Investing

I’m not all that skilled when it comes to logic, business, or actually making money.  I just like to write.  I’m not a marketer or a strategist or any kind of intelligent that might actually help me out in the real world.  That’s where my dad comes in.  Ever since I told him that I wanted to be an author and that I wanted to independently publish my own books, he’s been my business brain.  Let’s face it, I just make up stories.  He’s the one who helped me start up my business and advises me on what to do or what not to do when it comes to actually managing the company.  One of his favorite sayings is, “You have to spend money to make money.”

Now, that’s kind of an odd concept.  I’d really like to make money, so my first instinct is to lock it all away in savings and never touch it.  But when you run any kind of business, I’ve learned that you have to invest in that business.  Almost every cent that I’ve made from my book sales has gone right back into Wind Trail Publishing.

Recently, my dad and I have been talking about marketing.  He’s suggested I pay GoodReads and Facebook to take out some ads.  But the thing is I’m not all that certain that’s the way to go.  After all, I see GoodReads and Facebook ads all the time but I rarely investigate further.  That’s why I’ve chosen to invest, not in online ads, but in my readers.

That sounds strange, I know.  But in the past few months, I’ve met dozens of book reviewers, mostly through Instagram and GoodReads, who love to read and review books.  These reviewers are sweet, intelligent, lovely, real people who share my passion for books and stories.  So I’ve been sending them free copies of my books.  Yes, it costs money.  But I believe, wholeheartedly, that it is a much worthier investment than an online campaign.  Writers are nothing without readers.  And I am eternally grateful to every single one of you.