1.   You have at least $2,500 to $5,000 to invest in the project.

2.   Your topic is a topic that is very “marketable” in a book.

3.   You regularly support other author events, i.e. book signings and lectures.

4.   You frequently visit bookstores and know what the trends are in Christian books and know the bestsellers.

5.   You have a website or plan to get one to sell/market your book.

6.   You’ve published articles or regularly speak/lecture thereby you have an “audience” for your book.

7.   You research and read books/magazines on publishing or go to writer’s conferences or are part of a writer’s group.

8.   You know a good graphic designer, editor and webmaster – or at least know where to find one.

9.   You have a written marketing plan and know how you’re going to seel your book– before you’ve written it.

10. You have at least 10-15 hours a week to promote your book.

11. You are part a writer’s discussion group online, blog regularly and do some social networking.

If you have answered “yes” to 7 or more of these questions, you are a good candidate to be a successful author. If not, you now have a guideline as to what to do before you start the publishing process.  

Once the book is published a lot of authors believe it will sell by itself. Many Christians sway the other way and are too humble to tell anyone about their book. They believe if they put it up on Amazon or tell a few of their “yes buddies” it will take off. NOT!  Just like any product that is sold for cold cash, it must be marketed and promoted in order to sell. It takes money to make money. 

We are not to hide our light under a bushel and Christians will never sell the millions of books on Amazon – without some kind of marketing plan and PR strategy.  God always had a plan – and Christians need one too – and to work it!     

                                  By: Pam Perry, www.MinistryMarketingSolutions.com 

See our PR coaching and publishing prep programs at the MMS site! Or shoot me an email to: pamperry (at) ministrymarketingsolutions.com

"Pam provides a broad base of PR services to her clients. She is especially skilled in the African-American marketplace. Pam is delightful to work with and quite adept at her profession."

— Mark Dreistadt, Owner, Infinity Concepts

"Pam is my publicist and coach. She has major networking skills. Pam introduced me toprofessionals across the states that I was able to partner with on a few projects. She has given me suggestions on book cover design and post cards for my professional image in the media. I am still working on the leads she provided last year. If you are looking for ROI, Pam is the person."

— Brenda Jenkins, author

"Pam does the best PR working that I have seen in a long while. She is very professional and operates in extreme integrity. I respect and enjoy her work ethic so much that I recommend her services monthly at my business seminars has. I will retain her services for my 2008 & beyond book & magazine projects and you should also. If you are serious about promoting & marketing your Book, Product or Event, Pam Perry and Ministry Marketing Solutions should be #1 on your agenda!"

— Reginald Dockery

"Pam is an innovative, visionary PR and marketing expert who has the insight and drive to successfully increase her clients' sales, distribution and marketing efforts. She understands the needs of her clients and works with integrity, creativity and passion. Pam has the know-how to elevate authors from "book sellers" to best-sellers."

— Nicolla Ross, Owner, Inspired Living Publications

"Pam is dedicated to promoting the written and publishing efforts of Christian African American writers in a marketplace where she makes a difference."

— Sally Stewart, Owner, Christian Writers' Marketplace