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Rise of the Machines--Human Authors in a Digital World
Here we are—the future is now. The machines have taken over. Everything is computerized. People no longer talk, they text. What number do we have to press to get a flesh and blood HUMAN?
It’s easy to feel like we’re losing our humanity when surrounded by computers, cell phones, and text messaging, but I’m here to bring you the good news. The same machines that seem to be stealing our humanity also have the power to restore it. Yes, you read correctly. The more we embrace technology, the more distinctly human we can become.
The new author is a cyborg of sorts—part human, part machine. The machine part allows us to compose series of words, copy them, email them, and then send them across the globe with a push of a button. We can research faster and more accurately than ever before. We can communicate with people all over the planet real-time and virtually for free. The new power technology has given writers has made us, in effect, superhuman.
Branding has broken free of marketing’s shackles and merged with personal identity. If we want to thrive in our new environment, we need to adapt, to apply technology as an extension of our humanness.
This is not a book to teach you 1,000 ways to blast people with advertising. The WANA Way is different than anything you’ve likely encountered. It is constructed using the timelessness of art, blended with the strength of human relationships. Platforms are more than a zillion ways to try to part readers from money; they are living works of art and meshed with the soul of the writer-artist.
The machines are rising, but humans were here first.
It’s easy to feel like we’re losing our humanity when surrounded by computers, cell phones, and text messaging, but I’m here to bring you the good news. The same machines that seem to be stealing our humanity also have the power to restore it. Yes, you read correctly. The more we embrace technology, the more distinctly human we can become.
The new author is a cyborg of sorts—part human, part machine. The machine part allows us to compose series of words, copy them, email them, and then send them across the globe with a push of a button. We can research faster and more accurately than ever before. We can communicate with people all over the planet real-time and virtually for free. The new power technology has given writers has made us, in effect, superhuman.
Branding has broken free of marketing’s shackles and merged with personal identity. If we want to thrive in our new environment, we need to adapt, to apply technology as an extension of our humanness.
This is not a book to teach you 1,000 ways to blast people with advertising. The WANA Way is different than anything you’ve likely encountered. It is constructed using the timelessness of art, blended with the strength of human relationships. Platforms are more than a zillion ways to try to part readers from money; they are living works of art and meshed with the soul of the writer-artist.
The machines are rising, but humans were here first.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 27, 2013
36 people are currently reading
261 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
September 10, 2013
There are plenty of detailed reviews here regarding the specific merits of the book, and having looked over the reviews, I agree with most of the glowing comments that have been expressed. My review is something a bit more personal.
Simply stated, this book is the reason why I decided to publish my own book. Before reading 'Rise of the Machines', I was one of the legions of fledgling writers who still believed in the myth of traditional publishing glory, six-figure advances, and all-expenses paid book tours. I had just finished my first novel and had begun the process of submitting my query letter to agents; eagerly awaiting the acceptance letters and promises of forture that were sure to follow. Then the rejection letter began piling up (as they do for EVERY writer), and my enthusiasm quickly turned into disapointment. In the midst of all of this, I stumbled upon Kristen's blog, quickly became a devoted daily reader, and subsequently bought her book. I was blown away. Not only did she dispel all the myths of the traditional publishing industry, she also laid out reasons why writers such as myself (i.e. brand new) would benefit much more from considering the self-publishing route. I quickly became a believer.
I won't get into the specifics of what is in the book (other reviews have covered that quite well), but I will tell you that if you are even considering the option of self-publishing (an option I am whole-heartedly in favor of), I suggest you read it. I would even go so far as to call it required reading.
Give it a shot. You will not be disappointed.
