I just read this article about authors looking for literary representation.
Reminds me of the many times I’ve been approached at a public meeting by an aspiring author who wants me to do something for them because they want it. Or the emails that ask me to read a book, visit a site or get involved with someone I don’t know because the author wants to sell books.
The approach rarely works.
It’s like the guy who goes to a party and makes a marriage proposal to every woman he sees. He gets ignored or slapped a lot, but rarely is successful.
There’s a much better way.
Instead of seeking help, become known as the kind of person that helps people.
Every big name author I work with is constantly approached by other authors looking for help of some kind. Behind the scenes, we discuss this and each one of them tells me the same thing. They want to help. They have been through the struggle, learned the path to success and take joy in helping those that are coming up behind them.
But like the girls in the party, they have to be choosy about who they help. It’s only human to want to hang out with people we like.
How do you get them to choose you?
Simple. Be likable.
Robert Cialdini identified “likability” as one of the top persuasion principles in his book Influence, the Psychology of Persuasion
Cialdini explains that traditionally, sales training teaching persuaders to find a common ground.. something that both the persuader and the target have in common, but today Cialdini tells of a easier approach.
Like people.
Go out of your way to find out about the desires of your target.. find the common ground and especially find something you like about them. Focus on that, and help them get what they want.
You’ll find that people who an help you will start asking to help.
And you’ll have more fun while you move towards success.
How true 🙂 I think that’s why I sell more of my hubby’s books in person than when I email to our list. Once I’m in a good conversation, saving money usually comes up, or the age old question, what do you do? either is a great lead in to our book Confessions of a Butcher-eat steak on a hamburger budget and save$$$. Thanks for all the good tips Warren, I’m implementing as my 2 year old allows 🙂
Vickie Smith
aka “Joan of Ark”
http://www.all-about-meat.com
How true 🙂 I think that’s why I sell more of my hubby’s books in person than when I email to our list. Once I’m in a good conversation, saving money usually comes up, or the age old question, what do you do? either is a great lead in to our book Confessions of a Butcher-eat steak on a hamburger budget and save$$$. Thanks for all the good tips Warren, I’m implementing as my 2 year old allows :)Vickie Smithaka “Joan of Ark”www.all-about-meat.com
I have just found your blog and appreciate your advice. I am finding that most bloggers are indeed friendly folks and am enjoying meeting them and visiting around. As a 30 day newbie, I am learning as I go, with a small blog (http://www.musingsfromjoan.blogspot.com/) and one book in progress. I have already added two folks to my list, just from reading and commenting on blogs, so that is a technique I really like. Learning and growing grandma!
I love people who have the clarity and courage to ask for what they want, despite the fact we have never met. I feel so blessed, for most of the time when a person calls upon you for assistance, it means they trust, respect, value, and resonate with you, which is the highest honor among peers.
Thank you Warren!
Jill Koenig
http://www.GoalGuru.com
I love people who have the clarity and courage to ask for what they want, despite the fact we have never met. I feel so blessed, for most of the time when a person calls upon you for assistance, it means they trust, respect, value, and resonate with you, which is the highest honor among peers. Thank you Warren!Jill Koenighttp://www.GoalGuru.com
This is an excellent strategy.
Another one I use is to go with an attitude of BEING of service.
Yes, I want to be likable, but also valuable.
So many things have happened to me in the last year simply by taking that approach. I give gifts to all the people on my list just because I find something (or create something) I know many of them will like.
People have bartered with me, paid me, bought from me and so forth because I have sought first to be a person of value. The favor I have given has been so abundantly showered upon me in various ways.
Thank you.
Ronda Del Boccio, The Story Lady of Storyation.com
This is an excellent strategy.Another one I use is to go with an attitude of BEING of service. Yes, I want to be likable, but also valuable.So many things have happened to me in the last year simply by taking that approach. I give gifts to all the people on my list just because I find something (or create something) I know many of them will like. People have bartered with me, paid me, bought from me and so forth because I have sought first to be a person of value. The favor I have given has been so abundantly showered upon me in various ways.Thank you.Ronda Del Boccio, The Story Lady of Storyation.com
Warren,
You are right on track for would-be authors to raise their visibility in the marketplace through being likeable and helping others. Also they need to be writing magazine articles while they try and get their book published. As they have more experience, they will be more attractive to book publishers. I’ve got loads of information about publishing that is free on my blog about The Writing Life which has over 725 entries.
Also my Ebook, Book Proposals That Sell continues to help writers find their way through the publishing maze. They have to be likeable.
Keep up the good work, Warren.
Terry
Warren,You are right on track for would-be authors to raise their visibility in the marketplace through being likeable and helping others. Also they need to be writing magazine articles while they try and get their book published. As they have more experience, they will be more attractive to book publishers. I’ve got loads of information about publishing that is free on my blog about The Writing Life which has over 725 entries. Also my Ebook, Book Proposals That Sell continues to help writers find their way through the publishing maze. They have to be likeable.Keep up the good work, Warren.Terry
Warren, I enjoy reading your blogs and marketing tips as they are practical and worth trying. You’re so right about the ‘helping’ aspect of a writer’s personality – I have a poetry workshop on my website and I’ve been asked for advice and ideas before hence yes I think you’ve got some good solid tips and advice yourself – thanks again Warren, much appreciated.
Coll
Warren, I enjoy reading your blogs and marketing tips as they are practical and worth trying. You’re so right about the ‘helping’ aspect of a writer’s personality – I have a poetry workshop on my website and I’ve been asked for advice and ideas before hence yes I think you’ve got some good solid tips and advice yourself – thanks again Warren, much appreciated.Coll
I have just found your blog and appreciate your advice. I am finding that most bloggers are indeed friendly folks and am enjoying meeting them and visiting around. As a 30 day newbie, I am learning as I go, with a small blog (http://www.musingsfromjoan.blogspot.com/) and one book in progress. I have already added two folks to my list, just from reading and commenting on blogs, so that is a technique I really like. Learning and growing grandma!