Entrepreneurs may want to write a book for various reasons such as promoting their coaching or consultancy business or creating a bestselling business manual. However, with over 200,000 books published in Britain yearly, it can be challenging to stand out and market the book effectively. The key to successful book marketing is to be able to summarize the book’s content in a couple of sentences or a pitch. Nonfiction business book authors can submit a proposal with a detailed synopsis and sample chapters to publishers for market traction.
The UK publishing market is divided into three categories: traditional business book publishers, smaller independent publishers, and self-publishing. Literary agents act as gatekeepers for the big five publishing houses, and authors can find interested agents by acknowledging them in the acknowledgments section of similar books. Traditional publishers have a marketing budget and provide an advance, but authors have limited control over the publication timeline and recoupment corridor. Independent publishers do not provide an advance, but revenue can be split equally, and authors have a paperback book in bookshops. Self-publishing authors have complete control over the book cover and marketing, and royalties can be as high as 70%. However, self-publishing authors face the challenge of standing out in a crowded market.
Authors, regardless of publishing method, are expected to market their book through social media, email newsletters, and paid advertising. Building an email database is a crucial marketing tool for authors, and they can offer Advance Reader Copies to gain reviews. Reviews are essential because the Amazon algorithm increases visibility for books with numerous reviews, which leads to more sales. Paid advertising on social media platforms such as Facebook and LinkedIn is an effective marketing tool, but it takes time and money to see tangible results.
In conclusion, writing a book is the easy part, but marketing it effectively is the real challenge. Entrepreneurs can stand out in a crowded market by summarizing the book’s content in a couple of sentences, submitting a proposal with sample chapters, and building an email database. While traditional publishers provide an advance and marketing budget, independent publishers offer equal revenue split, and self-publishing authors have complete control over the book’s cover and marketing. Authors are expected to market their books through social media, email newsletters, and paid advertising, and reviews are crucial for gaining visibility and sales.
