Author Interview with Sheima Salam Sumer: 7 Questions to ask an author about Book Publishing Process & Mindset
Always keep your “Big Why” in mind and it will keep you motivated, says Sheima
In this exclusive author interview series, “7 questions to ask an aligned author“, Sheima S. Sumer–author of How to be a Happy Muslim Insha’Allah will reveal some of her knowledge regarding book publishing process and mindset related to marketing & sales strategies, book reviews and publishing phobias. Read her previous interview on the book writing process in case you missed it out.
Sheima has authored two nonfiction books so far both of which were initially published with small publishers. Her published works are geared towards non-fiction, self-help and religion (Islam). Her first book The Basic Values of Islam: Alphabetically Listed with Corresponding References is a reference & religion guide which was first published by a small publisher in USA and is now available for free on her website.
Here are her seven suggestions related to the book publishing process and mindset you must not miss out on.
7 Author Interview Questions about Book Publishing Process & Mindset Answered
#1 What’s the best money you have spent so far on book publishing?
It would be the money I spent on having my own website for my book, attracting potential customers by offering free things (such as free email counselling).
#2 What are some of the most effective social media and other marketing tools you’ve used and would recommend?
Having a website for your book is very important. Offering something for free on your website attracts traffic. A Facebook page is useful. A YouTube channel is useful. I recorded a free audiobook of my book on YouTube in the hopes of attracting buyers for my book.
#3 How important are getting reviews for your book and what is a reasonable time-frame to consider for them when outlining the publishing plan?
Book reviews from qualified people and blogs are very important because they not only give your book credibility but also raise awareness of your book to those reviewers and their tribes. A reasonable time frame would be to start contacting reviewers 6 months before your book’s publishing date.
#4 What’s the best way to approach reviewers and what should we offer them in return for their complimentary service?
The best way in my opinion is to email potential reviewers. I searched people in my field (counselling Muslims) and then emailed them. In return, their name and organization would be in my book, hopefully increasing their publicity.
#5 What’s the best marketing tip you can provide from your experience? How did it help your book sales?
The best tip would be to publish articles on popular blogs. I published an article on Productive Muslim website which was about being a Happy Muslim before my book was published. People read the article and learned about my book, and this helped my book sales.
#6 In your experience, which platform is most effective with regards to book sales?
The most effective platform in my opinion is Amazon.com. This website is not only one the most popular shopping website on the Internet, but it is so easy to use. It was easy for me to self-publish using Kindle direct publishing (Amazon’s self-publishing service).
#7 How can one handle publishing phobia and the mix of emotions that come with it (e.g. excitement, nervousness, fear, criticism, rejection, anxiety, frustration etc.)?
The best way for me is prayer/supplication to God to help me through this. It’s also important to seek support from friends. Also, remember your “Big Why.” What is your big reason for writing your book and doing this hard work? Always keep your “Big Why” in mind and it will keep you motivated.
Publishing is as important a step as writing your book. Answer #7 is my personal favorite. What’s yours?
Have more questions regarding self-publishing? Comment below to get them answered.
Follow Sheima
Website/Blog http://howtobeahappymuslim.com/
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Sheima-Salam-Sumer/
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/32944875-sheima-sumer
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/howtobeahappymuslim/
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheima-sumer
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/sheima-sumer