Simply stated, this book is the reason why I decided to publish my own book. Before reading 'Rise of the Machines', I was one of the legions of fledgling writers who still believed in the myth of traditional publishing glory, six-figure advances, and all-expenses paid book tours. I had just finished my first novel and had begun the process of submitting my query letter to agents; eagerly awaiting the acceptance letters and promises of forture that were sure to follow. Then the rejection letter began piling up (as they do for EVERY writer), and my enthusiasm quickly turned into disapointment. In the midst of all of this, I stumbled upon Kristen's blog, quickly became a devoted daily reader, and subsequently bought her book. I was blown away. Not only did she dispel all the myths of the traditional publishing industry, she also laid out reasons why writers such as myself (i.e. brand new) would benefit much more from considering the self-publishing route. I quickly became a believer.
I won't get into the specifics of what is in the book (other reviews have covered that quite well), but I will tell you that if you are even considering the option of self-publishing (an option I am whole-heartedly in favor of), I suggest you read it. I would even go so far as to call it required reading.
Give it a shot. You will not be disappointed.
July 26, 2013
Where was this book a year ago? (Bangs head on table!) I spent months reading blogs and articles written by social media "experts" each providing tips on how writers should market themselves, their books and their blogs. I followed their advice but in doing so felt used, dirty and socially inappropriate. I sent direct messages on Twitter that read "Thanks for the follow. Now read my blog and "Like" my Facebook page." If it was a social media no-no I did it all because the "experts" told me too. I even had an author blog that focused on my "expertise" as an writer. I am an expert at changing diapers, and watching Grey's Anatomy and Buffy the Vampire Slayer marathons. I am not an expert when it comes to writing a novel or getting published...well....not yet anyway.
Kristen's advice, tips and tricks are easy to understand and implement. Did you know that fiction writers aren't experts? They're story tellers! Don't believe me? Read this book! She covers it. Kristen breaks down the necessities for writers and authors from building a word cloud and platform to writing a "high concept blog". Added bonus: She does it with a sense of humor. Her advice will leave you feeling clean and accomplished.
Kristen's advice, tips and tricks are easy to understand and implement. Did you know that fiction writers aren't experts? They're story tellers! Don't believe me? Read this book! She covers it. Kristen breaks down the necessities for writers and authors from building a word cloud and platform to writing a "high concept blog". Added bonus: She does it with a sense of humor. Her advice will leave you feeling clean and accomplished.
July 29, 2017
Great for beginners and nice advise for pros as well
Kristen wrote a book that has a ton of great info for anyone worried about starting promoting their work through social media. I will admit that I skimmed certain sections because a lot of it was common knowledge for me.
Before anyone criticizes Kristen for that, remember that there are people who need all the basics and it is important to include in a book like this.
With that said, there was a lot here that helped me too. Some of it was something I should already practice and just slapped my head for not considering it before. Other things (specifically the word balloon) helped more than just about anything.
I was the kind of blogger that Kristen mentioned in the book who blogged about my writing and that changes now.
I highly recommend this book because it will change how you look at promoting yourself and your books.
Kristen wrote a book that has a ton of great info for anyone worried about starting promoting their work through social media. I will admit that I skimmed certain sections because a lot of it was common knowledge for me.
Before anyone criticizes Kristen for that, remember that there are people who need all the basics and it is important to include in a book like this.
With that said, there was a lot here that helped me too. Some of it was something I should already practice and just slapped my head for not considering it before. Other things (specifically the word balloon) helped more than just about anything.
I was the kind of blogger that Kristen mentioned in the book who blogged about my writing and that changes now.
I highly recommend this book because it will change how you look at promoting yourself and your books.
December 16, 2015
Lots of helpful information. A bit daunting, because there is s-o-o-o much good stuff that this book proscribes to promote yourself as an author. The book is well written, except for one thing - it's written like a novel. It should be organized like a reference book, which is what it really lends itself to.
Instead, this work gives you critical info in dribbles and drabs. I lost count of the times the book says "more on that later," forcing the reader to search for the entire description of how-to-skin-the-digital-cat for any particular task.
Please, we know the butler did it.
Just tell us how he did it in one place.
Instead, this work gives you critical info in dribbles and drabs. I lost count of the times the book says "more on that later," forcing the reader to search for the entire description of how-to-skin-the-digital-cat for any particular task.
