Four Steps to a Six-Figure Book Advance!
Many authors will tell you that it’s impossible to get a 6-figure advance anymore, but Susan Harrow disagrees. She says that in order to get one you need the following:
1. The understanding that publishers don’t buy books, they buy book ideas.
2. A way to show publishers you are the best person to write that book.
(Do you have a platform?)
3. A way to prove that those who follow you buy books. You can have an original idea, but if your audience doesn’t spend lots of money on books, it isn’t of interest to them.
4. Proof that you are mediagenic Do you have your soundbites down? Can you get on tv and sell your book? Are you charismatic? (Whether you’re an introvert or extrovert)
The actual writing of the book is the least important to publishers because they believe that it can be done by a ghostwriter. However, if you want it to sound authentically like you by the time it’s finished, then I suggested doing the book interview style, and then having it finished by a ghostwriter, and if you need help, I can guide you through the process. (Contact me through the website or by replying to this email.)
Publishers also want to know that you have a platform. For an online presence, they don’t care how big your social media following is, they want to know how big your list is, so that you can contact them directly. And how big a list you need is different for different niches; it’s not a set number.
If it is specific to a book launch, once your book is optimized for sales (i.e. great title, great cover, best keywords and categories, power-packed Kindle description) you’ll also have to have an opt in, or what I call a launch page, also a webinar and joint-venture partners to help you reach your audience and bonuses to incentivize people to get those books. This can be coordinated with an Amazon bestseller launch, so you get the #1 bestseller ranking and reach an even bigger audience.
Or, if it’s offline they want to know if you’re consistently doing speaking engagements and if you connect with those who hear you talk.
Or, they want to know that you can create a list.
And if you don’t have a list that you have the ability to grow one.
So, if you want to get a 6-figure advance, don’t write a book, create your platform, find your voice, get comfortable in front of the camera, And make yourself and your idea, irresistible to traditional publishers, and then write the book.
To learn more, listen to my in-depth interview with Susan Harrow. www.BooksBusinessAbundance.com/podcast/13