Today’s guest is Patty Wiseman, a native of Seattle, Washington, who now makes her home in east Texas with her husband and a Creme lab, Cutter.  She writes stories of intrigue with a touch of romance.  She likes to feature strong women who overcome difficult obstacles.  And in August 2017 her first children’s book, Rescue at Wiseman’s Pond hit the stands. She has six books published with more in the pipeline. But, of interest to us today is the fact that Patty is becoming an expert on marketing.

 “People don’t buy what you do. They buy why you do it.” Simon Sinek

 Selling my first 1,000 books wasn’t easy. The path, littered with misinformation, sharks out to get your money, and an ocean of webinars and online writing classes, nearly discouraged me to the point of giving up writing for basket weaving. The mind-numbing onslaught of social media information almost took me out.

But, I couldn’t quit. I bleed ink. Storytelling is in my blood. So, what to do? How do I get my book to stand out among the millions out there?

Yes, the biggest elephant in the room is marketing. So here is what I did.

1. Confidence, not bravado builds trust.

Wading through the odorous landfill of articles on how to market your book really discouraged me, but one point finally began to shine through. A common thread – show confidence. Your story is one of a kind, yes, but even more unique is YOU! You must be one hundred percent invested in yourself. Stand before your audience with pride and self-assurance. You know what it took to write that book, so own it! You can’t expect people to believe in your story if you don’t believe in yourself. 

2. Stop selling your book!

One of my biggest pet peeves is watching authors stand before their audience and tell the story they’ve written in the book. Why do you do it?! You risk people turning away because you just told them the whole story. Why would they buy the book? Taglines, keywords, a quick anecdote, yes, but NOT the story! Instead, sell yourself. YOU are the brand. You’ve heard this before, but do you really understand what it means? People come to see authors because they are interested in you. I am always asked the question, “How did you get started?”

I believe there is an inbred need for humans to tell stories. The ancients passed down information by telling and retelling stories. When people come to see you, they have a deep desire to find out how to write their own stories. Sell yourself. Get people interested in you. Offer them a glimpse of your world. The book is secondary.

Don’t pump your book on social media except when you have a new release or an award. Create a personality on your social sites that people are drawn to. Readers interact with humans, not brands, so make yourself the brand.

3. Get famous in your hometown.

There is no better place to get your feet wet in building your brand than in your hometown. You can’t expect people to be drawn to you on the impersonal world wide web if the folks in your own town don’t know who you are. Find places to have book signings. Offer your services as a speaker to local organizations to get your name out there. Speak on different writing topics, not your book. Branch out to nearby communities. Look for ways to get interviews on the radio, television or your local newspaper. Offer to be part of a fundraiser in your town. Donate a book to a good cause that is widely advertised. Make your footprint where you live.

Here is a good site to study. https://www.iuniverse.com/Resources/Book-Marketing-Self-Promotion/10TipsForMarketingYourBook.aspx

Marketing is hard. Why make it more difficult. You are the author. Sell you. No one knows you better than you do. Find out your strengths and lean on them. Promote them. Get out and meet your public. Go to festivals and other events in town. You’ll be surprised how soon you will become noticed and recognized.

Happy marketing!

 Here’s a blurb on Patty’s latest book, That One Moment.  

 Ricki Sheridan traveled a long way to seek refuge at Wolf Den’s Lodge high in the mountains after a devastating betrayal. Heartbroken, she signed up for a survivalist backpacking trip to live off the land and forget.

An injury on the first day puts her in the capable hands of the handsome trail boss, Kory Littleton. The attraction is instant, mutual, and terrifying. She trusted her emotions once and vowed never to make the same mistake again.

Kory’s heart, trampled and bruised, is unprepared to ever love again, until his unexpected reaction to Ricki reveals some things are worth taking a chance on.

When evil finds its way back into Ricki’s world, their fragile bond is tested, forcing them to face their greatest fear: can a wounded heart ever trust anew?

Betrayal. Desire. Revenge. Which one prevails?

 You can find more about this new book at:  http://amzn.to/2hirJP5

 And if you have something to add on marketing, let’s hear it.  Please.  Thanks.  Jim