Comments on: Writers: Don’t Self-Publish; My Blogging Advice Bites

By: Patrice-Anne Rutledg

Patrice-Anne Rutledg — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 16:21:34 +0000

I definitely agree with John that a platform is critical for all authors, both traditionally published and self-published. As a bestselling author and online book promotion expert, this is one of the most common questions I receive. The mere fact that you have a blog isn't the huge platform-builder that it once was considering today's crowded blogosphere, but a highly focused blog can still find an audience. It just takes more to stand out from the crowd. My advice to Jim: to build your blog base, you should create a feed, sign up for Technorati and FeedBurner, social bookmarkyour best posts, and post worthwhile comments on related blogs and forums to get started. Also look for ways other than a blog to build your platform. Web video and social networking/media are hot right now and great promotion tools for authors. Patrice-Anne Rutledge http://www.websavvywriter.com

By: Christine

Christine — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 01:47:39 +0000

Oooo and to add to the blog list to visit, chaeck out mine http://thesearethecrazytimes-christine.blogspot.com Visit if you wanna

By: Christine

Christine — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 17:45:38 +0000

Ohhhh John I seemed to be the only one flattered to think you have a relationship with us. And yes you can be flattered to cos I think the same about you!!! Strange this inter-web thingy (and cue the chorus of "It's A Small World After All").

By: Kelly

Kelly — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 18:00:45 +0000

Great advice, John.

Being fortunate enough to have some connections (if you want to call 'em that…lol) – I have been told that another way to "jump into the writing world" is to sumbit articles, devotionals, etc. to magazines and even online magazines. Even being a "guest blogger" on various blogs can get your name out there. I have recently had the opportunity to participate in some book reviews and "blog tours" of new books coming out…and not only is this a great way to get your blog and writing noticed…but, hey….I get free books, too! I mean, what more could a writer and book lover want, huh?

By the way, are you guys all settled in your new home?

By: John Shore

John Shore — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 09:48:04 +0000

Yeah, 2,000 is just a number. Depends on how QUICKLY you sell that 2,000 to, of course. There are all kinds of variables. And, as you say, in the end, you, and no one else, are the marketeer of your book. That's true now more than it's ever been. If you don't sell your own book, no one else will. So you've GOT to seriously believe in the value of what you've written. I know I personally can't really sell or promote anything that I think can be even almost approximated anywhere else.

By: Philip Davis

Philip Davis — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 06:40:39 +0000

It is a very good strategy to set out to sell 5,000 copies to capture the attention of a mainstream publisher. Maybe it's 5,000, maybe it's 100,000, but this is a real process and not some hocus pocus gimmick like trying to get your book to an artificial number one spot on Amazon. I also believe authors should expend all efforts on finding a publisher. In fact, authors should do both, in my opinion, because at the end of the day, success is up to how well an author can sell his/her book, whether to strangers or to a publisher. And once a publisher buys it, the author is still going to be the book's best salesperson.

By: John Shore

John Shore — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 04:53:22 +0000

Um. I can't even imagine how to begin addressing your comment, Jim. But … way to sell books!

By: Jim Donovan

Jim Donovan — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 04:48:11 +0000

Hi John,

I liked some of what you had to say about this, however, you may want to check your numbers. I self-published my first book in 1996 and proceeded to sell 100,000. That got the attention of a big publisher. Of course, most of my sales were direct and not in bookstores.

My second books has sold over 250,000 in Japan alone and is in 23 countries and I'm still trying to get a bog publisher to look at my next one. It's never as easy as "sell a few thousand books and you're all set" plus having a big publisher doesn't really mean all that much when it comes to marketing and sales. The average non-fiction book from a big publishing house doesn't sell out its first printing.

The figure I've heard around the business to attract a publisher is 20,00 in bookstores.

The reality is it's all about marketing.

BTW- The way you get known with a blog is to write something people want to read and make sure your using SEO and social media.

Be well and God bless,

Jim

By: Jim Johnson

Jim Johnson — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 00:21:59 +0000

Jim in far away Berlin thanks you and loves your no non-sense answers. I'm flattered you thought I had great questions and a bit sad the answers were not more hopeful. BUT, one thing I'm doing right - visiting blogs and commenting. Hey, maybe I can build a following from your readers!? HEY EVERYONE, visit my new blog!!! It's the best thing since sliced bread (just kidding). Actually I just started it and only have 4 articles. It's called The Jesus Path. Here's the address http://thejesuspath.blogspot.com/ THANKS John. I really love your stuff! Jim in far away Berlin

By: Longing for Holiday

Longing for Holiday — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 19:09:29 +0000

John: I thought you had stopped by my blog once. But if you haven't, I would be glad to assist you in getting off your blog-behind by visiting mine. Stop on by and leave a comment. It'll do you good.