It’s time to start thinking about your 2012 conference calendar. Although, some conference organizers already have their speakers and workshop leaders lined up for their May and June events, others are still auditioning presenters for their early spring conferences. And, while some slates for fall 2012 events are full, the organizers of others haven’t even begun to choose their conference staff.
If you would like to promote your book through conferences, start by developing a few good programs or workshops related to the theme, topic or genre of your book. Practice presenting them, all the while fine-tuning them. Make sure the presentations are geared to your audience and that they are designed to teach and share—that your audience will learn something new or gain new insight.
Locate appropriate conferences through these links:
http://www.shawguides.com
http://www.allconferences.com
http://www.bvents.com
Whether your book is on finances, business management, sports, cosmetics, foods/cooking, the sciences, photography, travel, technology, health, mythology or practically any other topic, there is a conference somewhere that focuses on that subject. If your book is fiction, you might be able to get a speaking slot at a writers’ conference. Can you speak on character development, give a good presentation on promoting a book of fiction or offer something of value on research for fiction, for example?
What are the benefits of speaking at conferences? You get exposure for yourself and your book. You earn a level of credibility in your topic. And you may sell a few books. If you offer services related to the theme of your book, you may also get a few new clients from the conference experience.
Conferences operate differently. While some pay all expenses for their speakers, some pay only for the hotel and access to the entire conference (meals, etc.). Others might offer just conference admittance, including meals served as part of the conference. It’s up to you to determine whether you can afford the experience.
I always sell books at these events. Sometimes I gain a new editorial client or two. I generally travel to two to four writers’ conferences throughout the year and, while one event might cost me $500, I might earn as much as $2,000 from another one. And I do value exposure!
In my opinion, conferences are a great way to promote your book and they can be a lot of fun.
Course on Platform-Building Offered
Do you have a platform? Would you like to establish one or build on the one you have? If you are an author of a nonfiction book or you are in the process of writing one, you might want to sign up for my online Platform-Building course. The first session begins Wednesday, October 12. You’ll receive a lecture and an assignment by email every Wednesday for 6 weeks. By Thanksgiving, you could have a solid platform to use in pitching your book to publishers and agents as well as to use in promoting your book to your audience.
Contact me today to find out if you are a good candidate for taking this valuable course. PLFry620@yahoo.com. It’s only $150.00. I will take the first 8 students who contact me and qualify. Course description here: http://www.matilijapress.com/course_platform.htm
And don’t forget to order your copy of Promote Your Book, Over 250 Proven, Low-Cost Tips and Techniques for the Enterprising Author. You’ll learn more about promoting your book through conferences and much, much more. http://amzn.to/oe56Ia