21st Century Book Marketing Event Panel Discussion: Rick Frishman, Jennifer Kasius, Mark Tauber, Arielle Ford

Recently, Author Source  attended the 21st Century Book Marketing Event in San Diego.   A full event, with over 200 authors and a dozen or so Publishing and Marketing experts in attendance, it was an information-packed 2 days.

With industry giants like Arielle Fordand Mike Koenigs hosting the event, along with book publishing expert speakers like Rick Frishman and John Kremer,  the guidance and advice given was described by many authors we spoke to as “invaluable”.   Added to that panel (just to name a few) were successful Internet marketers like Dan Hollings, Peggy McColl and Mari Smith.  The 21st Century Book Marketing Event delivered a comprehensive and brass tacks    was made available from cover to cover

The attendees varied from published authors with several books, to those in ‘pre-publication’, to aspiring authors with that kernel of an idea for a book.   Despite this variance in experience, the same question came up time and again:  In this information age of the Internet, email and social media, and given all the information just received:

 “Okay – but HOW can I better market my book ???  Where do I start???” 

Marketing in the 21st Century in almost any niche means that the answer to that question can be largely found within the individual themselves.  

Here are a few steps for getting started:

• Understanding the message you are attempting to put forth and  why people would want to know about it is critical.  (Don’t jump the gun – be sure you have determined this BEFORE you start any marketing or self-promotion)
• Identify how you are contributing to your audience.  As Rick Frishman commented “Give back in some way” – remember that your audience will respond to you when they can see you are offering something of value to them. (Let people know that you support a particular charity or fund a non profit organization – offer an exchange of assistance to a peer or group)
• Avoid the “What’s in it for me” syndrome.  Remember that generosity will always be better received than score keeping.  When it comes to brand marketing, nothing gets around faster than a reputation for me-ism. (Promote events/items to your audience based on your opinion and helping a peer rather than just because you are generating commission)
• Focus on what you do well and expand on that.  (If you’re a poor public speaker – don’t set up a teleseminar! If you love interacting with others – DO focus on using tools like Facebook and Twitter to reach out)

There’s no question that much of how an author/speaker can market their book can be done on their own.  In any successful pursuit, and most particularly in regards to marketing a book or one’s self, what it seems to come down to is resourcefulness and vision.  

Allow your message or vision to fully form and then hold strong to it.  When you find yourself floundering do ask questions of your peers, do research and don’t be afraid to join forces with experienced professionals who support your vision. 

As co-founder and Director/CCO of Author Source, Daniele is passionate about giving her clients the tools to harness the marketing power of the Internet.  For inquiries contact us at info@authorsource.ca