How to Make Your Book a Bestseller

People are always asking me how to market their books and make them bestsellers.  So I decided to give the helpful hints/secrets that I know here.  (They really aren’t secrets!).  BTW, I did not invest these techniques.  I have learned them by studying the veterans in the book industry, Jack Canfield, John Kremer, Arielle Ford, etc.

1.  Build your database/platform.  When I first started out in real estate years ago in Ahwatukee, Arizona at the Keller Williams office, our team leader told us to write down everyone we knew on a piece of paper (friends, family, associates).  This would become our sphere of influence.  Today as a marketing and public relations specialist, the Number One piece of advice I offer my clients is that they build their database or platform.  “How do I do this,” you may ask.  It’s simple…implement any way you know to meet people and become friends with them.  For some it’s networking.  For others it’s social networking.  For some this process includes conducting free seminars, webinars, tele-workshops.  And for others it may include giving away free resources on his or her web site.  Whatever technique you prefer, do it now.  It’s the critical path for building the client base you seek.

2.  Get a great publisher.  People are always telling me that they’re going to self-publish.  I say Good Luck.  The Arizona Republic won’t even review a self-published book.  Let alone the national media outlets that everyone desires.  Write a great book proposal and get a great publisher.  If you don’t know how and can’t figure it out, get Tom Bird (Sedona) to send a query letter out to great book agents.  Trust me.  If you want tons of publicity, get a fabulous publisher.

3.  Get free media coverage/publicity.  How?  Simple.  Send out countless queries, pitches, press release and letters to editors, publishers and producers.  Get access to a great media database and pitch, pitch, pitch your book.  Brainstorm newsworthy and pertinent topics that relate to your book and current events.  There is no magic to this process.  Sure having contacts in the industry helps…but the juice really lies in consistent and relevant (timely) pitching.  For example, pitch a book on Christmas around July.  Yes, it’s true.  Glossy magazines (the great ones that are left) work about 6 months ahead.

4.  Get on the social networking bandwagon.  Build your personal brand through social networking.  Facebook, Twitter, Linked In, You Tube.  Create a page and manage your social media community.  You’ll be glad you did.  The latest statistic i heard said that 1.5 million people join Facebook everyday!

5.  Implement an Amazon Book Launch Campaign.  Get everyone you know to help you promote your book to their databases.  Everyone.

6.  Find a way to sell your book in bulk quantities…to schools, churches, businesses…large book purchases really impact your number.

I’ll continue to offer you tips as they come to me!