Self publishing continues to grow by leaps and bounds. Nevertheless only a small percentage of self published authors experience success in marketing their works. Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein, internationally known Positive Psychologist and author has been both self published and traditionally published by publishing houses such as Rutledge and Sky Pony Press. She recently offered some important guidance on the Authors and Technology website.
"Authors of self-published books often deceive themselves," Dr. Holstein stated, "by making a number of mistakes in their thinking. There are many fallacies surrounding book marketing. The Big Three are:
1. Believing that telling friends and family about one's latest book or even giving them a copy will create a tidal wave of interest in one's book.
2. Believing that getting endorsements or reviews from those we know, like a sister or a tennis partner will help sales.
3. Believing that your book is unique and that will make a real difference."
What are the facts?
"Telling family and friends about the book? The truth is we usually just end up being annoying and loved ones can't wait until we stop talking about the new book."
"Reviews from family and friends? In truth reviews can be helpful if written from the heart - by strangers. Of course the more famous that stranger might be, the better. How hard is it to get to a famous stranger who might take the time to endorse or review your book? Have you seen the movie 'WILD'? About as hard as traveling the Pacific Crest Trail with a heavy pack on your back."
"Believing a book is unique? The truth is most books are not unique. In fact, your book may have been inspired by books already in print, or perhaps has already been written by someone much more famous. Do you recognize the book, 'Recipes for Enchantment, The Secret Ingredient is YOU!'? by Barbara Becker Holstein. No? I'm shocked. But I bet you recognize Chicken Soup for the Soul, Book 1, Book 2, etc. by Jack Canfield."
"What is an self-published author to do? Crawl under a rock? Absolutely not. Books are wonderful. Each has a message. They heal, they teach, they entertain, they fill a void in our lives, making us laugh and cry and having the courage to carry on. The solution is to understand what works and what doesn't in the marketing of a book."
"Though we should tell others about our work, the people we want to tell about our work are those who have already decided they want to buy that type of book. This involves understanding one's target audience and understanding what they perceive to be their needs. Concentrate the effort on getting real reviews, unpaid reviews, from credible reviewers. And while most books are not unique, every target audience is unique. If your message to that target audience demonstrates you understand their needs, you will be much more likely to create sales."
Dr. Holstein's pathfinder book ‘The Enchanted Self, A Positive Therapy’ was published in 1997 by Harwood Academic Publishers and is now in its second printing through Brunner-Routledge. Her second book ‘Recipes for Enchantment, The Secret Ingredient is YOU’ has received rave reviews as a wonderful inspirational story book. ‘DELIGHT’, Dr. Holstein’s third book is available in two versions, paperback and a CD-rom that includes music, art, and Dr. Holstein’s voice. She is also the author of a book for teens and tweens entitled, 'The Truth, Diary Of A Gutsy Tween', in which Dr. Holstein has embedded positive truths and concepts geared to help girls develop self-esteem and resiliency. The Truth is published by Sky Pony Press. The sequel, 'Secrets, Diary Of A Gutsy Teen' will be released February 1, 2015.
Dr. Holstein can be contacted by email at drbarbara@enchantedself.com. All of her works are available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and all other online retailers. More information on Dr. Holstein and her work is available at her website at http://www.EnchantedSelf.com.
Profile:
Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein, internationally known Positive Psychologist is the creator of The Enchanted Self ®, a positive psychology method for happiness. She is in private practice in Long Branch, New Jersey with her husband, Dr. Russell M. Holstein.
Dr. Barbara can be found on the web, interviewed, writing articles and posting video 'TED' style talks on Happiness, Positive Psychology, Relationships and Parenting.
She has been a contributor to Heart and Soul, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Redbook, Real Simple, The Wall Street Journal, Time on line, the Today Show and Family Circle Magazine.
Contact:
Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein
170 Morris Ave.,
Long Branch, New Jersey 07740
732-571-1200
http://www.enchantedself.com
http://www.thetruthforgirls.com
http://www.newromancebooks.com
http://www.next-year-in-jerusalem.com
drbarbara@enchantedself.com
https://www.facebook.com/thetruthforgirls?ref=br_tf
Twitter: @truth4girls, and
Twitter: @drbholstein
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/barbarabeckerho/
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