You’ve gone out there and collected data. You’ve done some research. You’ve thought through what you’re going to offer that will make your book different from all the competition you face. And you know who the people are that need that book. It’s time to put all this theory into action for the last and most daunting test: Market Feedback.
Craft Your Book Blurb
You want to create a short phrase that summarizes your book’s big idea. This is known as a book blurb. If you were writing an essay, it could be called a thesis statement. If you were in marketing, you might call it an elevator pitch. It has to be short enough to capture a reader’s attention, which means it must come in under 8 seconds in length when spoken because that’s the amount of time you have to get them asking you questions and wanting to hear more. If you need help, I offer that lesson free with your email address.
Use Your Book Blurb
Rehearse saying the words in front of a mirror as often as you can. Then, use it on people in public and in the groups you belong to. If they ask you what you do, tell them you’re writing a book and then give them your blurb. Gauge their reaction.
Do they ask you to tell them more? You know it’s a hit. Post it on social media. Do you get reactions? You know it’s a hit. Comments, likes, and shares are all signs of interest.
Tweaking Your Blurb
If it’s not getting a reaction on social media, keep putting it out there for a few days. Test it out specifically on the people you heard questioning or expressing their frustrations. See what they have to say about it.
If it’s not getting responses in the real world, ask for feedback from a writer’s group or from someone you know will be fair and objective. Then look for ways that you can act on the advice you receive. Either you’re not talking to the right people, you’re not delivering a message they care to hear, or you’re not giving them enough reason to believe it will benefit them to read it.
Getting Lots of Positive Feedback?
Perfect! If you are generating a lot of excitement when you post your book blurb, it is time to set up an email list and start collecting the email addresses of those who might be interested in buying it when you’re ready to launch the book. The larger this email list is, the better your chances of making big sales when you’re finished writing it. You don’t have to have a website to collect those email addresses. MailChimp is free to use and gives you access to a sign-up form link you can pass on to people in order to collect those.
Developing Your Email List
Offer them an incentive for joining and keep them updated on the status of the book writing. Be sure you keep your future readers excited about the work and imagining themselves reading it.
Give them the first dibs on the rights to give you feedback about rough drafts. When you have problems or obstacles that are slowing your progress, reach out to them for advice. Draw them into your inner circle. These are going to be your first fans, and it’s important to treat them like the treasures they are.
Pitch your book!
Your final piece of homework is to pitch your book idea below and be sure to include a link to the email sign up. Support each other in your journey!