A writers dilemma on marketing a book

To spend or not to spend

As you all know that my book, Papa Dont Preach' has seen a soft launch and will be formally launched at an event on November 9th in Mumbai. I been very lucky to be supported by a great editor, superb publisher and whole bunch of well-wishers. However marketing still remains an area challenge.

Apart from the usual things that publishers do i.e. listing on amazon, talks, email list, etc there's very little that going to happen without spending significant money.

But then you will ask me why do you need to spend and how much

In Indian context, a book that sells about 800-1000 copies typically recovers its cost for the publishers.

Lets look at maths of it:

Rs. 2.5 lakhs in sales @Rs 250 per copy

Less: Distributor discounts of 40%

Less: Publishing cost of Rs. 80k for 1000 books. Note this cost is not necessarily proportionate and reduces as economies of scale set in.

Less: Design, layout, ebook costs of Rs 20-30k

Less: Basic marketing cost of Rs. 20-50k. Note that many small publishers don't even bother to spend it.

Less: Writers royalty 5-15%

Less: Writers advance 0 to infinite

Net net: close to zero

For a writer, though, its a loss making proposition.

I took about 3 months to write the first draft and spent multiple nights editing, rewriting it. In addition, i ended up hiring a children's book editor to simplify and de-jargonize the book. Further i spent small amount on my travel to the publisher and printing hard copies for the edit.

On 1000 copies, i will probably make Rs.25-30k. It will not even cover my out of pocket expenses.

To make this financially rewarding, I need to sell atleast 100k copies.

And i am told that needs serious digital marketing with monthly spend of atleast Rs. 25-30k per month for the next 6-12 months and several book reading expeditions.

As a conservative investor and an author who propounds to keep your eye on money, i balk at this proposition.

Is there a way out of this Hobson's choice?

Probably, its risky but i will take it. I have been lucky to have multiple sources of income and will not be reliant on the income from my book to buy my bread. However if it does succeed it will open up new ways for wannabe authors to do well.

So here's the list.

1. Circle of love: i have 4000+ connections on Linkedin - some strong some random, many ex students, alumni networks and not to mention many friends. I am requesting all of you to do three things

• Buy a copy of the book on Amazon - I can assure you that you will add to your wealth significantly. I did while writing this book by simply tying up many loose ends.
• Buy few more for your friends and family. Bulk purchases attract discounts!
• Share this article on your social media and put it on your blog. That's the only way to get out of google/facebook stranglehold. (They are effectively lawmakers, police, judge and executioner all rolled into one)

2. Buy in bulk for your corporate gifting program. Your clients will bless you for life.

3. Write reviews and share. It will help me to fine-tune second edition.

Thank you for your support. I will append learnings and result of this plan.

May you become immensely wealthy. Happy Diwali.