Writing a book is an excellent strategy for growing your business. It serves as a powerful marketing tool, but you must get out there and tout your brand and your availability. Your success with a book depends on how much hustle you’ll put into marketing it.  That’s how your book goes from being a dusty, disappointing “calling card” to a viable, vibrant strategic decision that attracts more attention to your speaking, workshops, coaching or consulting. Not quite sure what to do next? Start here.

If we have turned down your book, it's because we don’t think we can sell it to any publishers we know. Literary agents work on commission, so if we believe your book isn’t sellable yet, we can’t make a profit from pitching it to publishers. This decision might be based on the quality of your idea or writing skills, but more often, it is about the size and engagement of your marketing presence, known as a “platform.” To start building a platform, click here.

Self-publishing is suitable for those who prefer not to pursue traditional publishing; are less inclined to market their book extensively; or who are writing for a niche audience. According to publishing industry research by RR Bowker, the average self-published book sells fewer than 100 copies! If you aim to attract a traditional publisher, they will look at your self-published book’s sales figures as an indicator of future market potential. You will need to build a platform no matter how you plan to release your book, because building a platform will significantly enhance your chances of success. Learn how to build your platform here.

Publishers are in business, and business is in business to make a profit.  U.S. publishers usually prefer books written by U.S.-based authors, because they’re easier to promote here. If you're not known already here for your content, you'll need to demonstrate that your content appeals to U.S. readers and thus is a good investment for US publishers. To get strategic help, click here.