Authors, Stop Wondering “Will They Sponsor Me?” and Do This Instead
Find alignment before the ask
Authors dipping their first toes into partnerships and sponsorhips often start with key questions:
“Will this company sponsor my book launch?”
“Can this organization help promote my work?”
“Will I have the guts to contact local corporation x to sponsor my first printing?”
Wrong line of questioning.
Instead, back up and ask yourself about a desirable sponsor: “What are they already trying to accomplish that my book, author business, and/or expertise can help them achieve?”
This is the principle of alignment—and it’s the difference between wishing for, begging for, favors and philanthropy, and offering strategic value.
Why “Help Me” Doesn’t Work
When you ask an organization to sponsor you without first understanding what they need, you’re asking for a favor. When you understand what they’re already working on and show how your expertise serves those existing priorities, you’re offering a solution.
That’s alignment. And alignment makes partnerships and outside monetary support much, much more likely.
