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Marketing Your Passion
by Diana Cosby
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| Guest Blogger: Diana Cosby |
Once an author sells their book, they’re faced with the new challenge of marketing their work. To me, it’s imperative that the author defines their goals. What exactly are they trying to achieve? Is it a sales number? Do they want to reach a certain best-seller list? With a clear goal in mind, it’s time to push forward, break down the steps in your marketing strategy.
I prefer to do something I call, “Marketing Your Passion.” Simply, this is doing what makes business sense and what is fun. Let’s be clear, marketing is HARD WORK! There are no short cuts, but well laid out plans for maximum effect. As marketing is hard work, why do something you dislike? It will show in your actions and could come across to the reader as insincere.
One normally believes as we’re authors our promotion should center around our books. I personally disagree. I believe that our readers like to learn who we are, and enjoy the connection of having common interests. You do this by sharing your passions. Write articles, volunteer, or give workshops about what intrigues you. Your bio will give readers follow-on information to read more about you.
How do you find venues to submit articles? Look for blog owners seeking authors to appear on their site. Write an article for a local newspaper. Submit an article to a magazine you enjoy. A personal favorite of mine is ReporterConnection.com.
Each weekday, a message will appear with a reporter or others seeking people to interview about different topics. If a topic is of something that you’re interested in and have knowledge about, you can choose to respond. If your query is accepted, in addition to an interview, quotes or whatever the person is seeking help on, credit to you will be given in the form of your name and a link in the article.
So, the next time you’re drafting a marketing plan, define your goals, then choose areas in your life where you have fun. In the end you’ll meet amazing people who share your passion. Take care and I wish you every success!
Diana Cosby, International Best-Selling Author
His Captive-Alexander MacGruder
His Woman-Duncan MacGruder
His Conquest-Seathan MacGruder
His Destiny - Oct 2011
Interesting point that author promotion should NOT be all about the book.
ReplyDeleteGood morning and thank you SO much for having me here today. I'm a firm believer in having fun, and find marketing another outlet where we can connect with our readers as share our passions.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to your comments and would love to hear what about marketing you enjoy. My sincere thanks for your time. Have a super day!
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
www.dianacosby.com
Diana Quincy said: Interesting point that author promotion should NOT be all about the book.
ReplyDelete~Morning, Diana, thank you so much for stopping by. If you think about it, the commercials we remember most are those that focus on something besides the product. The one that pops to mind is the fabulous Snickers© commercial with Betty White. When you make people smile and/or laugh, you make a connection with that person, and how fun when it’s something you both enjoy. One of my passions is baking, and I love creating recipes. It’s fabulous to connect with others about baking, and often I learn new tips as well as share my own. In essence, I’m meeting people who share my passion and we’re having fun. :) Take care and I wish you every success!
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
www.dianacosby.com
Diana, great advice. Thanks for sharing. Continued success to you!
ReplyDeleteCaroline Clemmons said: Diana, great advice. Thanks for sharing. Continued success to you!
ReplyDelete~Hi Caroline, thank you so much for stopping by. Always fabulous to see you! *Hugs* What I hope to show is that when we share what matters to us, that sincerity comes across and we connect with people who enjoy our passions as well. Take care my friend, and I wish you continued success as well! *Hugs*
Love you!
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
www.dianacosby.com
Great points. The soft push is always better than the what-do-I-have-to-do-to-get-you-to-drive-away-in-this-new-book hard sell. Super advice.
ReplyDeleteAvery Flynn said: Great points. The soft push is always better than the what-do-I-have-to-do-to-get-you-to-drive-away-in-this-new-book hard sell. Super advice.
ReplyDelete~Hi Avery, thank you so much for stopping by. Glad if anything helped. When we connect with people on a personal level about what we love, our sincerity comes across. Take care, have a super day, and I wish you every success!
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
www.dianacosby.com
Good advice, Diana. I've always found soft selling works far quicker than the in-your-face technique. Thanks for sharing! Hugs, M
ReplyDeleteMary J. Forbes said...
ReplyDeleteGood advice, Diana. I've always found soft selling works far quicker than the in-your-face technique. Thanks for sharing! Hugs, M
Thanks so much for sharing with us on our blog today, Diana. I had the pleasure to attend the Yellow Rose meeting with you a couple of weeks ago and your enthusiasm is contagious. I also had the pleasure to win His Captive at the meeting. Although I've only read the first few pages, I can't wait to get back to the story. Thanks for the wonderful information and best of luck to you as well!
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Diana. Marketing can seem like a drag, but you make it fun.
