To Succeed as an Author, Get Your ASK Out There!

POSTED ON Dec 6, 2013

Joel Friedlander

Written by Joel Friedlander

Home > Blog > Marketing > To Succeed as an Author, Get Your ASK Out There!

by Bob Baker (@MrBuzzFactor)

Bob, whose last post here was Three Easy Steps to Selling a LOT More Books and Information Products, is a constant source of new creative endeavors. He helps both authors and musicians get traction for their own creative pursuits through his blog, training programs, and books. Today he tackles a subject that’s really difficult for some authors: asking for what you need. Here’s his report.


This blog post title may seem like a joke, but if you truly embrace the idea I share here, it could seriously transform your life and career as an author.

Do you ever get frustrated by slow progress? Are you cynical because few people seem to give a damn about you and your book?

Do you find yourself praying for a big break? (Heck, you’d probably settle for a modest break or even a break crumb at this point.)

Here’s one solution:

Maybe you just need to get your ASK out there more often.

A writer friend was recently expressing frustration over the lack of financial support she was getting. “I’m following my passion and doing good work in the world, but very little money and attention are coming my way,” she moaned.

Can you relate?

After chatting for a while, I discovered she really hadn’t put structures and offers in place that would allow enough people to send money her way. And most important, she wasn’t ASKing people to benefit from the books and message she delivered.

She was putting good stuff out into the world, but she was relying on people to figure out for themselves what to do with it. She was waiting for them to come to her. And, as a result, they were slow to respond.

Here’s the reality …

People are busy … and distracted … and overwhelmed … and … oh look, is that a squirrel?

As much as you’d like to think your friends and fans will step up to the plate and support you on their own, most of them will require a nudge.

That means you must get in the habit of regularly ASKing people to do something.

  • Want more book sales? Create special offers and ASK your fans to make a purchase. And not just once, but ASK two or three times during any given book promotion.
  • Want more raving reviews? Ask people to rate and review your book on Amazon and other book sites. And make it easy for them by giving them the direct link to your book’s Amazon page.
  • Want more public speaking gigs? ASK more associations, meetup groups and schools if they could benefit from your topic. And follow up when you don’t hear back after the first request. Also ASK your readers and fans for suggestions on speaking opportunities.
  • Want more people at your live events? ASK your fans to come. And do it more than once, in all sorts of ways – by email, on Facebook and Twitter, in person, at the previous event, etc.
  • Want to create more buzz and about your book? Well, the best way to inspire word-of-mouth is to create a remarkable book. Beyond that, ASK people to share, retweet, pin, and forward your links. ASK them to recommend it to their friends or give a copy as a gift.

Of course, you must also learn the art of how to ASK. It can’t be in a self-serving way. You must always position your request in terms of how it benefits the other person.

But one thing I know for sure …

The more you ASK for the things you desire (in a helpful, value-added manner) the more you will get!

Sure, some people will tell you “No.” Many will ignore you. But a surprising number may start to say “YES” and actually give you what you ASK for!

But you won’t get to this radiant state of receiving until you ASK more often.

Here’s your new book career mantra: ASK, ASK, ASK, ASK, ASK!

Got it? Good!

Now get your ASK out there!

I welcome your comments on this topic!

self-publishingBob Baker is the author of “55 Ways to Promote and Sell Your Book on the Internet.” Get a FREE copy of Bob’s “Self-Publishing Confidential” report at www.FullTimeAuthor.com. Also check out his free ezine, blog, podcast, and video clips while you’re there.

Photo: bigstockphoto.com. Amazon links contain my affiliate code.

Joel Friedlander

Written by
Joel Friedlander

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