It's a Marathon...

Yesterday I ran the team relay in the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon, which is an annual event here to remember those affected by the horror of the bombing of the Murrah Federal Building in OKC back in 1995. This marathon is attended by thousands from all over the world and the U.S., and it has become a highlight of the spring for many.

As I ran yesterday, I began thinking of how many things in life take time. It seemed like my leg of the relay would never end, and it was miniscule in comparison to the entire 26.2 miles.

The streets were lined with spectators cheering, and it wasn't long before I started spotting some along the way. Even the encouragement of strangers lifted me as I continued running...and running...and running. Yes, I had to resort to walking some. But I never stopped, never quit. My calves cramped a bit, and it was uncomfortable. But I kept going, kept my legs moving, and knew I had a goal to reach.

At one point I connected with our CEO and President, Ryan Tate. He was running the entire marathon, as he does nearly every year. Seeing him and spending just a few short moments with him lifted my spirits incredibly, something I have heard happens to marathon runners. A familiar face, a few words of encouragement, and my pace picked up. I finished strong and handed off at the next station to my next relay teammate, who happened to be my wife.

My mind drifted to many things as I ran, including how similar running a marathon is to marketing books. It is always difficult, it involves hard work, and persistence and patience is needed. There are highs and lows. Some make it, and some don't finish. The finish line always seems an eternity away.

But in marketing a book there are familiar faces that can lift you - family, friends, and even your publisher and marketing team. At Tate Publishing, every author works with a Marketing Representative, and that person can brainstorm, offer encouragement, and provide the needed lift to help you push on through. When running a marathon, there are unexpected problems...a loose shoelace, a rain shower, not drinking enough water beforehand to be properly hydrated, etc. Marketing your book can offer frustrations as well.

But the key is to never stop moving, never stop going forward. Look for a few familiar faces for encouragement, and just keep going.

Are We Having Fun Yet?

When it comes to selling books, something is wrong if you are not having fun. Very wrong.

Think about it. You have taken your book from an idea, to a manuscript, now to a published work. No one knows it inside and out like you do, and no one will be more passionate about sharing your message than you will.

Doing that should be fun, just like it's fun to show off your new car, your new baby, or your new home. I'm not talking about bragging and being obnoxious, but about genuinely being excited and passing along that enthusiasm. Remember, enthusiasm can be contagious, and nothing is better for a book than that kind of organic, grassroots excitement.

Not all phases will be fun, and there will likely be failures along the way. That's life, and nothing that is worth anything in life comes easy. Publishing a book is not for the weak at heart. You will face rejection, frustration, and trouble. That's par for the course and shouldn't discourage you. Resistance on the path to success makes you stronger, and as an author, a huge part of the process is finding out what works - and what doesn't - for you and your book. That takes time, and it is done by trial and error. But breaking through after hard work can be extremely rewarding.

Once you find what does work, replicate it to death. Have fun with it, be a blessing to others, and find a way to help people by using your book. Whether it is fund-raising, taking your children's book to schools and seeing the kids' faces light up, or challenging someone with exactly what they need from your book, these opportunities can be fun and provide a terrific outlet for spreading the word.

If doing this has become painful and is no longer fun, it's time to re-evaluate what you are pursuing. There are always new directions and possibilities to pursue. And if you are a Tate author, contact your Marketing Representative. That person has years of experience in helping authors find their best fit, and we can help you breathe new life - and fun - back into marketing your book.