I love the internet . . . you can find almost anything and learn just about anything by doing a search. In a webinar provided by Steve Harrison of Quantum Leap, the guest speaker was Jack Canfield. For those of you who haven’t yet hear of him (this would be amazing if you are in the writing field), Canfield is the co-creator of Chicken Soup for the Soul.
Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen had a dream. They would have a New York Times best selling book. But, the road to success wasn’t easy . . . they received 144 rejections from publishers. This did not stop them—they moved forward with visualization and positive projection techniques. Chicken Soup for the Soul came out in 1993. Since they didn’t have enough money for a publicist so they did their own marketing. By 1995, they won the Abby Award and the Southern California Publicist Award.
This was the second teleseminar I was able to attend that featured Canfield. The information offered was geared toward the strategies needed to make money publishing books through marketing and diversification. This concept is very similar to a video clip I watched of Robert Kiyosaki, author of Rich Dad Poor Dad, which was also presented by Steve Harrison.
So, what exactly are the concepts of book marketing and diversification?
Book Marketing and Diversification Tips to Make Money
1. Build a platform
Start your platform when you are thinking of writing a book—don’t wait until you are published. Creating connections, contacts, and readers, and buzz, takes time.
2. Realize you will most probably not get rich writing books.
Yes, that’s right. You will not automatically become wealthy from book publication. But, while you won’t get rich, it will open doors that will not otherwise be open. This is the opportunity for diversification—don’t just look straight ahead—use your peripheral vision.
3. Learn how to market and sell YOU and your books.
Never stop learning about writing and book marketing. Read about the subjects; attend conferences and teleseminars; join writing and marketing groups; and follow blogs that provide valuable and up-to-date information. But, remember, you don’t want to just sell your books, you want to sell what you have to offer along with your books.
4. Research areas you can diversify in.
If you are published there are a number of doors that will magically open. You can create e-books; you can present teleseminars, webinars, or workshops; you can offer classes or coaching; you can even write a book about your experiences and successes.
Tip: Before you start charging for your expertise, offer some free services. This will help establish you as an expert in your field.
5. Never stop selling.
Find new avenues to sell your books and services. Utilize some of the suggestions in #4 above.
6. Build your subscriber list.
According to expert marketer Jim Edwards, if you don't have a list that's continually growing, you're sunk.
You'll need to develop a trusting relationship with your readers by providing quality information on a regular basis, along with quality products.
7. Believe you can do it.
This is probably the most important tip for success. Canfield is a firm believer in the power of tweaking your subconscious and projection. I am too!
8. Pay it forward.
As the Bible tells us, “There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.” New World Translation, Acts 20:35.
Aside from being good for you as a writer and marketer, giving back is good for the universe.
Karen Cioffi is an author, ghostwriter, and content marketing instructor.
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