Do you rely so much on technology to promote your book that you’re neglecting the personal touch? Do you spend so much time posting on your facebook page, tweating several times a day, setting up sophisticated sales gimmicks at your site and so forth that you don’t go out and speak face-to-face in real time with potential readers?
Sure, we have many customers we have never met, which is the beauty of today’s technology. But I maintain that your strongest promotional asset is your personality. While we can maintain relationships with some customers using technology, we should also get out and meet our potential readers personally.
This summer:
• Do a reading at a local library.
• Sign books at a couple of busy bookstores in your community.
• Sign up for a book festival.
• Reserve a booth (or share a booth) at a flea market.
• Participate in open mic night at a neighborhood coffee house.
• Arrange to greet patrons at a specialty store related to the theme of your book.
• Mingle with other writers at appropriate events.
• Ask a neighbor to invite friends in for an evening of fun around the theme of your novel.
• Arrange for signings and other activities when traveling.
• Locate or create speaking opportunities within the community.
As you have probably learned by now, book promotion isn’t a one-time activity. It isn’t a matter of either marketing online or doing signings or getting book reviews or speaking at appropriate conferences. It’s the whole enchilada. We must pursue many avenues of promotion, even those that might be outside of our comfort zone.
For help understanding the concept of book promotion and guidance in establishing your marketing plan, be sure to order your copy of Promote Your Book, Over 250 Proven, Low-Cost Tips and Techniques for the Enterprising Author. It’s available in print and on Kindle at amazon.com as well as other online and downtown bookstores. Also available at my website: http://www.matilijapress.com
Tomorrow I’d like to discuss those real-time activities you’ve attempted and perceive as having failed.