My book —The Joy of Financial Security—was released nationally on November 1, 2013. Six years of writing resulted in a book with a compelling message that financial security is within reach (taking control of your finances is not rocket science), and that “compound benefit” strategies can improve your finances while also making you happier. Kirkus Reviews gave the book a great review, stating “Well-researched…A thorough guide to help readers prioritize their happiness through practical financial planning.”
The writing is done. The book cover is designed, the editors have fine-tuned the text, and the printer did a fabulous job. The book is receiving rave reviews. Now the challenge is promoting the book. Where to begin? I’m following the drip, drip, drip form of marketing. My financial planning firm demands the majority of my time, so the time remaining for promotion is limited. Therefore, I have outsourced the publicity function. I have a publicist for national media and another publicist for social media. I consider my website designer (www.joyoffinancialsecurity.com) to be essential, and I am adding someone to help organize regional book events and speaking engagements. This is a talented team of experts. Yet, this approach is very expensive, and the jury is still out whether their efforts will reach the media venues that lead to book sales. After all, book sales are essential to provide the revenue to continue paying an expensive team.
If my publicists can connect with some of the media on my wish list—The New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, NPR, The Today Show, Good Morning America, Jon Stewart, Forbes, Fortune, Time, Money, Kiplingers, Oprah, More, and Real Simple (among others), then they will be successful. I have been doing lots of radio interviews across the nation, doing some local TV, and getting some print articles about the book. They are great fun, but I don’t know yet if they will sell books. I am eager to connect with the “heavy hitters” listed above.
As a financial planner, I have been saving money for six years for the promotional expenses. I have a larger budget than most authors. I am grateful for this. Yet, being able to invest generously in the promotional efforts has no correlation with whether the book will reach a broad audience, “find a home”, and be successful.
I ran an ad today in the New York Times Book Review. It is a beautiful 2/5 page, 4 color ad. What will it bring? I have no idea, but it is a part of the drip, drip, drip marketing strategy. One of my clients emailed me that she saw it and was very excited. That client has already given a copy of my book to her local library, believing that many people would benefit from the advice in the book. I am blessed with wonderful clients and friends.
So, let’s start an online conversation. What advice do other authors have about what has worked and not worked for them? How can I help other authors? Can someone (please) help me “get my foot in the door” to some of the media outlets on my wish list above? How can we all rise above the noise and get our message out to the world? After all, everyone can benefit from financial security and more happiness!
Donna Skeels Cygan
www.joyoffinancialsecurity.com
dscygan@joyoffinancialsecurity.com
505-298-4040
