You Have To Ask For What You Want by Francis Ray
By APOOO • Jun 8th, 2008 • Category: Articles •
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You Have To Ask For What You Want by Francis Ray
I am a Southern girl. My parents always taught me to be respectful, to be polite and never, ever ask for anything. If it is not offered, too bad. I adhered to their teaching for twelve long years in the publishing industry, until I learned the hard way — if you don’t ask, you’re probably aren’t going to get.
A publishing house has many authors and all of them want the attention of their publisher. Why? Because they have the big bucks to give your book a strong marketing push with co-op programs such as front of the store placement, end cap displays, and check-out counter promotions. This prominent placement gets your book noticed, which, hopefully, will sell more copies. Make no mistake; publishers are looking at a strong sell-through. And, although you share a common goal, a proven and sad fact is that not every author at every house will be successful. We all want to succeed, and marketing plays a pivotal role in making this happen.We have all heard that to gain a large and loyal readership, and thus make a bestseller’s list, you must write a good book. However, we have all seen books that might not have piqued our interest, but did make bestseller’s list. I say double your chances for success and making a list by writing a good book and getting your publisher on board. With the last three books, I have asked for more. In publishing, you cannot wait until it is offered. Your publishing house has to feel that you are willing to work hard. You want them standing right beside you to propel the book to the top.
The first step is finding out what the marketing plan is for your book. In category, it might be nothing more than printing the book. Or it might be generic post cards or book marks. If in single title, your ability to get more is a strong possibility. I have gotten banners for web site promotions, advertisement, posters, post cards, and for the current title, NOT EVEN IF YOU BEGGED, shelf talkers at Borders. I strongly believe the latter helped propel the book to #2 in African-American trade the first week out. With the next book, THE WAY YOU LOVE ME, I asked for and received the cover treatment that I wanted. With the last tour, I asked for a change in stores and got it.
You will not know what your publishing house can do to help advance your career until you ask. And when you do, please do not bring into the conversation what they did for Author A, just concentrate on showing your editor or publisher that you are worth their investment of time and money. In that important meeting, always remain cordial, accept a no when it is given, but do not stop asking. Always be polite. It does your career no good to tick anyone off.
Publishing is a strange world and a law unto itself. I am still trying to find my way. The best of luck to you in finding yours.
Happy writing,
Francis
Visit Ms. Ray on the Web: www.francisray.com
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APOOO is an online author and reader community dedicated to advancing African American literature. Our mission is to expose readers of all ages to a good book in any genre; to support African American authors, books, literary events and bookclubs; to provide marketing resources, tools and tips to authors; and, to promote literacy within the African American community.
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