Marketing strategies

Self-publishing is obviously a lot more than book production and printing - that bit is relatively straight forward, although expensive and time consuming. The advantage of self publishing is that as the author and illustrator you have complete control over the book production part, but the disadvantage is that you also have complete control (and responsibility) for the marketing, sales and distribution part of the publishing. I have very little professional experience, knowledge and understanding of marketing and sales - although I have gleamed bits and pieces from various jobs, work experience and general life and common sense. So I am hoping that the best way that I am going to learn is through trial and error.

It is hard to be both business-minded and creative, whilst remaining sensitive to my subject matter and vulnerable target audience. But my way of coping with this currently, is to think in terms of: the better the business strategy, marketing, networking and advertising, the more readers the book will be able to reach out to, and potentially help.

So from my very basic business skills, here are my ideas/plans for a vague marketing strategy...

Audiences:

Local contacts

When self publishing, the marketing of selling books to friends and family is quickly exhausted. Luckily, through my course and employment, I have a small network of creative contacts in Cornwall, who may be interested in my endeavour to self publish, and the original illustration technique, if not the subject matter.

Bereaved children and those around them, their friends and family and professionals

Through my research I have come across a number of bereavement, and specifically child bereavement charities doing invaluable work to support and guide those dealing with grief and the grief of others. They are a brilliant source of information on how to talk and help those grieving, and often provide links to other sources of help. Some of them also include reading lists - books that explore the subject of grief and bereavement to help people come to terms with their loss. Relatives and friends can often feel at a total loss when someone (especially a child) is grieving, and providing them with a gift of a book which they could possibly read through with the child could prove an invaluable source of comfort.

I am currently developing relationships with some of these charities - which may be a great way to reach the book's target audience.

Collectors of illustrated books/tourists

I am hoping to set up sale or return arrangements with local businesses within Cornwall. There are huge numbers of local galleries, gift shops, books shops, artistic cafes who already sell similar limited editions by local creatives - it will just be a matter of keeping track of stock!