Using Accountability for Bookselling Success: Bookselling Strategies

Your authorship is a journey and you are here because you have already done step 1 and 2.

Do not be weary!

So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong (Hebrews 12:12-14).

Today, we explore one of the core principles in the teachings of Jesus: One Anothering.

The concept of “One Anothering” emphasises mutual care, love, and support within the community of believers. This principle calls for active, intentional expressions of love that go beyond mere words, manifesting in meaningful actions and attitudes.

In the publishing world, CLC Kenya and ACABA refer to this principle as Using Accountability for Bookselling Success: Bookselling Strategies.

In societal practices, it aligns with the ethos expressed by John F. Kennedy, “Not what your community can do for you, but what you can do for your community.” This paraphrased statement challenges individuals to contribute to the public good.

As authors, we should ask ourselves, “What can I do for my fellow authors in Africa?” Everyone has something valuable to offer, as the Master has given talents to all, according to each one’s ability. By embracing One Anothering, we can foster a supportive and thriving community.

Key Aspects of One Anothering:

Love One Another: Jesus commanded His disciples to love one another as He loved them (John 13:34). This love is sacrificial, selfless, and unconditional, setting the standard for how believers should relate to each other.

Serve One Another: In humility, believers are called to serve one another, following Jesus’ example of washing His disciples’ feet (John 13:14-15). This act symbolises the humility and servanthood that should characterise relationships within the Christian community.

Encourage One Another: The Apostle Paul urges believers to encourage and build one another up (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Encouragement strengthens faith, fosters hope, and promotes spiritual growth.

Forgive One Another: Forgiveness is a crucial aspect of one anothering. As God forgave us in Christ, we are called to forgive each other (Ephesians 4:32). This promotes reconciliation and unity within the body of Christ.

Bear One Another’s Burdens: Paul also instructs believers to bear one another’s burdens, fulfilling the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2). This involves supporting each other in times of trial and difficulty.

Pray for One Another: James encourages believers to pray for one another (James 5:16). Prayer fosters a deep sense of connection and dependence on God, while also seeking His intervention in each other’s lives.

Next week, we will go deeper into this…

Why Accountability for Authors?

i. Accountability plays a crucial role in the success of bookselling. By holding themselves accountable, authors can ensure that they are meeting their goals and delivering books and services to their customers, whether directly or through resellers.

ii. Accountability also helps authors build trust and credibility with their audience. When authors take responsibility for their work, it shows a level of commitment and professionalism that can attract more readers and increase sales.

With the busyness of life, there are so many things demanding authors’ attention, and when pressure builds in one area, it’s possible to forget the book projects. However, by practicing accountability, authors can stay focused on their books’ goals and ensure that their book projects are not neglected. Accountability provides authors with structure and discipline, helping them manage their time effectively and prioritise their market penetration objectives. This ultimately leads to a higher level of satisfaction for both authors and their readers.

iii. Additionally, accountability encourages continuous improvement as authors strive to meet and exceed the expectations of their book projects, leading to long-term success in the competitive bookselling industry. By fostering a sense of responsibility and ownership among authors, as they are held accountable for the quality and impact of their work, it helps drive them to produce better books and also builds a strong reputation within the industry, ultimately increasing their chances of achieving long-term success.

Practical Ways to Use Accountability (One Anothering) as Authors

Step 1: Accountability to Oneself

Accountability begins with the author holding themselves responsible for their progress and outcomes. This self-discipline is essential for achieving long-term success. Here are key steps to ensure effective self-accountability:

1. Setting Clear Objectives: Each year, define specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for your writing and publishing projects. These objectives provide a clear roadmap and purpose.

2. Tracking Progress: Regularly monitor and document your progress toward these objectives. Utilise tools like writing logs, project management software, or journals to keep track of milestones and accomplishments.

Note: ACABA has a project management account for each author. Once you are clear with your goals and share them in your individual book’s group, we are able to help you and work with you to keep your goals and objectives each year.

3. Evaluating Performance: Periodically review and assess your performance against the set goals and objectives. Reflect on what has been achieved, identify any deviations from the plan, and understand the reasons behind them. This evaluation helps in recognising areas of strength and pinpointing areas that need improvement.

All successful individuals, regardless of their discipline, implement an accountability structure to stay focused and motivated. This structure ensures they take responsibility for their actions and results, fostering continuous improvement.

