When is someone going to write a book showing how to promote fiction? That caught your interest, didn\u2019t it? Some of you novelists are saying, \u201cYes, when? It\u2019s about time these book promotion experts think about us and our needs.\u201d<\/p>\n
The truth is, folks, most book promotion books and articles related to book promotion are brimming with ideas and tips for promoting fiction as well as nonfiction. The writer of fiction just views this material differently.<\/p>\n
Over the years, I\u2019ve had novelists tell me that my books and articles on book promotion and have nothing (or little) in them for the fiction author. I continually argued that these books are meant for all authors\u2014that fiction authors must also solicit book reviews, go out and speak to their audiences, seek out specialty booksellers, request endorsements, build promotion into their books, promote their books by submitting articles\/stories to appropriate publications, send press release, build a website and so forth. <\/p>\n
So I wondered why even savvy fiction authors would say that the promotional ideas I presented were designed specifically for the nonfiction author. I wondered, what is missing in my books and articles that fiction authors need? <\/p>\n
After many discussions with fiction authors\u2014especially those who produce and market both fiction and nonfiction\u2014the answer was revealed to me. It all boils down to perception. Those who successfully promote fiction actually use the same tactics as nonfiction authors do, only they use them in different ways. When they read a book on book promotion, they need explicit examples for authors of fiction and a little hand-holding to go along with it. Most fiction authors live so deeply in right brain mode that they can\u2019t see the promotional possibilities unless they are spelled out. <\/p>\n
If you are writing or already promoting a novel or a children\u2019s book, it would behoove you to practice shifting to left brain thinking. Seriously consider viable book promotion ideas. Rather than discounting them, explore ways to use them in your promotional efforts. If you believe that these ideas work for nonfiction authors, figure out ways that they could work for you, too. <\/p>\n
\u2022\tFind the nonfiction hooks in your story and locate related avenues to pursue.
\n\u2022\tGive entertaining live presentations.
\n\u2022\tBuild an interactive website.
\n\u2022\tDesign a book trailer.
\n\u2022\tPost a podcast on your website.
\n\u2022\tContact influential people in your genre or related to the nonfiction hooks in your book and ask them to help with promotion.
\n\u2022\tSolicit numbers of book reviews on the book page at Amazon and elsewhere.
\n\u2022\tSubmit stories and articles to appropriate magazines, newsletters and ezines to spark an interest in your writing style and stories. <\/p>\n
I know one novelist who got a speaking gig on a cruise ship simply by asking if she could present a program on board. <\/p>\n
I know authors of fiction and poetry who have sold quite a few books at book festivals. <\/p>\n
I met an author once who had taken his novel door-to-door and sold copies to his neighbors.<\/p>\n
I am aware of several fiction writers who successfully present programs to segments of their audiences.<\/p>\n
Most authors of fiction, these days, have their own websites, do book signings, donate copies of their books to be auctioned off, place their books in appropriate specialty stores, blog, get numerous book reviews and so forth, just like their nonfiction counterparts do. <\/p>\n
So tell me, what part of these promotional activities isn\u2019t meant for fiction?<\/p>\n
While each author must devise a marketing plan that works with his or her particular book, keep in mind that authors of both fiction and nonfiction can and should choose their promotional activities from the same pool. Never, never discount a book, article or presentation featuring book promotion ideas because you think they do not relate to your book. Most likely they absolutely do. You\u2019re just peering at them through a narrow slit in your mind.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s what I advise, study books on book promotion. Consider how you could manipulate or massage the activities to work well on behalf of your book. Use your amazing sense of creativity to design your own unique promotional activities. Open your mind to the possibilities and you will experience greater success.<\/p>\n
In the meantime, read my book, Promote Your Book, Over 250 Proven, Low-Cost Tips and Techniques for the Enterprising Author<\/em>. http:\/\/www.matilijapress.com<\/a> or http:\/\/amzn.to\/oe561a<\/a> <\/p>\n This book, by the way, has numerous tips, ideas and instructions specifically for authors of fiction, children\u2019s books and poetry.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" When is someone going to write a book showing how to promote fiction? That caught your interest, didn\u2019t it? Some of you novelists are saying, \u201cYes, when? It\u2019s about time these book promotion experts think about us and our needs.\u201d The truth is, folks, most book promotion books and articles related to book promotion are […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[5],"tags":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t