Amazon Success Part of a Larger Picture: Author Christine Martinello Outlines Path to Success
In the rapidly growing world of self-publishing, it can be easy for authors to lose focus on what needs to be done when it is time to promote their work. One of the most important things to keep in mind is the old adage that once the manuscript is complete, the real work begins. Christine Martinello knows all about the elbow grease it takes to get a book noticed. A few weeks ago, her first published book, The Momager Guide: Empowering Moms to Leave A Loving Legacy, spent three days at No. 5 on Amazon.com’s bestsellers list.
Martinello is the owner and president of Training Solutions International and is a recognized authority on leadership, teambuilding, and communications. She is also the Momager© (combination mother and manager) of three school-aged children. The idea to write The Momager Guide came as a very clear directive, she says.
“I have always enjoyed expressing myself through writing, and I have been journaling almost every day since I was 15, but this book was a spiritual awakening,” she explains. “One day a voice very clearly said to me, ‘Just write,’ so I grabbed paper and pen and began this project.”
That was in 2003. As she moved through the writing process, Martinello soon made the discovery familiar to so many first-time authors: the hardest work still lay ahead. She even formed a literary committee to help overcome the isolation of completing a book. Seven drafts later, she had a manuscript ready for a publisher. She tried the traditional route, but became disillusioned with the process. Then, while attending the Maui Writers Conference, she learned about AuthorHouse. The concept of doing much of the required legwork to promote a self-published book was a challenge she accepted and the rewards have paid off nicely.
In November, The Momager Guide rocketed to No. 5 on Amazon.com’s “Parenting and Family” section. One benefit among many that have accompanied the book’s success is her ability to command higher speaking fees.
“People respect the fact that you have a bestselling book,” she says. “The opportunities are plentiful; it has helped my business and opened a lot of doors.”
Martinello plans to intensify her marketing campaign in 2006. Her next area of concentration will be national media. At each step along her journey, she remains squarely focused on doing everything she can to make her book a success.
“You have to believe in yourself and your book, and never take no for an answer,” she continues. “When you think you’ve had enough, push through to the next level.”