By identifying areas for growth and making necessary adjustments to their writing process and book projects, authors can significantly enhance the success of their work. This proactive approach not only improves productivity but also boosts the quality and impact of their publications.

Step 2: Find Ways to Serve Your Brethren

Incorporating the principle of One Anothering into your professional life as an author means actively seeking opportunities to serve and support your fellow authors. Here are practical ways to do this:

1. Active Listening: Be present and attentive when your peers share their journeys, struggles, ideas, or successes. By genuinely listening, you show that you value and respect their experiences and perspectives. This builds trust and strengthens relationships within the writing community.

2. Encouraging Words: Use your voice to uplift and motivate fellow authors. Share words of affirmation and encouragement, whether in person, through social media, or in written correspondence. Positive reinforcement can boost confidence and inspire continued effort.

3. Prayer Support: Regularly pray for the needs and aspirations of your peers. Let them know you are praying for them, offering spiritual support that can provide comfort and strength. This practice not only enhances personal bonds but also fosters a sense of collective resilience and hope.

4. Acts of Kindness: Engage in small, meaningful acts of kindness towards fellow authors. This could include sharing resources, sales opportunities, and speaking engagements, offering constructive feedback, or promoting their work on your platforms. Demonstrating love and care fosters a supportive community and encourages reciprocity.

More is expounded in point #5

5. Offering Help: Look for practical ways to assist other authors. This might involve:

i. Mentorship and Guidance: Offer to mentor less experienced authors, sharing your knowledge and insights about the publishing industry, writing techniques, marketing strategies, and other essential aspects of an author’s journey. Regular check-ins can provide ongoing support and encouragement.

ii. Collaborative Projects: Engage in collaborative writing projects or anthologies. Co-authoring books, writing joint articles, or participating in collaborative blogs can help boost each other’s visibility and reach new audiences.

iii. Beta Reading and Critiquing: Offer to be a beta reader or critique partner. Providing constructive feedback on drafts and manuscripts can be invaluable, helping authors refine their work before it reaches a broader audience.

iv. Networking Opportunities: Introduce fellow authors to your network of industry contacts, including agents, publishers, editors, and event organisers. Helping them build their professional network can open doors to new opportunities.

v. Sharing Resources: Provide access to useful resources such as writing tools, publishing platforms, marketing materials, or courses. Sharing what has worked for you can save your peers time and effort.

vi. Social Media Promotion: Use your social media platforms to promote the work of other authors. Sharing their book releases, reviews, events, and blog posts can significantly increase their visibility and reach.

vii. Hosting Events: Organise or host book readings, signings, workshops, or webinars. Providing a platform for other authors to showcase their work can help them connect with readers and expand their audience.

viii. Writing Retreats: Invite other authors to join you in writing retreats. These can be great opportunities for focused writing time, idea exchange, and mutual encouragement in a supportive environment.

ix. Book Reviews and Endorsements: Write reviews for their books on platforms like ACABA, Amazon, Goodreads, and personal blogs. Endorsements from fellow authors can enhance credibility and attract new readers.

x. Cross-Promotion: Engage in cross-promotional activities such as featuring each other’s work in newsletters, blogs, or podcasts. This mutually beneficial arrangement can help both authors reach new and diverse audiences.

xi. Panel Discussions and Conferences: Encourage and nominate fellow authors to participate in literary panels, discussions, and conferences. Sharing these platforms can provide valuable exposure and recognition.

xii. Writing Groups: Form or join writing groups where authors can share their work, receive feedback, and support each other’s writing goals. Regular meetings can keep everyone motivated and accountable.

By actively seeking out these opportunities to assist and collaborate with fellow authors, you contribute to a vibrant and supportive literary community. Serving your brethren in these ways not only enhances their success but also enriches your own journey as an author, as you become part of a thriving, interconnected community.

How to Choose An Accountability Partner

Get Nelly Kagoru’s book – Accountability: A Biblical Principle

ebook or paperback.

Accountability: A Biblical Principle by Nelly Kagoru

This book seeks to help you master ‘the what, the how and the why’ of accountability to:
1. Increase your productivity.
2. Inculcate the winning culture of taking ownership and responsibility.
3. Greatly improve your effectiveness in life and as a disciple of Christ.
4. Empower you to take charge of your faith and destiny.
5. Teach you how to wisely lead your life—with eternity in perspective