Your new book has just gone to the printer or publisher. You’ll be holding it in your hands within three to eight weeks. What should you be doing in the meantime? Well, promoting it of course.
Here are some ideas for promoting your book while you’re waiting for it to become a book. You should have been doing some of this even during the process of writing it:
1: Build a website and, if you are the publisher, arrange for a merchant account system.
2: Start blogging regularly on the topic or theme of your book.
3: Get involved in some of the social media sites: FaceBook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.
4: Send notices to your mailing list and email list offering a pre-publication discount—purchase the book before a certain date and get a 20 percent discount.
5: Create promotional brochures and order business cards.
6: Talk about your book wherever you go and hand out your promotional material.
7: Arrange for speaking engagements spaced throughout the year.
8: Write articles (or submit stories) to appropriate publications. Promote your book in the bio at the end.
9: Make connections with leaders in your field/genre.
10: Research and list the managers of specialty stores, websites, companies, institutions etc., as well as professionals who might be interested in using your upcoming book in some way—selling it, recommending it, etc.
11: Write promotional letters to send out to your lists once the book arrives.
12: Check out conferences related to the theme/topic of your book. Contact the organizers of those you’d like to attend.
What can you add to this list? Send me your ideas—let’s get creative and help other authors.
My new book, Promote Your Book, Over 250 Proven, Low-Cost Tips and Techniques for the Enterprising Author is scheduled for release a month from now. You can pre-order this book now from amazon.com.