Making your book work for you doesn't happen by chance, neither is it a question of luck. Here are five proven ways to ensure your book is a success:

1. Treat your book as if it is a business and ask these questions: What am I trying to achieve with my book? Who are my readers? What other books are out there on my subject and why is mine different? Is there really a gap in the market for my book? How many copies can I sell and at what price? And how can I ensure my book reaches its target market?
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3. Choose a good publisher who understands the market for your book. It will know what books have been published in your area, where the gaps are and how to position your book to gain the maximum audience. The right publisher will help you with both your business and marketing plans so start looking as soon as possible.
   
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5. Set a publication date and stick to it. If you set yourself a date you are much more likely to achieve it than saying: “Oh, sometime in the winter or the New Year.” And remember it can take, at a minimum, three to four months to publish your book (up to 12 months if you go with a traditional publisher). So if you want to publish in January, your book needs to be written by July/August at the latest.
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7. If you are struggling to write your book, get some help. There are specialist coaches out there (contact Word4Word for more information). We have an author who spent one day with a writing coach and was able to finish her book a month later.
   
8. And remember as the author you are the best person to market your book – although your publisher should help and support you in this process. Also remember that you need to spend as much time marketing your book as you spend writing it.

If you would like any further information about these points or have any further questions, please contact sue@w4wdp.com