Interview with Self-Published Author Drew Stevens

In an effort to share insider tips and information from successful, self-published authors, I’ll be interviewing many new authors here and at SmallBiz America.

To start our new segments, here is an interview with Drew J. Stevens, Ph.D., president of Stevens Consulting Group and self-published author of “Split Second Selling.”

• Tell us about your self-published book.

I have six, self-published books. My first and lengthiest is “Split Second Selling,” a book based on the need to have a solid selling methodology since 92% of most sales professionals do not have one, and this creates losses in sales closure. In addition, I developed a proprietary sales methodology known as PRACTICE©. I believe that athletes practice, as do physicians and attorneys; selling is a profession and they need to practice too.

I currently have three other books in the queue for self publishing they include:
“Split Second Selling Field Guide – Resources for the Selling Professional”
“Ultimate Business Bible – 12 Strategies for Ultimate Business Success”
“Little Book of Hope – Strategies to lead a Productive and Passionate Life”

• Why did you decide to self-publish?

Two reasons, 1) I am able to control the inventory and distribution and 2) cost. The cost of going through a large publisher and an agent were most costly and time-consuming. And commercially produced books do not seem to have the advantage of five to ten years ago.

• What has been your biggest reward in self-publishing your book?

The ability to see immediate results and cutting through much of the bureaucracy and foppishness of the commercial book industry.

• What has been the most challenging part of self-publishing your book?

Marketing and distribution. The hardest part is becoming a distributor and learning the variety of ways needed to get your book noticed. This is where commercial has an advantage. It is no difficult simply time consuming.

• What advice do you have for other self-published authors?

Three things:

1. Do not procrastinate, depending on the type of book at length one might actually produce a book in less than three months.

2. Get over the comfort zone of sitting around, one must be actively engaged marketing to get the book noticed.

3. Similar to the way Google works, create community, alliances are great methods to create distribution.

• Is there anything else you would like to add?

Listen to your markets for unmet needs. My new book is being written and titled three ways to help create interest in the niches I serve. And with the prowess of the internet marketers can create pillars based on the books. I have created audio, video and articles simply by repurposing information from my books One needs to think how to take the content to create allure.

Thanks for your great insights Drew!

Do you need help selling your self-published book? Please let me know here, www.jexbo.com or at http://www.jexbo.blogspot.com. I’d love to hear from you!