Just listened to a woman I met a few years ago and she was talking at a seminar a while back.
Lisa has been building a stellar career and has become a published author more than once. She knows a thing or two about writing and getting published. I had always thought she had come from a background in the field. Turns out she had only attended a one-day publishing workshop. It was at that she realised she her career skills in marketing and strategic planning were more critical to her ability to become a published author than her knowledge of the industry.
Yet, how many writers pay ANY attention to these areas. They focus exclusively on the writing.
As I’ve said before, as mammoth as it is to write a book, getting it published is far trickier!
Yes, what you write is important and you need to move from writing to editing to ensure you produce a quality book. But you need to learn about marketing and planning a launch if you hope to publish.
Oh, and if you think a publisher will snap you up ( it has happened), then the more you know about publishing and planning the more likely you are to maintain some control.
melanie wass 
Totally true. Writing could probably be done by many, but most people don’t know how to market themselves or even get their work in front of a publisher. Self publishing is even worse if you don’t know what you’re doing.
It’s regrettable that some will find out too late. Thanks for stopping by, Misty.
Misty, we are marketing a zombie e-book and it is so hard! I am used to selling my services – pilates, fitness, reiki – and that gives me leeway to sell my related products. But the fiction is a whole new ball game!
Mel, any thoughts on fiction marketing?
If you’re on Facebook I recommend Shawn Hansen’s group Write.Plan.Profit. She’s published around a dozen books mostly fiction, and is strong on marketing and planning. (I thunk she even understands zombies!)
I totally agree. Marketing is quite difficult. I am writing a book about how to market your content and I am learning a lot in the process.
Look forward to seeing your book, Timothy. Sometimes researching and writing is as much for ourselves as our readers!
I agree, but it’s hard to sort through the millions of “courses” and advice about which marketing and launch methods are right.
You’re right, Jenn. There’re a plethora of options around and its hard to choose. Decide what you want to learn then find the course and expert to help. I recommend Shawn Hansen’s structured but flexible program, Write.Publish. Profit.