Does it make sense for a copywriter (or any other marketer) to author a book?

Next month, you can find out in a couple days what I spent years learning... rather slowly, awkwardly and painfully.

The publishing industry is like a cross between

• an obstacle course

• a live minefield, and

• a treasure hunt

I got the grand tour of the obstacle course and minefield portions of publishing before I ended up in the treasure hunt. Without going into long, self-serving stories here, let me tell you this: The treasure-hunt portion of publishing can be very rewarding.

And, best of all, direct-response copywriters and other people not traditionally thought of as "authors" can benefit far more from a published book than your typical author-type.

Like I said, I learned what I learned the hard way.

Next month, my friends and business collaborators David Hancock and Rick Frischman are putting together a very impressive seminar in Atlanta about writing and publishing.  I have benefited considerably from my association with both of these extraordinary guys, and am in touch with David Hancock fairly often.

If you are an author or a publisher... or, if you are thinking about becoming one... you should definitely check this out.  It's very reasonably priced and you'll learn a lot (like how to avoid the obstacle course and minefield portions of publishing, for starters).

To find out more, go to:  www.davidgarfinkel.com/author101

I wish I'd had this opportunity myself years ago.  I would have saved a lot of sweat and tears.  (Some blood, too, now that I think about it.)

David Garfinkel
Publisher, World Copywriting Newsletter

Comments

[John C. A. Manley]

Traditional publishing sure can be a "minefield." There seems to be so little logic to how publisher market their authors.

E.g., a trade magazine I read has two-page spreads of new book releases for the niche. Just the covers, titles, authors' name and ISBNs.

What kind of promotion is that? What happened to "you can't judge a book by it's cover."

It's better promotion for the cover artists.

Sadly, image advertising even rules an market of readers.

[Simon Leung]

Thx for the cool recommendation, David!
Let's get together for dinner again soon :)

[Neil W UK]

Some fine examples of sales copywriting techniques there! ;)

[My Note Taking Nerd]

As a Copywriter I believe credibility and believability are vital components to being successful.

This is a very competitive market and I believe having a published book puts you above everyone who may not.

Thanks David for the suggested resource.

[John Griffin Latimer]

I ill phrase my opinion as so, if you desire to write a book, be talented enough to get it published. I wont even pick up a marketing book if the publisher was the so called",marketing guru," who wrote the debacle. It is plainly stated, tacky. And gives a false perception to those puting their hopes in yourself.
John Griffin Latimer
Perception Marketing Firm
visit, www.perceptionmarketingfirm.com