Some authors that I meet are reluctant to go out of their way to promote their books. They say, in essence, \u201cIt\u2019s a good book, isn\u2019t that enough?\u201d Sure, they want to sell a gazillion copies, but they resist the marketing process. They just want to write.<\/p>\n
The truth is that, whether you self-publish, you have a traditional royalty publisher or you go with a fee-based, POD publisher, you must participate in promoting your book.<\/p>\n
While I strongly urge authors to stretch beyond their comfort zone, there\u2019s nothing wrong with starting the process in familiar territory.\t<\/p>\n
Here are five ideas for promoting your book while involved in the process of living your life. <\/p>\n
1. Talk about your book everywhere you go. Show your book to your coworkers, clients, vendors, members at your gym, the waitress who takes your lunch order and your dry cleaner, for example. <\/p>\n
I suggest that authors create a 30-second commercial\u2014a spiel that describes their book in 100 words or less. Repeat this anytime someone at a business meeting, class reunion, the supermarket, the auto parts store or your child\u2019s school asks what you\u2019re working on now. <\/p>\n
Your 30-second commercial should be concise, clear and clever. If you\u2019re not sure how effective your mini-speech is, rehearse it in front of friends. Your goal should be for people to walk away with a clear understanding of your book without feeling overwhelmed by too much information.<\/p>\n
As an example, instead of saying, \u201cI wrote a book about making wreaths,\u201d try this: \u201cI just finished publishing a book featuring living wreaths. I explain how to make wreaths using succulents, small garden flowers and ivy, for example.\u201d If the listener seems interested, explain a little about how the wreaths are constructed. If your topic isn\u2019t this person\u2019s cup of tea, mention that it makes a great gift for someone who loves gardening.<\/p>\n
2. Promote your book on the Internet. If you use the Internet to chat or conduct research anyway, why not do some promotion while you\u2019re there. Go to the sites that reflect the subject of your book and get involved in chats, leave notes on bulletin boards, offer the site host excerpts from your book. Visit other blogs on the topic\/genre of your book\u2014comment and ask to be guest blogger. A literary site may feature your poetry book on their author\u2019s page. A gardening site would probably be thrilled to post information about your book on living wreaths. <\/p>\n
And when conversing with anyone via the Internet, don\u2019t forget to add a \u201csignature.\u201d A signature is a little plug you can insert automatically at the end of your email.<\/p>\n
3. Join clubs and organizations related to your book topic. Attend meetings and show your book around. Offer to give presentations reflecting your expertise. Donate books for special events. Get even more exposure by volunteering for community service projects that these organizations promote.<\/p>\n
4. Write letters to the editor. Watch your local newspaper for an article or letter that relates to the topic of your book. Respond with information or opinions that reflect the content of your book. Be sure to include the title of your book in your letter. <\/p>\n
5. Sell books on the road. Anytime you travel, take a box of books with you to sell along the way. Arrange in advance with a bookstore or specialty shop to have a book signing while there. Send press releases to local newspapers announcing your event. Make sure the store has plenty of copies of your books to sell.<\/p>\n
If you don\u2019t have time for a book signing, make cold calls to independent bookstores and appropriate specialty shops in the area. Leave them with a copy of your book or a promotional package.<\/p>\n
As you can see, you don\u2019t have to go too far out of your way to get exposure for your book. In order to increase sales, however, it\u2019s wise to challenge yourself to stretch outside your comfort zone. <\/p>\n
Here\u2019s an idea: try at least one new marketing technique every month. Become a public speaker, for example, offer your book as a premium item, tap into the library market, create a promotional display to offer bookstores and specialty shops that sell your book or get added recognition for your book by entering it in contests.<\/p>\n
My book, \u201cThe Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book\u201d is on sale. Save money while getting a major education about the publishing industry. You will want to read this book all the way through and then keep it closeby as a treasured reference book. http:\/\/www.matilijapress.com\/rightway.html<\/a> <\/p>\n Need a good book editor? Could you use a publishing consultant? Check out my services at: http:\/\/www.patriciafry.com<\/a><\/p>\n