Five Ways Christian Authors Sabotage Book Sales

[Bennington]

5 Ways Christian Authors Sabotage Book Sales
By Cynthia Frazier

With successful self publishing on the rise, there has never been a better time to enter the Christian book market. From personal stories and testimonies, to self help and personal development, to spiritual growth and motivation, there is room at the table for all authors. Yet many Christian authors fail to capitalize on the countless opportunities available. All too often, they are blind to revenue streams or PR possibilities staring them right in the face. And while the process can be overwhelming, you don't have to restrict your own book sales if you avoid the following faux pas. Put this information to good use and you will see tremendous results for years to come.

1. By not having a strategic plan

Having a plan is something that may sound elementary, yet many Christian authors start writing their book with no forethought as to what happens after the book is written and published. Questions like "who is your target market for the book?" should be contemplated. Pam Perry, Co-author of the soon to be released book Synergy Energy-How to Use the Power of Partnerships to Market Your Book, says this is the number one mistake writers make. They think that everyone will be interested in their story. Other considerations that need to be addressed before your book is finished include how you will position yourself as an expert, how you will handle a crisis, and how you will market your book.

2. By not having a marketing mindset

Many Christian authors focus solely on the content of their book and neglect to realize that they must develop an audience of readers. Like any entrepreneur or business owner, Christian authors will wear many hats. One of the most important hats to wear is that of getting the message out after it has been written. Marketing is the most critical aspect of being an author because it is marketing that drives book sales. Fortunately, there are many low cost and affordable ways to market your book if you know where to look.

3. By Not Hiring Experts

Many Christian authors put limits on their potential and on their book sales by attempting to do everything themselves. With all of the tasks that come into play, having a successful book in the marketplace requires expertise in topics that have nothing to do with writing a book. Areas such as public relations, marketing, graphic design, media kit design, website design and even writing a press release are all critical to presenting your work as professional. If you don't want to look like an amateur, protect your professional image by putting skilled vendors on your team. It may be a sacrifice in the beginning, but you will be very glad you made the investment in the long run.

4. By Not Using the Internet to its Fullest

We all know that the Internet can be a challenge to figure out. Even so, there are far too many benefits to using the Internet to let the challenges stop you. Using the Internet to save valuable time and money is critical to bringing a book to market. Conducting research, public relations, and selling your book are three functions that make the Internet a valuable tool. Learn what you don't know and utilize the Internet to reach your goals as an author.

5. By not Teaming

Pam Perry says partnering is a tool that can be used as leverage to save time and money. I couldn't agree more. Pam says, "When you hit a brick wall, look for a partner or someone you can joint venture with." Forming a joint venture partnership is a powerful way to reduce your workload and increase results. The key to joint venture partnerships however, is give and receive. It is important to know what you have to give and what it is you want to receive. Once you are clear on those two things, it will not be difficult to find people who have what you need to make your book a success.

Cynthia Renee Frazier is Co-Founder of Energy Tour Café, a marketing company that helps success minded women grow their business. Right now, Cynthia has time in her schedule for three challenging and stimulating projects. If you are ready to invest in your own explosive business growth by developing a strategic action plan, go to http://www.EnergyTourCafe.com and click on Shop For Success. Select Laser Focus Coaching to begin the process of phenomenal growth for your company.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cynthia_Frazier

[Azariah]

Those sound like some things that should be meantioned to a few people out there.

[Phy]

It is one thing if book sales are your primary goal. It is another if success isn't measured just by units sold.

[Nora]

Sounds like some good advice. I have heard much of it before here, in books, and other forums. Now, as to how much of it I'll ever use, I can't tell you right now. Now, I'm working on skits for churches. I've submitted a couple of things without success yet. But, I think a body can do both if she wants to. I think you can reach people and make sales if that's what you want. The thing with skits though, is that they can't reach anyone if they aren't performed. So, part of what I want to do is send skits to churches that don't have the resources to buy skits or lighting or build sets. This could take a while. I'm afraid I've about decided that I'll never write the great American novel. I'm just gonna write what I can and hope that something gets to someone that makes a difference. Of course, publication could help with that. I have no problem making money with writing --my husband would certainly have no problem with it either.