Self-Published Books Can Create Multiple Streams of

Revenue - But Readers Need to Know they Exist

In the past becoming a self-published author was a very different experience from what it is

today. There were many obstacles that are no longer limitations for today’s self-published

authors.

Not only was the process much more cumbersome than it is today, there was no such thing as

Kindle, Nook or Apple iBooks.

An author was limited to publishing physical books. Add to that minimum purchase

requirements with offset printing of thousands of books, and often it was a recipe for disaster

for many aspiring authors.

It usually meant the author’s spare room or garage was filled with boxes of books that were

destined to remain there for years because most authors had no plan for marketing and sales.

One of the greatest opportunities happened when digital printing came on the horizon.

Digital printing initially meant professional printing where an author could do small runs of their books.

There was a higher cost per page compared to offset printing, but for authors on a limited budget, it was

a great way to go. This still required an author to store the books.

In the late nineties, we didn’t have the resources we do today such as POD—print on demand.

Amazon.com released the first Kindle reader on November 19, 2007.

One of the most revolutionary changes happened when print-on-demand options, such as Lulu and

CreateSpace came on the horizon.

There is no storage whatsoever required if an author sells his or her books through online bookstores

like Amazon.

With these new technologies came lots of opportunities for authors from every genre. Yet, one

huge challenge still existed—selling books.

Countless authors have not understood nor have they been willing to take responsibility for sales of

their books. Many still believe all they need to do is get a book to market and somehow readers will find

it. Nothing could be further from the truth.

As with physical books, it is necessary for authors to take control of marketing their books,

regardless of the chosen format.

In the past few years, online book launches have become very popular. In the late nineties a

few progressive marketers gathered together dozens (even hundreds) of joint-venture

partners, who would help spread the word about the author’s book.

In trade for promoting the book, the partners would offer an ethical bribe in hopes of getting

lots of opt-in subscribers. Launches came and went in one day. There was a big hurrah for 24

hours but then things fizzled out.

Although an author could feasibly sell hundreds, even thousands, of books with a one-day

launch, most had no plan for what came next.

Additionally, most book buyers are no longer interested in a bunch of useless bonus gifts they

will never use. Today’s reader would much rather get a quality book. Bonuses can still work, but

fewer are better, and they absolutely need to be a high complement to the topic of the book.

Today, more than ever, an author needs a more sophisticated approach to a book launch. Not

only does the author need to plan for what I refer to as a rolling launch, but to get the greatest

result, the launch needs to begin as much as 6-12 months before the book-release date.

A rolling launch simply means it is ongoing and has more benefit than simply being able to say

the book hit bestseller on Amazon.com and BN.com for a day.

Fortunately, many authors are finally realizing that in order to have a successful book launch

they need a long- term view for the success of their book. Below are a few considerations for

your own book launch.

To get the most out of your book promotions it is best to have a three-pronged approach.

Prelaunch

Launch Post Launch

Your prelaunch efforts should be to build a community of potential buyers. You can do this by being

highly visible on social networks, building your opt-in subscriber list, submitting articles to various online

article directories, guest blogging and interviews.

Your launch will include many of the same aspects as a prelaunch but now you are driving traffic to

either an online book store or your own website.

Post launch is where you create other opportunities for readers to invest in other products and services

you offer.

To get the most out of your efforts you need to identify your ideal readers.

Who are they?

Where do they hang out?

Forums

Social networks

Blogs Magazines

Radio programs

You should also prepare as much of the following as possible:

Media releases Interviews opportunities

Blog posts for your blog and guest blogging opportunities Articles for your ezine

Book video trailer

Affiliate partners who will promote your book with an up sell opportunity on the back end.

Optimize your profile on all your social-media platforms Facebook

Twitter

Slideshare Goodreads

Pinterest YouTube

Pinternet

Images, videos, presentations to be dripped out during launch

Prepare images for Pinterest YouTube videos

Develop a series of videos with tips that tie into your book.

Slideshare can be huge for a book launch.

If your goal is to simply write a book and get it listed on Amazon then you need not do much else other

than write and publish the book. However, if your goal is to make money from your writing and

generate multiple streams of revenue then you absolutely must have an extremely strategic approach to

all you do.

About Kathleen Gage

Kathleen Gage is the “no-nonsense, common sense” speaker, author,

product creation specialist and owner of the highly successful company, “Power Up for Profits.” Kathleen helps entrepreneurs make money online.

Kathleen’s clients are driven by making a difference through their own unique voice.

Discover success insights from experts around the globe who are out there

making a difference and making a great living in the process. Kathleen Gage interviews the best of the best with Power Up for Profits Podcast. http://www.powerupforprofitspodcast.com