In my last blog post, we looked at some ways to market your book on a more global scale. This was mostly looking at it from a logistical point of view; for example, prices, how to start and using different sellers. This blog post takes this a step further and starts looking at broader marketing techniques, such as making sure that you are engaging with audiences from different countries and cultures. There are quite a few things to keep in mind when you are doing this sort of global marketing.
So far, we have mostly been focused on selling your books in other countries with the same language. In this blog post, we will consider how to deal with translating your book and marketing in a different language. This will most likely require a translator, so we will be looking at how to choose a professional for this.
Before we start, let’s quickly remind ourselves of the advantages of global marketing for your book and career as an author. One benefit is obviously the increased sales and profits that this can bring, although this can be risky. It can cost a lot to get your book ready for a global audience and there is no guarantee that it will sell once it is ready for release.
Another potential benefit is the recognition that you can gain as an author for global release. Sometimes, just having your writing available in multiple countries gives you a boost and draws new readers in. It is certainly worth including how many countries you are published in on marketing material in your home country, as this tends to suggest your writing is of high quality.
In addition, it is always worth checking whether you will be eligible for any awards in other countries. There may be one specifically for foreign authors publishing for the first time in that country, so try to find out whether you can be placed on the list of nominees and if so, how. This is also a great way to gain recognition and can be included in marketing materials, even if you were only longlisted – this is still a fantastic achievement.
Translation
One thing that you will need to consider is what translation might be necessary. Obviously, this will not always apply, as some countries you choose to market to may share the same language as your book anyway. However, if you would like to be really ambitious, you can try to sell your book in a second language.
So, what do you need to do to get your book translated? The very first thing you need to do is start looking for an excellent translator. This is definitely something you need to invest in, so don’t rush into any decision. Remember that unless you know the language it is being translated into, you won’t be able to check their work, so it is crucial you find someone reliable.
The best place to start looking for a translator is in professional directories and listings. Check what is available in your home country – there will probably be an organisation that is known to be reliable, so start here. Do your research on what this is and what qualifications you should expect your translator to have. This will save you a lot of time and energy later and help to ensure your book does well.
A translator brings other benefits too, such as helping you to understand the culture of the country you will be selling in, which will improve your marketing plan. At the very least, they should make sure your book actually makes sense in the new language, so idioms will be replaced with ones from that language, rather than translating them literally word by word!
Before you hire a translator, make sure you have read the contract properly. You should remain the sole owner of the work, with the translator getting a one-off payment from you. They shouldn’t be getting royalties or commission on your translated book.
After your book has been translated, have it edited again in this new language. This is vital to ensure that no new mistakes have been introduced and everything still makes sense. If you can possibly afford it, try to have multiple rounds of editing – you can read more about the different types here.
Engaging with Audience
The first thing to bear in mind when you are marketing to global audiences is that a lot of the things you take for granted may be different. For example, consider what the season will be in your chosen country. It’s no use marketing your book as a summer read if it is the middle of winter there! Even on social media, make it clear that you know that not all your readers will be experiencing the same things as you are. A quick acknowledgement that it is hot where you are, rather than saying something like “as we go into summer” can really make a difference.
Another thing to remember is what complications it might mean for you. For example, if you run a giveaway, how will you get the items to the winners? It might be best to use an ebook format for this so that anyone can enter, and you can get the book to them swiftly and without any problems.
Wrapping Up
I hope that this helps you to market your book to a wider audience. In my next blog post, we will be looking at how to write a blurb for your book, so come back in two weeks to read that!
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