Myths speak to the lies associated with a particular thing or experience which many believe. There are many myths in publishing a poetry book, the unfortunate thing is that believing and therefore following them does not help with your success, but hinders it.
- I must only publish the poems I like.
Any business expert will tell you, your consumer or audience is always right. In other words, since your target audience is who you are selling to, listen to them, take keen note of their desires. Of course, you should include poems you enjoy in your book, but do not shy away from researching what your target audience may like. Potential consumers who often become actual consumers of content or a product will recommend others to do the same. This keeps your audience’s attention and attracts others from that same group, as they realize your poetry appeals to them reaching or surpassing their demands.
- My book is for everyone – too many aspiring authors believe their book is for everyone. No, you need to know your target market and ideal readers.
A major reason why poetry books and books on a whole even when it has wholesome and intriguing content is not successful is that the writer tries to satisfy the desires of the general public. To want to satisfy the desires of the general public is not bad, however, the success of your book does not depend on it. There are many other books that are “fighting” for the attention of others and the more a book is targeted to a particular demographic, the higher chance there is for individuals to reach for it first compared to one for the general public. Additionally, having a target audience assists with clarity in the approach you take and the style you use in your poems.
- I don’t have to market my book – if no one knows about your book then no one will buy it.
Sonia Simone, a partnering founder of Copyblogger Media once made an undeniable statement, not every good marketer is a writer, but every good writer is a marketer. The content of any writer should not simply be persuasive, but as a writer, you should believe so much in what you have written for others to see, that you are compelled to share it with others. Yes, once you publish your poetry book and put it in a physical storefront or an online store for purchase people will see it. However, no, it does not mean that your book will “fly off the shelves in no time”. Never forget, as aforementioned, there are many other books that have also been published, and whether the target audience for your book is different or the same as other books, they are competing for the attention of the public. How will you not simply stand out, but be successful in yes, sharing your gift with the world, but also generating sufficient income from sales of the book without marketing your book?
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