It’s a good time to slow down and be sure a professional has edited that final draft of your book. There is no rush to market. Having a better product will help authors sell more, particularly when live, in-person book launches are more accessible and safe for crowds again in the future.

Statistics show that about 98 percent of the books that publishers released in 2020 sold fewer than 5,000 copies. At virtual book events, a Texas store has sold as few as half a dozen books, or at best, sell 150 copies — but that same author, in person, might sell 1,000. Some publishers in 2020 have started paying stores to put on virtual events, usually between $200 and $500, which is about comparable to what they would earn if they sold 20 to 50 books, according to a recent NY Times article.

I’m taking on more editing clients now, hopeful that the 2022 book releases will be in person with 10 city tours at independent book shops as compared to online book launches happening in 2020-2021.

If you have a final draft, contact me for an estimate. I’d be happy to help you make use of the pause in marketing to ensure your manuscript is in the best shape it can be before you market it to a publisher or self-publish.