Please, we know the butler did it.
Just tell us how he did it in one place.
November 16, 2015
Rise of the Machines is essentially proof that the WANA Way works. I've been reading Kristen's blog for a few years now, and I've had the occasional Twitter exchange with her - so whose book about using social media as an author am I most likely to read? One by a self-professed expert I've never heard of, or someone with whom I've had actual contact?
While it's true that a lot of the content could probably be found on her blog for free, if you were willing to dig through the archives and pull it all together, it's nice to have it all in one place, in a logical order and complete with steps you can take in order to put it into practice. I've certainly found social media to be a lot more fun when I focussed more on the social and less on the marketing.
Other social media books use a more traditional marketing approach, which isn't necessarily applicable to fiction, and Kristen at least writes from a perspective that should help authors, not hinder them.
My only gripe is the section on blogging - this is the part with which I have the most trouble, and I would have appreciated more content around how to make your ideas relevant to your 'high concept'. I did feel as though the notion of high concept was introduced, but then it was skated over quite quickly, and some of the advice was a little contradictory; for example, how can I keep everything relevant to a concept, but then also post funny videos or tell stories just to appear human?
That aside, it's well worth a read if you're struggling to see returns on your social media time.
While it's true that a lot of the content could probably be found on her blog for free, if you were willing to dig through the archives and pull it all together, it's nice to have it all in one place, in a logical order and complete with steps you can take in order to put it into practice. I've certainly found social media to be a lot more fun when I focussed more on the social and less on the marketing.
Other social media books use a more traditional marketing approach, which isn't necessarily applicable to fiction, and Kristen at least writes from a perspective that should help authors, not hinder them.
My only gripe is the section on blogging - this is the part with which I have the most trouble, and I would have appreciated more content around how to make your ideas relevant to your 'high concept'. I did feel as though the notion of high concept was introduced, but then it was skated over quite quickly, and some of the advice was a little contradictory; for example, how can I keep everything relevant to a concept, but then also post funny videos or tell stories just to appear human?
That aside, it's well worth a read if you're struggling to see returns on your social media time.
September 16, 2014
While I don't doubt the author's claims that those who have followed her techniques have become successful, this book doesn't give much in the way of examples. Sure, we learn a few times that X or Y started using "WANA" techniques and their sales went from negligible to excellent, but there are no concrete studies of the techniques that were used, and how they affected the author's "platform" building efforts.
This is a real head-scratcher because a significant portion of the final section of the book was devoted to examples of goal setting. Shouldn't at least as large a section be devoted to actual examples of success? Anyone can set goals. I'd rather read about real world examples.
Furthermore there is a prevailing theme throughout the book that one must spend a large amount of time in social media (Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, etc) trying to make friends, and one should also do a large amount of blogging on major issues that might not have anything to do with their writing. Really? Where does one find the time to write an actual novel?
This is a real head-scratcher because a significant portion of the final section of the book was devoted to examples of goal setting. Shouldn't at least as large a section be devoted to actual examples of success? Anyone can set goals. I'd rather read about real world examples.
Furthermore there is a prevailing theme throughout the book that one must spend a large amount of time in social media (Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, etc) trying to make friends, and one should also do a large amount of blogging on major issues that might not have anything to do with their writing. Really? Where does one find the time to write an actual novel?
July 14, 2013
Being a reader of Kristen Lamb's blog, I always enjoy how she weaves her research into the writing life and this book is no exception. Kristen discusses why traditional marketing doesn't sell books and how writers need to change their approach. Being a writer in the digital age, one needs to understand which publishing path is best suited to their needs as well as understanding who their readers really are. By using the WANA approach to social media (which is explained in the book), Kristen's method of building an author platform becomes less stressful and far more enjoyable. Highly recommended.
