It has happened again\u2014twice this week. Authors have written their books, managed to get them published and now want a quick course on book promotion. <\/p>\n
They email me saying, \u201cI have a book, now how do I promote it?\u201d When I attempt to get a little information about their books, they are often reluctant to share much. All they want to know is, \u201cwhat can I do to make sales\u2014lots of sales?\u201d And they want you to make it simple.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s as if they think there is a formula or that book promotion is a cut and dried process. Well, there is no formula\u2014no cookie cutter procedure. However, some pay-to-publishing companies would have you believe there is. Many of them offer one-size-fits-all promotional packages. One even charged their authors, who could afford it, thousands of dollars to sit for one-hour in the company\u2019s booth and give their books away at a major book festival. <\/p>\n
So how do you promote your book? First let me tell you that I write about over 250 different book promotion ideas in my book, \u201cPromote Your Book\u201d (Allworth Press). John Kremer lists over 1000 in his book. There are books focusing on Internet marketing and books on public speaking and interviews, etc. as a way to promote your book (see \u201cTalk Up Your Book\u201d by Patricia Fry). And there are thousands of different kinds of books, each with a specific audience and authors with different skills, aptitudes, energy levels, etc. <\/p>\n
There\u2019s no getting around it, in order to sell copies of your book, you must promote it. But the path you choose may differ from every other author you know. What is appropriate for an ambitious children\u2019s book author might not work for an elderly author of a memoir. The promotional activities pursued by the author of a novel would probably differ from those who have penned a travel guide. And even authors with similar books might experience success through very different promotional means.<\/p>\n
This is why I teach, preach and nag hopeful and struggling authors to study the publishing industry. Along with that, you\u2019ll learn a little about book promotion and what it entails. Take your studies a step further and study books and newsletters related to book promotion. Join organizations such as SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network) to learn more about this topic. And attend lectures on book marketing.<\/p>\n
Open your mind so that you are prepared to take in the concept of book promotion and be realistic in choosing which activities to pursue.<\/p>\n
Writing a book is a daunting task. Getting it published using the best option for your particular project takes time and a lot of study. Promoting your book is the most difficult, time-consuming and energy-draining aspect of publishing and it is ongoing for as long as you want your book to sell. So, wherever you are in the process of producing a book, start NOW studying the publishing industry with a keen focus on the huge process of book promotion.<\/p>\n
Read, \u201cPromote Your Book, Over 250 Proven, Low-cost Tips and Techniques for the Enterprising Author.\u201d It\u2019s available at Amazon.com in print, Kindle and audio. It\u2019s also at most other online and downtown bookstores as well as at my website: http:\/\/www.matilijapress.com<\/a> <\/p>\n