I am writing this book because I love to express myself through writing, and I believe I have something that will interest, inform, inspire and/or entertain others.
I want to publish this book because it is the only way possible to expose it to the public at large. The number of books I sell or the number of readers who like my book are of little interest to me. I have no illusions of becoming a celebrity author or bestselling writer. Nevertheless, this doesn’t stop me from doing everything possible my publisher to cultivate a readership by promoting this book myself and engaging others to help me.
From a business perspective, this book is a personal investment in me. I am not writing and publishing it in order to make millions or possibly even make back my initial costs. The book has material value as an asset because, in this instance, it records an important segment of life for posterity. It is a unique record not only because it is written from my perspective, but also because this segment of life has never been recorded before. The published book joins the backlist of works that archive the history of man and woman during the 20th and early part of the 21st century.
The book has value as a personal asset because it represents the work of my hands and heart and is an expression of who I am. It augments my identity as a human being and a woman who has lived a long and productive life.
Will this book sell?
Through a new marketing and promotion program that my publisher is currently building, I will have many opportunities to be interviewed, do book signings and make presentations about my book. It will be up to me to become engaged in this promotion process so I can build my own readership.
“The book will sell” if I devote time and energy to helping my publisher promote it.
It is important to keep I mind that academicians do not ask if their book will sell. They write their books because they are making a contribution to the library or recorded history of our civilization.