July 20, 2013
On a rare occasion you read a book that changes you life - this is one of those books! It is an eye opening look at how you should approach social media. Reading this book has opened my eyes, to what was completely invisible before, but now seems to obvious. In light of reading this book, I have changed many things about myself, my brand and how I interact with others. Following the information in this book will lead to a more productive and enjoyable author-marketing life that is more effective, but for less effort. 100% recommended. Thanks Kristen for showing me the light!
May 6, 2019
To me, social media can be like a rubric's cube. I think I'm on the verge of cracking the code, but it's really always just out of reach. Kristen Lamb breaks it all down for me in easy to understand segments that reveal the codes of social media marketing, and grants me access to a world that was previously indecipherable. Kudos to her.
December 16, 2013
Some books I like/ love... this book I most emphatically agree with and would rate it more than 5 stars if I could!
Just to be clear, I was only vaguely familiar with Kristen Lamb's work before I cracked open this book. I may have read a small handful of her blog posts, less then ten, that's it. I started reading this book only because my publisher and a friend of mine both suggested that I NEEDED to read it, they were right!
This book is one of the most thought provoking, funny and insightful books written to help authors. She walks you through her reasoning step by step and shows you exactly what you need to do to have a chance at being successful in this new world of e-books and social media!
I admin a writers group with over 5thou people so I see advice come in from everywhere. I also do pretty well with my social networking stats. HOWEVER, this book made me really sit back and take a look at how I use social media and even I had changes I could make!
I won't go into the changes because those could create *spoilers* BUT...
Since starting these changes I have seen an encouraging uptick in my network stats as well as more interaction, in only a week! I am looking forward to seeing what the future will bring!
This is an ABSOLUTE MUST READ for EVERY WRITER and every business professional who uses social media for exposure.
Please, stop throwing advertisements and book announcements/ discount deals in our face and PLEASE take a day to read this book! Your fans will thank you!
Just to be clear, I was only vaguely familiar with Kristen Lamb's work before I cracked open this book. I may have read a small handful of her blog posts, less then ten, that's it. I started reading this book only because my publisher and a friend of mine both suggested that I NEEDED to read it, they were right!
This book is one of the most thought provoking, funny and insightful books written to help authors. She walks you through her reasoning step by step and shows you exactly what you need to do to have a chance at being successful in this new world of e-books and social media!
I admin a writers group with over 5thou people so I see advice come in from everywhere. I also do pretty well with my social networking stats. HOWEVER, this book made me really sit back and take a look at how I use social media and even I had changes I could make!
I won't go into the changes because those could create *spoilers* BUT...
Since starting these changes I have seen an encouraging uptick in my network stats as well as more interaction, in only a week! I am looking forward to seeing what the future will bring!
This is an ABSOLUTE MUST READ for EVERY WRITER and every business professional who uses social media for exposure.
Please, stop throwing advertisements and book announcements/ discount deals in our face and PLEASE take a day to read this book! Your fans will thank you!
August 7, 2013
Kristen Lamb is absolutely amazing. I published my first book without a clue as to what I was doing in terms of marketing and social media. My publisher told me to make a facebook author page. Ok done. My family and friends ‘liked’ my page. Now what? Get a website. Ok done. Then I found Kristen Lamb’s blog and thankfully I did. She knows everything about social media and what not to do on it. Then I read her book. Holy cow the lights come on and I have to hand-slap my forehead. Talk about doing things backwards and the hard way.
I won’t go into too much detail but Kristen takes you on a step by step of how to make your author platform, how to do it the easy way and shows us that we all need a little help. In her words the WANA way – We are not alone. She stands by her word and offers help and insight in her book, on her blog, on twitter and anywhere else.
Point in fact! I am now addicted to twitter. I can’t believe that. I regularly chat on facebook. My website domain actually contains my full name now...lol who knew? I have met lots of people on line that I love chatting with.
A must read for any serious writer looking to figure out the scary world of social media.
5 stars!
I won’t go into too much detail but Kristen takes you on a step by step of how to make your author platform, how to do it the easy way and shows us that we all need a little help. In her words the WANA way – We are not alone. She stands by her word and offers help and insight in her book, on her blog, on twitter and anywhere else.
