I’m having an interesting email debate with a novelist—and I hope to get more fiction book authors involved. The debate involves the differences between the way fiction and nonfiction authors promote their books. Is there any difference? Some of you may have both fiction and nonfiction books. Are there differences in the methods you use to promote them?
Sure the speaking venues might be different, the reviewer list may have different names on it, your press releases might read differently, your presentations will have a different flavor, you might join different organizations, your blog and Facebook entries will read a bit differently, you’ll seek out different media to approach with your promotional material, but you are still going to go out and speak, get reviews, send press releases, join appropriate organizations, blog, engage in social media, contact the media and so forth. Right?
You’ll reserve space at book festivals for your fiction or nonfiction book. You’ll talk about your book everywhere you go. You’ll send notices about your book to your massive mailing and emailing list. You’ll seek out appropriate websites, specialty stores, etc. through which to sell your fiction or nonfiction book. You’ll add to your line of books—for fiction, a sequel, a play, an audio book: for nonfiction, a spin-off booklet or a related item, for example. Whether your book is a romance novel, mystery, how, to, self-help or spiritual book, for example, you might enter it in contests, run contests, do book signings, do seasonal marketing, employ sales representatives, have your book available on Amazon, tweet and submit articles/stories as a way to increase sales.
So what is the difference between the way nonfiction and fiction authors promote their books? Why would the author of fiction say that a book brimming with these very book promotion activities (and many more) would say that book is designed more for the nonfiction author? I still don’t get it. Do you? Here’s another question, if you believe, as I do, that there is little or no difference in the basics of book promotion for the fiction or nonfiction author, why do you think novelists believe there are? Why are they so eager to discount books like mine as not relating to fiction authors?
I will send the person with the best answer to my questions a free copy of my latest book, “Promote Your Book, Over 250 Proven, Low-Cost Tips and Techniques for the Enterprising Author.” Leave your comment here or email me at PLFry620@yahoo.com
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