TAKING STEPS TOWARD BOOK MARKETING
You’ve finally accepted the fact you’re an introvert,
oftentimes writing in confined spaces.
Even with your laptop set up at Barnes & Noble, you are still
alone, creating boundless characters that leap off the pages and into the
readers’ next water cooler conversation.
So, how does a quiet, “chilled out” person suddenly
become a gregarious salesman when it comes to marketing his/her book?
Start
a blog.
This allows your potential readers to sample your
writing style. Showcase a chapter from
your manuscript. Give an estimated release date. If it’s already in print, give the website
with the purchasing information.
Write
a press release.
Let
local newspapers know about your presence through your newly released book.
Create
a “like” page on Facebook.
Showcase your published work on this page with
excerpts, calendar-of-events and testimonials.
Forward
your book to book club members.
The buzz about your work will give you a jumpstart
when reviews are written. Just make sure
they don’t giveaway the plot or ending!
Sign
up for book fairs and festivals.
It’s a win-win situation when you surround yourself
with other authors and book lovers.
Setup
book events/signings.
This undertaking usually gets you mentioned in the
local newspapers, especially if it’s at a community center or library. Use it
to your advantage. Make your book events engaging by being creative. For example, you can give a quiz on
relationships, or handout interesting fun-facts on the topic.
Enlist
fellow writers to help support your book.
Staying connected with well-established writers will
catapult your book sales just from a plug. Use social networking (Facebook,
LinkedIn, online writers’ groups) to join up with others.
Take
advantage of the media.
Reach out to acquaintances in the news, radio, (blog
radio) and local TV stations. What
better way to showcase your work and increase your readership.
Advertise
your book through freebies.
Give potential customers bookmarks or magnets that
briefly tell what your book is about and offer a website.
All of these tools are useless if the product is
less than stellar. Put out a great book
and let potential buyers know why
they need to read it. Will it help them
become more empathetic concerning their fellow man? Make them more romantic lovers? Shape their
ideas about organic foods and home cooked meals? Whatever topic you choose to
write about, your pitch should convince buyers why they need your book in their
lives.
What marketing strategies do you use?
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