Point in fact! I am now addicted to twitter. I can’t believe that. I regularly chat on facebook. My website domain actually contains my full name now...lol who knew? I have met lots of people on line that I love chatting with.
A must read for any serious writer looking to figure out the scary world of social media.
5 stars!
August 13, 2013
Any writer who wants to publish should read this book.
No matter which road to publication you choose, it's the author's responsibility to market. But standard marketing practices don't work because a book is different from any other product. In Rise of the Machines: Human Authors in a Digital World, Kristen Lamb explains why and what you can do about it.
If you're new to Kristen Lamb and her WANA (We Are Not Alone) way to a creative writing life and career, this book will be a real eye-opener. Her ideas are very different from a lot of other publishing advice. But it makes so much more sense to me. For those already familiar with her, the basic principles are the same here, but with enough new info and examples that it isn't a rehash of her previous books.
The publishing world is changing and this book describes how and why and the steps required to create your platform and brand. It's full of practical advice and numerous examples to help you better understand each part, all told with wit and humor.
The loud, in-your-face world of publishing is scary for a lot of people, but this book is like chatting with a good friend.
No matter which road to publication you choose, it's the author's responsibility to market. But standard marketing practices don't work because a book is different from any other product. In Rise of the Machines: Human Authors in a Digital World, Kristen Lamb explains why and what you can do about it.
If you're new to Kristen Lamb and her WANA (We Are Not Alone) way to a creative writing life and career, this book will be a real eye-opener. Her ideas are very different from a lot of other publishing advice. But it makes so much more sense to me. For those already familiar with her, the basic principles are the same here, but with enough new info and examples that it isn't a rehash of her previous books.
The publishing world is changing and this book describes how and why and the steps required to create your platform and brand. It's full of practical advice and numerous examples to help you better understand each part, all told with wit and humor.
The loud, in-your-face world of publishing is scary for a lot of people, but this book is like chatting with a good friend.
May 30, 2016
I loved this book for the last several chapters and the ways it made me think about my online presence, what it projects to followers and my strategy for it. Project a positive online presence a wide audience will benefit from and enjoy.
The idea of interacting with a broad audience and not only other writers and writing professionals lurked in my subconscious, but the author's arguments brought the idea home--Yes! Why didn't I realize this sooner?
Her statistics and the basis for her advice was mostly useful and made sense to me. But I have to agree with other reviewers who found too many "we'll get to that laters." I wanted more time on the steak, less on the salad. The vital information ought not to be buried in history and examples. The author needs to learn more about tightening up. But when she rocks, she rocks, and I found the advice persuasive and well-reasoned.
Yes, there were several references to WANA and what it had to offer, but the book doesn't say you can't promote yourself. Of course, we're going to do that. And the author always offered alternatives to her own resources.
The idea of interacting with a broad audience and not only other writers and writing professionals lurked in my subconscious, but the author's arguments brought the idea home--Yes! Why didn't I realize this sooner?
Her statistics and the basis for her advice was mostly useful and made sense to me. But I have to agree with other reviewers who found too many "we'll get to that laters." I wanted more time on the steak, less on the salad. The vital information ought not to be buried in history and examples. The author needs to learn more about tightening up. But when she rocks, she rocks, and I found the advice persuasive and well-reasoned.
Yes, there were several references to WANA and what it had to offer, but the book doesn't say you can't promote yourself. Of course, we're going to do that. And the author always offered alternatives to her own resources.
December 28, 2015
An excellent guide to social media for writers. Before reading this book, I was intimidated by the idea of platforming/branding. I'm an artist, not a saleswoman! But I was intimidated because I didn't understand. In my mind, I had to sell myself, which felt smarmy and gross. Kristen's approach to brand freed me. Instead of selling myself, I can be myself. I am enough.
