In a few months, my memoir will be published. I feel like I’m opening a door to an amazing future.
Writing a memoir has been a dream for decades.
I talked about it, thought about it, dreamed about it. Yet, I didn’t do anything to move closer to writing it.
Part of me romanced the idea of sharing a very dark period in my life.
Another part of me kept my story carefully tucked away. It was safer this way… so I thought.

Inspired by Greatness

When I read, Maya Angelou’s memoir, Gather Together in My Name, something inside of me woke up. I was stirred beyond belief.  I thought, “Here’s someone I have so much admiration and respect for who shared some of the darker periods in her life. If she can do it, so can I.”
This coincided with attending a mastermind meeting in San Diego. During one session on achieving a long-time goal, I made a commitment, right there, right then, to get the first draft done by a specific date.  I went so far as to write down my goal and share it with the woman sitting next to me. I turned the goal into a commitment.
With several books already published, hundreds of articles written, thousands of blogs posts posted, writing was not the issue. Revealing things about myself I kept carefully tucked away for years was.
Yet, something inside of me had woken. I reached a point where I could no longer hide out. I could wait no longer to tell my story. It was one of those, “I don’t want to carry my story to my grave.”

Researching Other Stories

For months, I read dozens of memoirs from people I greatly admire. What was most revealing about this process is how vulnerable each had allowed themselves to be.
It became apparent each had made their mess their message. Amazingly, my admiration for each of these men and women intensified after reading their story.
Through sharing their “secrets” I’ve been inspired to share the experiences of my life that cultivated me into the person I have become. The dark times. The tough times. The ugly times.
I’m ready to let go of the secrets.

Simply Writing is NOT Enough

For some authors, simply writing their stories is enough. It’s a very cathartic process.
For others, we know we must do all we can to get our story in front of as many people as possible. We know our story will impact, transform, inspire and encourage others to break out of their own limitations.
For me, simply writing my story is not enough. I must also focus on raising awareness about the book.
Rather than sit on the dream of “I sure hope it sells,” I’m being very proactive about the success of the book.

Plan Your Success

Many authors spend an inordinate amount of time writing their book, but very little, if any time planning how their book will get in the hands of readers.
My plan is to do as many interviews, podcast shows, speaking engagements, webinars and teleseminars as possible leading up to, during and after publication.
I will also post on my blog, do a blog tour, guest blog and write for appropriate publications to further promote the book.
Then there’s the actual online book launch. My primary focus will be to drive potential buyers to Amazon to buy the book during a specific period. The purpose is to drive the numbers on Amazon, get the book rankings to number one in each category and as close to #1 overall as possible.
Will I achieve my outcomes? The only way to be sure I do is put 100% of my effort into the result I desire.

Marketing Starts Now

Even though the book will not be published for several months, there are things I’m already doing for promotions. In that I will be traveling across the United States and Canada to promote the book through live appearances, book signings and speaking engagements, it’s essential to prepare promotional material.
I’m currently working with a videographer on a speaker video (sizzle reel), a photographer on current photos, my speaker one sheet, media kit, and all other promotional items.
My team is fully aware of what my goals are. My OBM – (online business manager) and I have had numerous meetings about what needs to be done including a launch site.
I have someone who will work with me on securing interviews and blog tour opportunities.
I’m working with someone who will secure speaking engagements for me.
I have a social media expert who is laying the foundation for my ad campaign. All of this is in the works months before the book is to be published.
I am also reaching out to colleagues, friends and people in my circle of influence for their support to participate in the book launch. Some will be sending broadcast messages to their community. Others will interview me on their podcast and radio shows. Still others will post articles on their blogs. While others will be a part of the blog tour.
There will be a series of media releases distributed on PR Web. As well, my local media will be contacted directly. Local media loves to interview local authors.
This is just a portion of what I am doing to get the word out. Again, if I want the book to get in the hands of as many readers as possible, it’s up to me to be as proactive as possible.

What are you doing?

As an author, you must plan out your campaign. Sure, you can write and publish the book and hope it grows legs. Or, you can take full responsibility to do everything possible to raise awareness about your book.
Because I know how critical the plan and implementation are to the success of a book, I am launching a new group training designed for serious authors who are tired of lukewarm results for their books. Whether you are writing a memoir, business book, health, how to, spiritual or any book you want to reach lots of readers with, this training will assure you greater success than if you go it alone.
Be watching for details to be released soon about the training.
If you leave things to chance, your chances of success are a lot less than if you get in the driver’s seat with a very focused approach.
To assure you receive information on the training, I invite you to download my FREE report – Hit #1 on Amazon. www.oneonamazon.com
By opting in, you not only receive a very content driven report on book marketing, you also receive updates about the training.