A Cautionary Tale

Book publishing is filled with possible pitfalls and errors.  I witnessed
another one today.



One of my best-selling author friends has a new book releasing. This new book
was from a major well-known publisher. The book was designed well and edited and
included endorsements and practical information. I've supported this author in
the past so I was on the list of people who got a pre-release of the book. This
pre-release included a personal handwritten note from the author and information
about the date of the book release.



It was a push for my schedule but I managed to quickly write a review and be
ready to post it on the launch date. Then I noticed the page on Amazon. It was
not the typical pre-release page but the book had already released a
couple of days ahead of the launch date. The book had zero Amazon reviews
on the page. 





How did this happen? Someone at the publishing house set up the
wrong Amazon date for releasing the book (my guess). This author has a launch
team and other elements in place to promote her book. I was not surprised to
learn this team wasd in place since she is an experienced author and knows the
elements to launch a new book. It is important to have a launch team because
there are over 4,500 new books releasing every day. Also most publishers are
selling about 50% of their books through Amazon. Now that leaves another 50% for
brick and mortar, other online retailers, and other places. Still 50% is a large
number at Amazon for the book sales.



I'm writing these details about this story which contains a number
of lessons:



1. Details matter. The release date of your book should
match up on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other places. As an author, you can
check some of these details but depending on how you publish, they are mostly
handled internally inside the publishing house.



2. With a launch or book. things can go wrong. When this
happens to you, acknowledge it and keep moving forward.



3. Nothing is fatal in this process—unless you quit. Even
when something goes off or doesn't happen, you can still recover from it and
sell books. The only way for you to be stopped is when you give up and stop.
Almost anything can be overcome with action.



4. Marketing is an ongoing process for every book.
Last week one of my books got a new review. I was interested to read it. When I
looked it was a one star review with hardly any information. I was disappointed
but it was from a real person and when you get a one star review, it validates
all the other reviews for the book. In other words, nothing to do about it but
keep moving forward. I encourage you to do the same.



I wrote this article to help and encourage you with your own marketing
efforts for your book. It is not easy for anyone—even people with a lot of
experience in this area. The key is to keep going and keep moving forward no
matter what happens. 



Tell me that steps you are taking to move forward no
matter what happens in the comments below.



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