Not only did this book change my negative perception of platform, it also offered practical tips for utilizing Facebook, Twitter, and a blog (and more), which I hadn't previously considered and never would've thought of on my own. And somehow, in the midst of all this "work," branding feels like fun! I never expected that.
I'm thankful Kristen chose to share her wisdom with the world. Without her, I'd be one unhappy, stressed-out writer doing tons of work without much payoff.
Not only did this book change my negative perception of platform, it also offered practical tips for utilizing Facebook, Twitter, and a blog (and more), which I hadn't previously considered and never would've thought of on my own. And somehow, in the midst of all this "work," branding feels like fun! I never expected that.
I'm thankful Kristen chose to share her wisdom with the world. Without her, I'd be one unhappy, stressed-out writer doing tons of work without much payoff.
July 7, 2013
In Rise of the Machines, Kristen Lamb distills her expertise in social media in an accessible way. Writers like to write, usually in an isolated space. Some have only recently begun composing directly on the computer. Consequently, if they want to bring their book to public attention, writers are adrift. They have to communicate directly with other people. They have to give readers a reason to pick their book. Kristen offers writers the option of following the WANA way (it's in the book). She also provides practical, doable steps any writer can do. I learned a lot, enough to recommend Rise of the Machines to writers who want to learn the next step, as well as to any readers who may wonder how a book moves from raw manuscript to accessible product.
July 16, 2013
This book is a step by step guide for building an authors platform using social media. As someone who has spent years in the technology business I felt like a had a pretty good understanding of best practices for using social media to build a brand. Ms. Lamb's book opened my eyes to several things that I could be doing better, and more importantly several things that I wasn't doing at all.
The author has taken what could very well be a dry subject and made it interesting with her engaging writing style. It's filled with examples that pop every time you begin to ask your self the 'how would I do that?' type questions that come up when reading how-to books.
The author has taken what could very well be a dry subject and made it interesting with her engaging writing style. It's filled with examples that pop every time you begin to ask your self the 'how would I do that?' type questions that come up when reading how-to books.
May 4, 2016
So worth reading! Even though this book is a few years old now, everything in it about social media, e-books, and the internet is still completely relevant and applicable. Kristen covers more than just the ins and outs of Facebook and Twitter - she discusses the overall concept of branding, and even delves into a bit of neuroscience to discuss how and why people are positively or negatively affected by words, images, or interactions.
If you're a writer - or any other creative who is wanting to grow your influence online - or you're just interested in social media and digital marketing in general, this book is worth reading!
If you're a writer - or any other creative who is wanting to grow your influence online - or you're just interested in social media and digital marketing in general, this book is worth reading!
December 13, 2013
Several times in this book Ms Lamb recommends Robert Greene's book "Mastery". Rise of the Machines: Human Authors in a Digital Age is a volume written by one who has mastered social media, or that part of it that relates to the new online environment that anyone with a message to take to the world must now engage with. The tone of the book is that of a friend who has gone before. The prose is informative, intelligent and amusing. There is much useful information including valuable tips on what to do (and what not to) when trying to build an author platform.
October 16, 2015
This is an informative and inspiring book, unique in its perspective among the many marketing books for writers. Ms. Lamb uses a combination of facts and personal anecdotes to help writers see how important it is to stay human and yet not be afraid of the new paradigm in publishing and marketing. As an "old school" writer this has been my biggest challenge, but Ms. Lamb has broken it down into easy steps using logic and intuition, and now it actually sounds like fun! Thanks!
July 26, 2013
Awesome WANA mom Kristen Lamb has done it again. This is the only book you need about Social Media. It is broken up into lots of chapters covering everything you need to know, and it is very clear how to put all the great tips into practise. All writers need this book. It is awesome! We are not alone.
December 10, 2013
This book is awesome - and not just if you are a writer. I recommended this book to a friend that has his own business and he was so grateful to have someone explain social media to him in a way that was fun and made sense. :) Kristen is a wonderful writer and if you liked this book, you should check out her blog on WordPress.
