I do a good amount of writing and have a decent idea (or to me, seemingly) for a book that would help promote business both directly and indirectly. What is the best process that one should go about getting a book published that will lend itself to both exposure and profitability?
Is it recommended that you write the book first before going about working with an editor or is there a better process to help promote my business and, hopefully see a ROI on the writing?
mikesperanza | Window Shopper |
11/6/2012 - 6:57 am
How about starting with a blog, develop an audience interested in your
content. Later on you can compile the best articles in a book - some
rewriting will probably be needed.
That is the reason why I was asking as the subject is very quick for me to write and it's on what I do everyday. However, the time can be better spent somewhere else if it's not going to sell. Nobody can predict this, but I appreciate the pointer to speak with an editor, see whether or not it's worth my time.
I have written two books that have helped my business considerably, but writing a book is very time consuming and there are no guarantees that it will be successful. I'd suggest that you start by writing articles and try to get those published in targeted magazines/newspapers. You might be able to get a regular column in a small paper or magazine. You can build from there.
Michael P. Ehline | Window Shopper |
11/5/2012 - 10:30 pm
Show Replied Text…
I have written two books that have helped my business considerably, but writing a book is very time consuming and there are no guarantees that it will be successful. I'd suggest that you start by writing articles and try to get those published in targeted magazines/newspapers. You might be able to get a regular column in a small paper or magazine. You can build from there.
I totally agree. The ones written by ghostwriters are usually garbage.
I am a free market advocate and inactive U.S. Marine, as well as an attorney.
Ken,
First, writing a book really is one of the best ways you can promote your business. Not only does it firmly establish you as an 'expert' in the public eye, but it also acts as a great lead-generation and marketing tool in its own right.
Secondly, I wouldn't worry about working with an editor or anyone else. If you write a lot as you say then you could get something written in a week, and self-publish with one of the POD outfits. The cost-per-book can be as low as $4, which makes it viable to give away off your website as a lead-generating offer.
The real ROI comes from the business it generates, not the sales of the book per se. Even JK Rowling made a lot more money from the 'franchise' than she did from book sales (although they were admittedly very profitable for her)
-- Jon
First of all i just want to say that it is the first time i heard someone's writing an entire book just to promote a business! The writing seems very hard and long thing to do for very relatively small amount of advertising. But, if this is your passion maybe the book itself will become 'the business'.
I think that you need to check your general ideas with the publiser and see his point of views, it may help you.
freddiecarlson | Window Shopper |
10/27/2010 - 6:21 am
If it is meant for promoting business, why not to start with small chunk of writeup instead of tons of pages spread across a book? I feel, smaller is better in this case.
Hi BJStevens,
I do agree with your website and SEO tips. I do implement writing on certain sites and guest blogging on a daily basis for a few reasons - one being SEO and the other promotion.
Otherwise, I do have a good amount of writing that I've set aside for this and am speaking to a publisher. The only problem is that they want me to take a good amount of writing offline which I am not ready to do. Therefore, I am writing chunks of content for both purposes, but I agree with you as the bulk of the content is for online purposes.
Thanks for answering with a thoughtful insight on the matter.
Sincerely,
Ken
Hi BJStevens,
I do agree with your website and SEO tips. I do implement writing on certain sites and guest blogging on a daily basis for a few reasons - one being SEO and the other promotion.
Otherwise, I do have a good amount of writing that I've set aside for this and am speaking to a publisher. The only problem is that they want me to take a good amount of writing offline which I am not ready to do. Therefore, I am writing chunks of content for both purposes, but I agree with you as the bulk of the content is for online purposes.
Thanks for answering with a thoughtful insight on the matter.
Sincerely,
Ken
I think you're missing a potential opportunity here, Ken.
A publisher is in the business of selling books. But often the most value you'll get from it is for direct response marketing as I wrote on my blog today.
I also wrote a review of one of the top direct response marketer's books here. Chap called Bill Glazer and as you'll see in my review, the book isn't really there to make money on its sales (although that's nice, and makes the marketing activity self-funding).
In reply to other comments: while SEO and online marketing has its place and is definitely something most small businesses don't do enough of (especially local businesses), it's a mistake to think it's the be-all and end-all and nothing else matters any more.
For one thing, there are some very good reasons for marketing offline even if it's to drive your target market online. For example, in the UK almost no one is searching for Will-Writers online and local Will-Writers do better with offline marketing, full stop.
Another example is my client who built a £20-million business with adwords, and then we doubled it in the last two years by using direct mail and newspaper advertising in the national newspapers (again, driving people online with offline media - no SEO necessary).
Moreover, simply having a web page attracting visitors is pointless if you're not able to convert them to paying customers and clients.
And the best way to do that is to develop a relationship with them and allow them to convince themselves of your value, expertise, honesty, integrity and trustworthiness.
A book is a perfect way to do that, as I explain in the blog post I reference above.
Jon
---This post was edited to remove a commercial link. Read our discussion policies for more Community best practices.
If it is meant for promoting business, why not to start with small chunk of writeup instead of tons of pages spread across a book? I feel, smaller is better in this case.
Freddie,
One thing I used to do (until they got wise to it and started doing it themselves) was write a column in the local rag each month, here in County Cork.
It was about 1500 words, took me less than an hour a month and was basically a full page of free advertising for me.
It translated to about $60,000 in business over the few months I was doing it.
Jon
mikesperanza | Window Shopper | 11/6/2012 - 6:57 am
content. Later on you can compile the best articles in a book - some
rewriting will probably be needed.
ksundheim | Contributor | 10/27/2010 - 6:21 am
dgoldie | Creator | 10/27/2010 - 6:21 am
Michael P. Ehline | Window Shopper | 11/5/2012 - 10:30 pm
jon123 | Performer | 10/27/2010 - 6:21 am
waynearln | Contributor | 10/27/2010 - 6:21 am
freddiecarlson | Window Shopper | 10/27/2010 - 6:21 am
ksundheim | Contributor | 10/27/2010 - 6:21 am
jon123 | Performer | 10/27/2010 - 6:21 am
jon123 | Performer | 10/27/2010 - 6:21 am
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