Authors can help publishers market books

Many first authors published today really get shocked when they see their royalty statements. They always have high expectation. This is their first book, and it all starts with everyone around them patting their back, congratulating them on work well done. Curiously, none of these people who congratulate the new author buys a copy of the new book; they all admire the gratis copies the author has received from the publisher. Their family and friends espy the cover, says a few words about the wonderful design and apt title, saying, “When the money comes, usinisahau.”

With all the praise expectations rise and they really get surprised when they are told that only say 800 copies of their books sold in a year. They get annoyed with the publisher, feel cheated and finally, some give up writing all together. After all the struggle? It is not worth it, they say. Questions abound. Did my publisher ensure all the copies sold are reflected on the statement? Some ask who the incompetent people in the publisher’s sales team are; others suggest hiring of a completely new team all together! I could do better myself, they opine. Well, I would like to submit that marketing of books should not be left to the publisher and that the author can be involved to enhance sales.