ReplyDeleteWendy Treitel said: Thanks so much for sharing with us on our blog today, Diana.
ReplyDelete~Hi Wendy, it’s my sincere pleasure to be here.
I had the pleasure to attend the Yellow Rose meeting with you a couple of weeks ago and your enthusiasm is contagious.
~It was a pleasure to see you, and if you found anything helpful from my workshop, that’s what it’s all about! ^5
I also had the pleasure to win His Captive at the meeting. Although I've only read the first few pages, I can't wait to get back to the story.
~Thank you so much for your kind words. I sincerely hope you enjoy Alexander and Nichola’s story. I love Alexander. :)
Thanks for the wonderful information and best of luck to you as well!
~*Hugs* I’m thrilled if you find anything helpful. Thank you again for having me here, take are and I wish you every success!
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
www.dianacosby.com
Sophie said: Great post, Diana. Marketing can seem like a drag, but you make it fun.
ReplyDelete~Hi Sophie, thank you so much for taking the time to stop by. Marketing is challenging, but if we focus on our passions, then we share what we love in a fun way. :) Take care and I wish you every success!
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
www.dianacosby.com
Diana,
ReplyDeleteYour marketing ideas are always inspiring. Good point about making contact with people through similar interests. Since I'm not such a good cook, I'd better stick to my fascination with world history and my endlessly entertaining puppy-dogs. Love your new book cover! :-)
*Hugs*
Jeanmarie, dog lover with a Papillon mix
Jeanmarie Hamilton said: Diana, Your marketing ideas are always inspiring. Good point about making contact with people through similar interests. Since I'm not such a good cook, I'd better stick to my fascination with world history and my endlessly entertaining puppy-dogs.
ReplyDelete~Hi Jeanmarie, thank you so much for stopping by. If anything helps, that’s what it’s all about. You love painting and taking walks through the hills. Both are wonderful to blog about, to share what moves you about each. Your passion will come across, and readers who share your passion for these posting in reply.
Love your new book cover! :-) *Hugs*
~Thank you so much, I’m over-the-moon thrilled with the cover for His Destiny! Take care, enjoy your day, and I wish you continued success! *Hugs*
Love you!
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
www.dianacosby.com
Mary J. Forbes said: Good advice, Diana. I've always found soft selling works far quicker than the in-your-face technique. Thanks for sharing! Hugs, M
ReplyDelete~*Hugs* Thank you so much, Mary, for stopping by. Always fabulous to see you! I believe sharing our passions allows us to connect with others in a fun as interesting way. Take care and I wish you continued success! *Hugs*
Love you!
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
www.dianacosby.com
Great advice, as always, Diana. :) It was nice seeing your at YR earlier this month!
ReplyDeleteMichelle Miles said: Great advice, as always, Diana. :) It was nice seeing your at YR earlier this month!
ReplyDelete~*Hugs* Hey, Michelle, fabulous seeing you; thank you so much for stopping by today. If anything helps, that’s what it’s all about. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to YR, always fabulous! Take care and I hope you’re having a super day! ^5 Wishing you every success!
*Hugs*
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
www.dianacosby.com
Diana, I agree that in-your-face book pushing is not the way to go. Thanks for the Reporter Connection tip, too!
ReplyDeleteLight,
Nancy Haddock
www.nancyhaddock.com
Nancy said: Diana, I agree that in-your-face book pushing is not the way to go.
ReplyDelete~I love the marketing you do for your fabulous stories. The theme reflects what a neat person you are and your penchant for fun. ^5
Thanks for the Reporter Connection tip, too!
~It’s an excellent resource!
Light,
~*Hugs* Always fabulous to see you, and I wish you continued success!
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
www.dianacosby.com
Diana,
ReplyDeleteGreat post! What an interesting concept--we tend to forget about 'us' and focus on our books but when I go to chapter meetings, the other authors are talking about a subject they love, not necessarily toting their books. So it makes sense.
Hugs!
Loni
Loni Lynne said: Diana, Great post! What an interesting concept--we tend to forget about 'us' and focus on our books but when I go to chapter meetings, the other authors are talking about a subject they love, not necessarily toting their books. So it makes sense.
ReplyDelete~:) And, when you listen to others talk about what they love, you hear their natural sincerity. Thank you so much, Loni, for taking the time to stop by. Take care and I wish you every success!
Hugs!
~*Hugs*
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
www.dianacosby.com
Hi Diana,
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I enjoyed your talk at DARA a couple of weeks ago too. Maybe you said it and I didn't see, but how do you find out which blogs would like to interview an author? Is that also at www.reporterconnection.com? Thanks again and good luck to you!
