Today, we welcome guest blogger, Sandra Beckwith:
In today’s publishing environment, writing and publishing a book isn’t enough. It’s a huge accomplishment, for sure, but it’s just the start.
Whether today’s authors have a printed version or an e-book, whether they’re traditionally published or have gone the indie route, they also have to promote their books so readers learn about them. Many know this and are smart enough to lay the groundwork long before the book is available http://bit.ly/paCKuX, but for others, the realization that they now have to get the word out comes as a big shock.
Don’t worry, though. If you have the right tools in your book promotion toolbox, you’ll be able to build a solid foundation for your book’s success. And, just as a screwdriver, hammer, and saw serve different purposes, each one of these four book promotion tools contributes in a unique way.
1. A plan. You might have heard this quote related to planning: “Failing to plan is planning to fail.” I believe it was Yogi Berra who said, “If you don’t know where you are going, you will wind up somewhere else.” Take some time to learn about book promotion, then develop a plan that incorporates tasks that will help you get your book title in front of its target audience.
2. A website. I’m a little surprised at the number of authors who don’t have one. It’s essential in today’s online-driven marketplace. Your site doesn’t need a lot of razzamatazz, but it does need to look and feel as good as your book. Find a few that you like and use them as role models.
3. A press release that announces your book. You plan on sending out review copies, right? Every copy needs to be accompanied by a press release that announces your book’s publication http://bit.ly/Q34AtL and describes what readers will find between the front and back covers. It is the most essential author publicity tool because it has so many uses.
4. A whizbang, knock-em dead book announcement e-mail message. All you’ve talked about for the past year (or two, or 10) is the book you’ve been writing. Now you want to tell everyone in your e-mail address book that it is finally published and available, Be careful about how you share the news http://bit.ly/Mnzm0L, though – you don’t want to overwhelm or annoy them.
There are lots of other tools you might want in your toolkit, too, but if your time is limited, you can be assured that these essentials will work hard on your book’s behalf.
Sandra Beckwith is an author, freelance writer, and book marketing coach. Subscribe to her free book publicity e-newsletter, Build Book Buzz, at http://www.buildbookbuzz.com