Since you can’t expect to see anything result wise 3 weeks in, let’s explore some fundamentals of marketing a brand in order to be ready if and when the muse shows up.
It’s necessary to define your identity and purpose. Style elements, images, tag lines, websites, and social media are all part of that. For me if you need to see, taste or hear something of mine- that’s covered or at least under control.
Then we move to promoting awareness of said identity and purpose. The key is finding and targeting your demographic and grabbing their attention so they support your efforts and you can continue to grow as an artist/content provider.
That is not done and why we’re here.
For more artistic endeavors my way forever was to do for the sake of doing and see what happens without thoughts of anything besides the work and rarely considering an audience.
If they like it that’s gravy but it’s for me I create and fall into the category of “art is never finished only abandoned”. I can always think of something else to add or subtract.
It helps to think of it like a snapshot in time and move on.
That’s not the case though when I’m employed by someone to produce an agreed upon result, like designing a restaurant, catering a party or being a sideman on a recording session.
My 1st manuscript on the history of garlic https://www.amazon.com/Garlic-Manifesto-idiosyncratic-view-
through-ebook/dp/B00IA3D07E was self published (poorly) and failed (miserably). My fault entirely as it takes a different skillset which until now I haven’t pursued properly. My new way is to be more methodical about business.
Compensation has never been the reason I create, but as long as I’m doing it, these days I’d like to make the most out of it, so to begin with if it’s to place a manuscript, you’re going to need a proposal, which I just happen to have.
And that proposal must contain certain things. A strong elevator pitch is essential. In this case “Studs Terkel meets Julia Child”. It should appear early on in the proposal (like your best song being first on the record). It should be succinct and memorable, perhaps even the subject line as you don’t want to bury the lead.
Also needed are a bio, a table of contents, chapter summary, marketing overview, comparative analysis of similar books and so on. Without them you’re dead in the water. Even with them, especially if said query is unsolicited, you’re still dead in the water, but after 100+ your skin is thick and tends to float.
I’d peruse lists of literary agents from start to finish, taking note of who places what and where? As “Home Cookin’- The Stories Behind The Food” is non-fiction you don’t query someone that places erotic westerns or pulp manga when you need someone that places food or memoirs.
Showing up and due diligence equals necessary.
I am looking forward to reading more.
Thank you! I will be sharing a post each week.