People often ask me, “What’s the best publishing option?” I respond by saying, “It depends on you and it depends on your project.” Authors also ask, “What’s the best way to promote a book?” And my answer is the same, “It depends on you and it depends on your book.”
I’ve written many, many blog posts and articles, as well as books, on book promotion. Some of the articles and chapters reflect specific promotional ideas for certain types of books—e-books, novels, children’s books, etc. Today, I’d like to point up some of the specialty marketing ideas authors can pursue on behalf of their particular books. And I invite you to share some of your more creative and more successful book promotion ideas for your children’s book, mystery, how-to, memoir, novel, etc.
I told you recently about the two authors with a book of funny quips and big sense of humor who set up a lemonade stand in front of a busy Sunday farmer’s market. They charged $10 for a glass of lemonade and gave each customer a free copy of their book. Clever and cute and it worked for these funny guys.
I love the idea of having home parties to promote mysteries, and some other types of novels. Bring props and costumes and ask guests to help you act out a scene from your story. This could be a take off on the old murder mystery shows where guests participated in solving the crime.
For a cookbook or various types of how-to books, the author can give demonstrations during home parties, at community fairs and events and even during club meetings and conference presentations. Show how to caramelize onions, roast vegetables, make quick and tasty condiments, apply first aid, build a birdhouse, use household items as beauty aids, etc. I have a friend who used to demonstrate how to make some of the crème brulee recipes from her book. I once presented a full-blown luau to promote my book on presenting a luau on the mainland.
Children’s books sell best when presented to children in some interesting, enticing way by an upbeat author. I’ve watched children’s books fly from booths at book festivals and flea markets when the author interacts with young visitors to the booth and/or their parents or grandparents. And I’ve known authors to sell books by the crate after reading from their books to groups of children in schools, at libraries, etc.
You’ll notice that all of my examples depict the author involved in face-to-face interactions with their readers. That’s because I believe this is one of the best ways to promote many books. I sell my books on publishing and book promotion to people who have heard me speak on an aspect of these topics. Folks who follow this blog also purchase my books, as do authors who read my articles in other publications. In the case of reference and how-to books, the author must demonstrate his or her credibility in the field in order to gain the trust of their proposed audience.
When you engage in book promotion, do you strive to gain a rapport with your targeted readers? Do you seek ways to attract readers through personality as well as credibility?
What are some of your favorite book promotion activities? Which ones work best for you and for your particular book?
For help with your book marketing plan and for some creative new book promotion ideas, read my latest book, Promote Your Book, Over 250 Proven, Low-Cost Tips and Techniques for the Enterprising Author (Allworth Press). Order your copy at Amazon today. http://amzn.to/oe56Ia