I’m writing a follow-up to this, but likely won’t be done until after the contest. The short of it is that I think I’ve simplified the Inkshares marketing strategy into the four P’s:
Perseverance: You will have good days, bad days. Treat marketing your project as you do writer’s block.
Positivity: Be positive. All the time. If you’re not positive, fake it. Yes, people like Morrissey have made a career out of being sad saps, but they are the minority. It’s crucial that you believe and understand that you can create luck. It’s a fact. Doubt is the enemy of luck.
Personality: Who are you? Can I believe in you? Are you someone I’d want to hang out with? Also, when reaching out to old friends, what do they remember fondly about you? You are selling your book but you’re equally selling your own personal brand. Do people want to be associated with your brand? The answer should always be yes, but defining your brand is up to you.
Persistence: Make a plan. Don’t make the plan too rigid, but ensure that it encapsulates how you reach your goal. You need to sell 750 books. What is your plan for getting there? Who is going to help you? Can you anticipate pratfalls? What resources are your disposal now/later?
