An age-old reminder for authors

No seriously, it's a super old reminder!

The other week I was in Lisbon with some family. It was beautiful! While we were on a walking tour our guide pointed out that we were standing right next to the world’s oldest bookshop, Bertrand.?

No, really. It’s Gusiness World Record approved!

Obviously I had to go in. Not only is it just cool to walk through the world’s oldest bookstore, but they stamp any book you buy with their official stamp to note that your book was purchased there.?

If you’ve read to this point you may be thinking, “Cool story, what does this have to do with authors?”

I’m glad you asked. The story of this bookstore in Lisbon should teach you two things:?

1. People have been buying books for a LONG time. For reference, Bertrand has been operating since 1732.
2. People find books at every stage of a book’s lifetime. ?

Can't stop, won't stop

Readers have been buying books for ages, and there is no sign of slowing down. You can always count on people to purchase books. You just need to find and communicate with the right group of people for your book.

Said another way…People will want to read your book, but you need to find those people. (Because, say it with me, it’s not everyone)

Get clear on your messaging and how you best communicate with your target audience, and make sure you’re spending time sharing content/running ads on the platform where this audience spends their time.

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We never go out of style

Once your book is out it is out forever. That means that someone can buy you book the day it comes out. A year after it comes out. Four years after it comes out. You get the idea.

For example, when I was in Bertrand in Lisbon I purchased an Agatha Christie book that’s been out for ages.?

I see a lot of authors stop talking about their book a few months after it releases. This makes me sad. There are so many readers who will find and buy your book long after it comes out. With this in mind, it’s crucial to keep your book in regular circulation in your social media or email content. You never know when someone will come across it.

You may feel like your book eventually becomes old news, but for a potential reader it will be the best new thing they’ve come across.?

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Conclusion

There will always be readers. There were readers in 1732, and there will continue to be readers. You just need to find yours.?

And then don’t stop talking about your book. Find ways to organically add your book and it’s message into your long-term content strategy. You never know who will come across it at the right time for them.

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Whenever you’re ready, here are 2 ways I can help you:

1. Book Rockstar All-Access Pass: Peek behind the curtain and learn the marketing strategies used by Big-5 Publishers and bestselling authors with this self-paced online course. There are 8 lessons packed with publishing industry best practices, as well as templates, tutorials, and downloads to keep you on track. ?

2. Apply to work with me 1:1 in the Book Rockstar VIP Experience

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Keep rocking?

Aryn Van Dyke

Founder, Book Rockstar