Karilyn Bentley said: Hi Diana, Great post!
ReplyDelete~Hi Karilyn, thank you so much for your kind words. I’m thrilled if anything helps.
I enjoyed your talk at DARA a couple of weeks ago too. Maybe you said it and I didn't see, but how do you find out which blogs would like to interview an author? Is that also at ww.reporterconnection.com?
~I’ve seen some blog advertisements on reporterconnection.com, but more, I see authors on writing loops posting they’re looking for authors to guest blog. Also, if you see a blog you’d like to appear on, e the blog owner and ask if it’s possible. The most they can say is no, and if you don’t ask, you’re already there. I hope this helps. :)
Thanks again and good luck to you!
~*Hugs* My sincere best to you as well! ^5
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
www.dianacosby.com
My sincere thanks for having me on 4 Writers, For Readers. It's been an absolute blast. Another huge thanks to everyone who took time out of their busy day to stop by and say hi.
ReplyDelete*If anyone posts after today, I will stop by and reply.
Again, my sincere thanks and remember, believe in yourself and follow your heart! *Hugs*
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
www.dianacosby.com
I'm reminded of old Joseph Campbell, "Follow your bliss." I'm shy, awkward with people, and I never know what to say... but I almost always know what to WRITE, so for me, blogging, email, and even posting on FB qualify as fun rather than marketing. You make a wonderful point, Diana--good to read it from somebody who's so clearly successful as a writer.
ReplyDeleteGrace Burrowes said: I'm reminded of old Joseph Campbell, "Follow your bliss." I'm shy, awkward with people, and I never know what to say... but I almost always know what to WRITE, so for me, blogging, email, and even posting on FB qualify as fun rather than marketing. You make a wonderful point, Diana--good to read it from somebody who's so clearly successful as a writer.
ReplyDelete~Hi Grace, thank you so much for taking the time to stop by. I believe it’s important to understand that when we’re having fun, enjoy what we do, it comes across. And, to take that understanding into our professional lives. If you do something you don’t like, your body language will give you away, so for me, I only do what I love, what I have fun doing. Sounds like you know your strengths, which totally rocks! Take are, follow your heart, and I wish you every success!
*Hugs*
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
www.dianacosby.com
Diana, your words of wisdom are perfectly timed. I'm currently researching ways to market and promote so that when I'm on the brink of publication (fingers crossed) I'll already have a plan of action.
ReplyDeleteI think marketing your passion instead of a product is key. This will broaden my horizons in ways I hadn't considered. Your advice will also help me narrow down my social media options. Sticking to formats I enjoy will serve me better in the long run rather than forcing something that feels like a chore.
Wishing you all the best as always!
Isis Rushdan said: Diana, your words of wisdom are perfectly timed. I'm currently researching ways to market and promote so that when I'm on the brink of publication (fingers crossed) I'll already have a plan of action.
ReplyDelete~Hi Isis, fabulous to see you! ^5 Way to go on preparing for when you sell. I give a workshop on marketing, and I emphasize to prepare your marketing plan NOW rather than after you sell. Like writing if you’re unsure what to do, you’ll have all kinds of people with wonderful intent telling you what you need to do. It’s imperative for the sanity of the author to not only have their plan ready, but to start engaging it now. Build a following, people who connect with you, find you interesting, share your passions and so on, so when you sell, they’ll be cheering you on and supporting your dreams. Normally, it takes years to build a substantial readership, so the time to begin that is wayyyy before you sell. And, you do that by sharing your passions, meeting those of like minds. :)
I think marketing your passion instead of a product is key. This will broaden my horizons in ways I hadn't considered.
~It will, and best, it’s FUN! At this time, I’m doing an 80 second waltz routine at the wine festival locally. Talk about having a blast practicing! :)
Your advice will also help me narrow down my social media options. Sticking to formats I enjoy will serve me better in the long run rather than forcing something that feels like a chore.
~As I said, marketing and promotion are hard work, so why do what seems to you is a chore? Me, I’m all about having fun. And if it makes me laugh all the better.
Wishing you all the best as always!
~*Hugs* The same to you!!! ^5
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
www.dianacosby.com
Diana, as always, your advice and encouragement match you: wonderful!
ReplyDeleteElaine Stock
Elaine Stock said: Diana, as always, your advice and encouragement match you: wonderful!
ReplyDelete~*Hugs* Hi Elaine, fabulous to see you. I hope you had a wonderful Easter. Thank you for your kind comments, and if anything helped, that’s what it’s all about. Take care and I wish you every success!
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
www.dianacosby.com