The Pitch Cycle of a Book

Most authors are stunned to learn that their publishers do not sell their books.

Now, let me clarify; of course publishers sell books. To do that, they first pitch books to bookstores. But their product is a host of books, one of which may be yours, so they are actually pitching their line of books.

But what is it that will actually sell your book to readers?

YOU!

Who you are and what a reader has heard about you and your writing entice a reader to buy a book. Sure, the cover design helps, the back cover copy may confirm their desire to read the book, the endorsements help, but it really is about you.

That means you need to have a presence in the marketplace.

If you have a significant platform already, you may have the opportunity to secure a traditional publisher. To get a traditional publisher, you need to pitch yourself to an agent who will pitch you to a publisher.

If you need to build a platform, more than likely you will want to start your publishing life through on-demand or co-publishing in order to sell your books handshake to handshake. Being part of booksignings, doing readings, and leading seminars create a platform by getting books into readers’ hands. When you create a buzz on the internet through blogging and social media, you can create a following that will strengthen your platform. From that platform, you can launch more products (write more books!).

It is often hard for writers to get into a pitch mode. It can feel like you are selling yourself. I have a motto:

“The person is the person, the work is the work.”

Even if I’m not in the mood to talk about myself or I feel undeserving of the attention, I think about the work. I worked hard to write that book! As the face of my book, the work deserves my full attention and support. So pitch and sell the work by being available to be interviewed, showing up at booksignings, and going door to door if you must! — Alice Bass

Image credit: specialkrb