One of the things that I see a lot with authors during pitch sessions or in the queries they submit is how authors tend to miss the mark with selling their project. It seems they are so focused on simply telling their story, that they forget to think about this as a project they are "selling" to the editors, agents or even their readers. In simple terms, if you don't know how to sell your project, you should expect a lot of rejections along the way.
Publishing is a business of selling a product to consumers. It is your job to demonstrate to the consumer, who ever that might be, why that individual needs to have your book. This is especially important now that we have seen a huge deluge of new writers with all of the self-publishing opportunities available. Somehow, you have to bring your project above all the other projects out there.
As you think of your story, think of what makes it special. This goes far beyond the characters, the setting, and the plot. This also goes beyond the standard themes we hear of "this is a story of redemption." You have to think of who this project will appeal to, and more importantly, WHY it will appeal to those people. You cannot simply say 'It just will."
Along the same lines, you have to think of how and who the agents and editors will sell the project. Is there even a market for this type of project? I do think that too many authors spend all of their time writing the story of their dreams and never stop to think who on earth would even buy the project.
Just remember, you are a salesperson and you are selling a product to a consumer. Review those Buisness 101 notes!
No comments:
Post a Comment