Book marketing is easy for some authors. Other authors view marketing as a threatening experience. The mere idea of ​​standing in front of a group makes these authors sweat. They wish they were at home, sitting at the computer and producing a copy.

There is another problem with book launches and talks and that is control. Despite the input, an author doesn’t have control of everything: things like the date, delivery time, advertising, poor audio system, and technical glitches. Background noise can also detract from an appearance.

I enjoy speaking and was hoping to speak to a local organization. The organization had agreed to host a book launch for me. The event seemed to be well publicized: emails to community groups, ads in the newspaper, and on a large billboard in front of the building.

And I did my part. I paid a graphic designer to create a poster for my books, made booklets, autographed books, and put “autographed copy” stickers on the covers. So far, so good. Minutes before the launch began, my contact person told me that only six people had come to a previous event. Oh my.

Actually, I suspected that this could happen. There were no cars in front of the building and no one was early. When things go wrong, an author has two options: act and be defeated, or interact with those who came. I chose the second option and sold three books.

Although I am an experienced author. I learned several things from this experience. My observations can help you market your book or books.

• Check the community calendar. Before you schedule a book or talk launch, take a look at your competition. The local newspaper is a good source of information. Television stations also advertise community events.
• help with advertising. An advertising plan that looks good on paper or in an email may not be the best plan. Offer to help with publicity if you’re concerned. I thought about doing this, but didn’t follow through.
• Be prepared for a large group and a small one. The moment I realized that only a few people would be attending the event, I switched to my small group talk. It went right. After hearing a story I told, one person said that he had the makings for another book.
• Don’t take things personally. Experiences like this come with the territory of writing. Several days after the book’s release, I spoke to a service group and it got rave reviews. This was a nice balance to the book launch experience.
• Change your strategy. I wanted to help and support the organization that organized the book launch, so I agreed to speak there again. The same thing happened and only six people came. One attendee said the publicity had been terrible. “Normally we have 60 people here,” he stated. I don’t think I’ll speak there again.

Book launches and talks are a lot of work. I write self-help books. If I reach one person, I feel like I’ve been successful and this idea keeps me going. My advice is to do the best you can, no matter the circumstances, and be proud.