This week's focus:

If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound? Likewise, if you write a book and no one reads it, does it make you an author? I would argue no, because the whole point of writing a book is to share it with others. Otherwise, you're just writing a diary.

There is a scriptural proverb that says, "No one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light." If your book helps people "see the light," then what sense does it make to avoid marketing? Authors of any genre should feel obliged to let their value shine.

There's no reason to feel guilt when you reach out to help someone. Therefore, marketing should be viewed as a liberating endeavor, not an oppressive burden. I encourage authors to adopt the following maxim: I have fantastic value which can help people mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Thus, I'd be selfish not to approach as many people as I can with my value.

When you take time to write a blog, speak publicly, post on Facebook, offer free resources, or conduct radio and TV interviews, you are drawing people to the light of your book. If you find those activities tedious and difficult, then you may have forgotten your value or the fact that people deeply need it. Come back to the light.

Stuff to Help Authors Sell More Books:

Marketing Teleconference for Authors - This Wednesday, April 18th:

"How to Put Marketing Gold Into Your Manuscript"

Get top notch instruction, and you don't have to be present for the live teleconference call. Everyone who registers gets a mp3 audio recording of the 60-minute call to listen on their own time. Register early for $49 at:

www.startawildfire.com/teleconferences2012.html 

Marketing Plan Template for Fiction and Non-Fiction Authors:

Over 100 purchased in the last three months! Get the 4-page template designed to help you think through the creation of a solid book marketing plan. Download for only $19.99 at:

www.startawildfire.com/marketingplan.html

Bestseller Website Tutorial for Fiction and Non-Fiction Authors:

A website is an author's most powerful marketing tool. Get the tutorial that walks you page-by-page to build a site that captivates readers and boosts your book sales. Download for only $24.99 at:

www.startawildfire.com/websitetutorial.html

New Book: "Sell Your Book Like Wildfire"

Rob's new book from Writer's Digest is the definitive guide on book marketing and publicity. The expected release date is late-May / early-June. Pre-order today for only $16.99 at:

www.startawildfire.com/books.html