August 9, 2016
This book transformed my ideas about marketing as an independent publisher and author. Instead of dreading all the self-promotion, I am re-energised about connecting with my readers via my blog.
No longer do I have to sell myself, I just have to be myself.
Thank you Kristen for opening up my eyes.
A must read for all authors.
No longer do I have to sell myself, I just have to be myself.
Thank you Kristen for opening up my eyes.
A must read for all authors.
September 15, 2013
If you are a writer you need this book. How to use the monster in our digital world and make it your ally.
October 7, 2013
A must read for writers wanting to get published.
January 2, 2016
A valuable resource for any aspiring author. Highly recommended.
December 13, 2015
2.5*
There were great resources, ut it just took too long to get to the important information - I didn't need all the history
There were great resources, ut it just took too long to get to the important information - I didn't need all the history
May 10, 2017
Lamb is a well-known social media guru for writers and this book offers advice on how to establish and run your internet “author’s platform.” Everyone knows you need a “platform” if you’re going to sell e-books. But what should it look like, and more urgently, what should its content be?
Lamb answers these questions with a light and frothy style, the kind of lame personal anecdotes and manufactured humor you expect to hear in a stuffy hotel meeting room from a self-promotional speaker. Style notwithstanding, the book does contain some actual ideas.
The book is not a “how-to.” It gives high-level, practical advice for marketing self-published e-books. It’s an easy read because of its low information content and high redundancy, but despite its light weight, it has good marketing lessons for most authors who intend to self-publish online.
The problem for e-books is marketing. The internet is an ocean and your book is a tiny raft that few people will ever see, even if it is lucky enough to stay on the surface. You might as well drop your book manuscript down a well as post it on Amazon because you’ll get about the same sales result.
On the other hand, getting published by a traditional publisher is virtually impossible, and even if you are so lucky as to land a contract, and if you do not get cheated, you’re still largely on your own for marketing. Publishers won’t do much for you, because they don’t have the money to spend on you, and because their marketing efforts are impotent anyway. If the publisher does manage to sell a few copies, you’ll earn only a few pennies per book.
This is the dilemma that Lamb sets up starkly in the first section of her book, “Brave New World.” The future of publishing, she says, is not with traditional publishing and marketing, but with e-books and social media marketing. I remain unconvinced but I appreciate her essay.
Writers trying to use the internet to sell their books usually make two fatal errors. First, they direct most of their efforts to other writers. But that is not your target market. Why fill your blog up with book reviews, process notes, and publishing advice? Nobody cares. A couple of your writing colleagues might grace you with a mercy buy, but that’s about it. You need to reach the general book-buying public.
The second fatal error is to inundate potential readers with self-promotion and overt requests to buy your book. People hate that and it should be embarrassing to you, and in any case, it is not effective.
Instead, you need to focus your content on topics that ordinary people care about. And what is that? (Gulp hard.) Pets, weight loss, food, health, holidays, religion, children, sex, the latest television shows, movie stars, popular music, and pop culture in general. Why do you think it’s called pop culture? Because it’s popular!
Unfortunately for me, I have zero interest and almost zero knowledge of pop culture. I did not even recognize most of the examples Lamb gave. That leaves me in a pickle, but for other writers, her suggestion might suggest opportunity.
It follows you should be blogging and tweeting and posting interesting, informative, and humorous content about your family, pizza, skin care products, cars, guns, and your love of cute kittens and Thai food. In that way, you build up a “following” so when your book is ready, you can say, just incidentally, offhandedly, insouciantly, “By the way, my friends, my new book just came out: Title.” And your 20,000 online “friends” will know where to find it. That’s the ticket to success.
Traditional publishers will eventually change the way they acquire, produce, and market fiction. Right now you can circumvent them with e-publishing, but they still hold nearly all the cards for filtering the dross and marketing what really can be sold. Until somebody figures out how to automate those functions, reaching readers will remain a daunting challenge.
