Your Enthusiasm is a Great Sales Tool

 I encounter two kinds of authors: those who want to jump in with both feet planted on the ground and go for it, and those people who want to meticulously plan and execute. Is either approach better than the other? No, and here’s why…

 

Enthusiasm and excitement are powerful energies to sell books. When you’re chomping, ready, and can’t wait to sell your book that enthusiasm bleeds right over to sales. Every person you meet on the street you will present your new author status and show him/her your book. Your sheer joy and happiness will bleed right over into making that sale. When I released The California Girl Chronicles, I was so excited about the book. It’s a fun book, and it was easy to gush about the fun of it. I remember one woman said, “I’m going to buy it just because you’re so excited about it!” When an author gets so caught up and engaged in his/her selling process it can’t help but show. People are attracted to happy, enthusiastic people.

 

The same enthusiasm will bleed over as you pitch it to reviewers and the media. Your passion convinces strangers to buy the book or review it. Reviewers get caught up in all of that joy, too. Happiness and laughter are contagious. Be unabashed about talking about it whether one person at a time or in front of a group.

 

The slow, meticulous execution has its effectiveness too. Not all books are straightforward. It will depend on the overall plans for the book. Will it be supporting a cause, a business, or both? Either one of those intentions requires planning and thought. This statement is especially true for serious books, such the upcoming Is it Racism? How to Heal the Human Divide by Aundrea DeMille. Racism is a sensitive topic. Releasing that book on enthusiasm alone won’t be as effective. Aundrea is using the book to build her platform. Every aspect even down to the cover colors had to be carefully considered as to its effect and communication to others. At one point, she was using blue and red on the cover, and as many of you know red is Republican and blue is for Democrats, which might communicate a divisive message. So, Aundrea has been careful and thoughtful about her book’s launch.

 

As you begin this process, the ideas I just brought up should be considered. You ultimately should pick your approach based on your book’s material and how to successfully approach your prospective audience.

 

My last note: always be excited and happy about your book no matter what approach you adopt.