh.net
417-812-6110
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