Lamb answers these questions with a light and frothy style, the kind of lame personal anecdotes and manufactured humor you expect to hear in a stuffy hotel meeting room from a self-promotional speaker. Style notwithstanding, the book does contain some actual ideas.
The book is not a “how-to.” It gives high-level, practical advice for marketing self-published e-books. It’s an easy read because of its low information content and high redundancy, but despite its light weight, it has good marketing lessons for most authors who intend to self-publish online.
The problem for e-books is marketing. The internet is an ocean and your book is a tiny raft that few people will ever see, even if it is lucky enough to stay on the surface. You might as well drop your book manuscript down a well as post it on Amazon because you’ll get about the same sales result.
On the other hand, getting published by a traditional publisher is virtually impossible, and even if you are so lucky as to land a contract, and if you do not get cheated, you’re still largely on your own for marketing. Publishers won’t do much for you, because they don’t have the money to spend on you, and because their marketing efforts are impotent anyway. If the publisher does manage to sell a few copies, you’ll earn only a few pennies per book.
This is the dilemma that Lamb sets up starkly in the first section of her book, “Brave New World.” The future of publishing, she says, is not with traditional publishing and marketing, but with e-books and social media marketing. I remain unconvinced but I appreciate her essay.
Writers trying to use the internet to sell their books usually make two fatal errors. First, they direct most of their efforts to other writers. But that is not your target market. Why fill your blog up with book reviews, process notes, and publishing advice? Nobody cares. A couple of your writing colleagues might grace you with a mercy buy, but that’s about it. You need to reach the general book-buying public.
The second fatal error is to inundate potential readers with self-promotion and overt requests to buy your book. People hate that and it should be embarrassing to you, and in any case, it is not effective.
Instead, you need to focus your content on topics that ordinary people care about. And what is that? (Gulp hard.) Pets, weight loss, food, health, holidays, religion, children, sex, the latest television shows, movie stars, popular music, and pop culture in general. Why do you think it’s called pop culture? Because it’s popular!
Unfortunately for me, I have zero interest and almost zero knowledge of pop culture. I did not even recognize most of the examples Lamb gave. That leaves me in a pickle, but for other writers, her suggestion might suggest opportunity.
It follows you should be blogging and tweeting and posting interesting, informative, and humorous content about your family, pizza, skin care products, cars, guns, and your love of cute kittens and Thai food. In that way, you build up a “following” so when your book is ready, you can say, just incidentally, offhandedly, insouciantly, “By the way, my friends, my new book just came out: Title.” And your 20,000 online “friends” will know where to find it. That’s the ticket to success.
Traditional publishers will eventually change the way they acquire, produce, and market fiction. Right now you can circumvent them with e-publishing, but they still hold nearly all the cards for filtering the dross and marketing what really can be sold. Until somebody figures out how to automate those functions, reaching readers will remain a daunting challenge.
July 13, 2020
There is a lot of great information in here for those who want to write and publish books, and maybe even sell a few. :-) For me, the most valuable section delves into the psychology of reader habits. It helped answer some questions for me, like why so many people who, for example, don't mind spending more than $100 to play a five-hour round of golf would balk at spending more than $5 or $6 for a book that could potentially provide entertainment and joy for years to come. It also helped me understand what takes place in reader activity that boosts a title from obscurity to bestseller. (What?? You mean other people DON'T read three or more books a week?) Kristen Lamb is great at breaking down what happens and explaining it in understandable terms.
August 14, 2017
A great book for any writer looking to make a career of it. Bluntly honest about the state of things, filled with practical tips, and written by someone who knows that the majority of writers are more comfortable behind a computer screen than doing traditional marketing.
Highly recommend!
Highly recommend!
May 31, 2018
Useful information. Solid marketing philosophies.
I learned QUITE a bit. There are stats, cold hard facts tied into a compassionate, thorough, dynamic narrative. The way it's organized made it interesting to read.
I learned QUITE a bit. There are stats, cold hard facts tied into a compassionate, thorough, dynamic narrative. The way it's organized made it interesting to read.
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