Marketing Plan

[Annmarie]

I'm taking a break between drafts of my novel and thinking of what's ahead when the baby is in publishable shape. I know agents/publishers like to see a marketing plan by authors, but what do they mean? Is it as specific as x number of signings I could set up somewhere, lectures or talks, radio interviews with certain people or stations, TV maybe, press releases (for what they're worth), blurbs, reviewers and the whole internet platform thing --- blogs, sites, twitter etc.?

This is new ground for me because I don't live in the same country my book would presumably first be published in. If an American publisher picked it up - and I'll shoot for that because I'm American and the book is written with those spellings and terms -- what would a publisher expect from me when I live in Germany?

If the first month after release is crucial, I could set up a chunk of time when I'm in the States traveling, but other than that, everything I did would have to be from across the Atlantic.

Does anyone have thoughts or experience with this? Thanks. 

[Matt Walker]

In the UK I know it's often the publisher or agent who sets up signings/interviews/reviews etc. Although it is a good idea to mention web presence ie blogs, twitter followers etc.

[Annmarie]

Does that mean you don't need a marketing plan if you have an agent, Matt? I thought they wanted to see some ideas. 

[Matt Walker]

I'm not sure about the US but I don't think my agent wanted to see anything like that. She just wanted chapters, synopsis and a bio. I don't think I included web presence, but when she starts sending it off to publishers we'll put something like that in. I think it's mainly indie and 'smaller' publishers who want details of that sort of thing.

[Alice, a Country Gal]

I went to Google (almost always so helpful) and punched in "Marketing Plan for a Novel."

Here is just one of the articles from the front page. It seems to have been written for self-published novels, but has some good info for any writer.

http://dogearpublishing.net/wordpress/index.php/2011/05/how-to-write-a-book-marketing-plan/

[510bhan]

I went to Google (almost always so helpful) and punched in "Marketing Plan for a Novel."

Here is just one of the articles from the front page. It seems to have been written for self-published novels, but has some good info for any writer.

http://dogearpublishing.net/wordpress/index.php/2011/05/how-to-write-a-book-marketing-plan/

Sensible and helpful advice there. Alice, thanks for the link.

[wanderer]

Good link, Alice. Thanks and I have it bookmarked. 

[Alice, a Country Gal]

Glad it is helpful. 

[Chandara5]

My publisher didn't require a written marketing plan. My contract stated that I have to assist with marketing and be available for it but nothing specific.  You should have one for your own info, but agents don't request to see one. At least none I have researched and stalked. =)

[Annmarie]

Thanks for the link! I am definitely not self-publishing, but that's great info, there.

[Lin]

Okay, I often do a marketing plan - don't worry about it too much.  They only want to know how you plan to sell your work.  What media you will use and if you have a web site of your own.

I also tell them I plan to do book signings in the places appropriate to the theme of my novel.  Many publishers want to know how you will promote your own book, because usually they aren't necessarily going to do it for you unless it says in the contract.  So buyer beware.

Check with them too how they want to work with you.  It's a two-way process.  I live in Holland and have told the publisher I plan to go to Waterstones in Amsterdam and do signings there too.  There are all kinds of things you can do - car boot sales!  Jumble sales etc at local church halls depending on your book!  If you want something up market use Waterstones or even your local book shop in Germany where there are English books on sale.  I can do this in Holland.  There are thousands of ways to sell your own book - just be innovative.  And of course, stick to the plan and do it once the book comes out.

My major plan is to go the Isles of Scilly and meet the tourists to promote my novel, also in Cornwall, Devon and Yorkshire - the theme of the book. Two thousand people a week go through the islands.

Good luck!

Lin

[Annmarie]

Good thoughts, Lin.
 
I have lots of ideas how I'd market in Germany, since I live in the city where my book is set -- local author angle plus there's tons of local pride here and I don't doubt the bookstores would carry my novel in English or German once it was published.

Was just puzzled how much I'd have to do in the States, or Britain, for that matter, since a couple important characters are Brits. No Americans at all!

[Lin]

Well if you fancy a trip to the UK I'll come with you and share a room to keep down the costs.  I am going to London in ten days to an RNA meeting so it should be good meeting with other published authors.  I'll find out about their marketing plans.  I think you have to be prepared to shell out more cash than you put in if you are going to do book signings, but the PR is worth it to get known.  I think I will have to spend time in Dorset and Devon if I get my next book published - but by then I will be living down there - I hope!  If you are e-published then let the ether do that for you.



Lin x