By The WBR Team
In 2011, a Japanese tidying expert, Marie Kondo, published a book about decluttering. What she didn’t know was that her book, “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” would spark a global movement, selling over 13 million copies worldwide and inspiring a hit Netflix series.
Marie Kondo’s story proves that the right book, with the right strategy, can transcend borders and capture the hearts and minds of a global audience.
Does your business book hold that same potential? Absolutely.
Okay, so maybe you’re not expecting to spark a worldwide tidying frenzy. That’s okay! But here’s the thing: you don’t have to be Marie Kondo to share your message with the world. Building a global audience for your book is totally doable, even if it seems a little intimidating right now.
It all boils down to this: translating your book with care, understanding what makes your target readers tick, and then finding creative ways to connect with them.
So, let’s break down the key strategies to make your book a global hit:
1. Translation: more than just words
To truly connect with a global audience, you need a high-quality translation that resonates on a cultural and emotional level.
Even the most brilliant ideas can get lost in bad translation, so here’s how to make sure your book sings in any language:
Choose the right translator
Opt for a professional translator with experience in your book’s genre and a deep understanding of both the source and target languages. Ideally, they should also be familiar with the cultural context of your target market.
Ditch the word-for-word approach
Idioms, humour, cultural references – these things can get lost (or worse, misinterpreted!) in a straight translation. Encourage your translator to adapt and make your book feel like it was written for that audience. For example, a common saying in your language might not translate directly, so your translator might need to find a culturally equivalent phrase.
Double-check and triple-check
Even the best translators benefit from a second set of eyes. Have a native speaker review the translation to catch any awkward phrasing or cultural faux pas. Trust us, it’s worth it!
This step ensures that your book reads naturally and avoids any unintentional misunderstandings. By investing in a thoughtful and thorough translation process, you’re setting your book up for success in the global market.
2. Get to know your global readers (because they’re not all the same!)
Just like you wouldn’t market a cookbook the same way you’d market a thriller, you can’t assume all international readers are the same. So, before you launch that global campaign, it’s important to take a step back and do some digging to really understand the specific needs, interests, and preferences of your target market.
Here’s what you need to do:
Scope out the best-fit countries
Start by identifying countries/regions where your book’s topic is likely to be a hit. Think about cultural similarities, economic trends (are people buying books like yours?), and even things like existing translations of similar books. Tools like Google Trends can be super helpful here!
Check out the competition
Who’s already killing it in your genre within your target market? Take a look at their book covers, their marketing tactics, and most importantly, what readers are saying about them in reviews. This gives you valuable intel on what works (and what doesn’t).
Become a cultural chameleon (sort of)
Every culture has its own quirks, and that includes how people buy and consume books. Do your research! Are e-books more popular than print? Are there specific book review platforms or literary influencers you should connect with? Understanding these nuances will make your marketing way more effective.
3. Marketing and promotion: amplifying your reach
Now that your book is beautifully translated and you’ve got a solid grasp of your target market, it’s time to roll out a highly targeted marketing strategy. Here’s how to make some noise and get your book into the hands of international readers:
Think local, act global
First things first, make sure your online presence speaks the language. Translate your website, book description, author bio – basically, anything a potential reader might see. Bonus points for creating dedicated landing pages for each target market.
Connect with relevant influencers
In addition to social media advertising, you also want to connect with book bloggers, reviewers, and literary influencers in your target market. These are the tastemakers who can get people excited about your book! Offer them free copies in exchange for honest reviews and promotion.
Go where the bookworms are
International book fairs and literary events are like giant meet-and-greets for the book world. They’re a fantastic way to get your book in front of readers, connect with industry professionals, and maybe even get some international press coverage.
Team up with the right distributors
Partnering with bookstores and distributors in your target market is crucial for making your book easily accessible. Do your research and reach out to see if they’re open to stocking your book or collaborating on promotional activities.
Aim for the stars (aka international book awards)
Submitting your book for relevant international literary awards can be a game-changer. Winning (or even being shortlisted) instantly boosts your book’s credibility and visibility, making it more attractive to readers, publishers, and media outlets.
Taking your book global
Taking your book international is an adventure on its own, and like any adventure, it requires a bit of planning and a whole lot of heart.
If you’d welcome professional help and support with getting your next business book out into the world, book a free Clarity Call today. We’ll help you refine your ideas into a high-quality, high-impact book.