Ever thought about writing a book? Or helping someone do that?
That’s what Martha Bullen, of Bullen Publishing Services, helps authors do. For more than 35 years, she’s helped hundreds of authors and small presses in all aspects of writing, publishing, marketing, and launching books. Bullen considers herself “a book coach.”
What are some global trends in book publishing? Bullen identified several in an interview on an episode of the “Looking Forward®: Opportunities for Job, Career, Business, and Investment Seekers” podcast. A big trend is the increased digital, on-demand printing of books. She says “it’s a game changer for authors” because it allows people to publish their own books at a much lower cost.
This has also elevated the reputation of self-published books, which were once looked down upon. Since books are easier to publish, would-be authors have a better chance to use a book to boost their credibility. Bullen explains that for many business professionals, “it’s a way to get in front of corporations that want to hire them to speak or do workshops – and often buy a bunch of books for everybody there.” Plus, it can lead to media coverage.
But you don’t have to write a book to find opportunities. For people who have skills in writing, editing, graphic design, digital marketing, and publicity, there is “an enormous global audience of authors and small publishers who need help and guidance in all of those fields,” Bullen points out.
She also says there are opportunities for small businesses and investors in the genre of self-publishing. “There’s been a real upsurge in people starting bookstores,” she indicates.
So what can you do to begin seizing any of these opportunities?
Bullen offers several tips. For example, aspiring authors should start thinking of a book topic they are qualified to write about and research the market and competition. If you’re a freelancer, she suggests using social media sites, such as LinkedIn, to connect with others who might need your skills. “There are also countless services out there where freelancers can list as a writer-for-hire, copywriter, designer, etc.” One she mentions is www.upwork.com.”a
Bullen also urges those with a desire to enter the book publishing world to keep your eyes open to trends and developments in the industry by setting up Google key-topic alerts, and “reading international newspapers to get different perspectives.”
To listen to the entire interview, including more tips, opportunities, and what Bullen said about AI, go to: https://apple.co/3QdKnWy For the complete library of Looking Forward®: Opportunities for Job, Career, Business, and Investment Seekers episodes, visit: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/looking-forward-opportunities-for-job-career-business/id1520476704
Jeff Ostroff is the host of the Looking Forward®: Opportunities for Job, Career, Business, and Investment Seekers podcast and the Voices in the Spotlight show. He is a podcast creator, co-host, producer, B2B/B2C interviewer, voice-over talent, and author. Reach him at www.jeff-ostroff.com