Do What You Do Best

I received a most interesting phone call from a gentleman who wanted us to market his book for him. As I replied, we do not do the hands-on marketing - we are educators. We teach people what to think about when writing, how to physically publish, how to market and how to do publicity. He was not satisfied with my reply, saying that he has an amazing book. That may be, but my reply again was that we are educators not do-it-for-you marketers. So he persisted: his book is apparently very similar to a a now famous book. My response was: that's already been done. So again he persisted: if I knew then what I know now about how successful the popular book has been would I then consent to be the marketer of his book? What do you think I said?

I said NO. That is not what we do. The point is, do what you know and do it well. If you want to become a publisher, learn how to publish. Don't assume that you will write a book and everyone else will be responsible for its success. Become educated. Focus on making your book a household name. Sell books.

Another lesson learned from the gentleman's call is: don't copy someone else. You very likely cannot do it better than the author/publisher who has sold a gazillion copies of their book. The public associates the well-known book as the final word. Be unique and be successful.

Here's to successful publishing,

Denise