If you write novels, you are probably not the most assertive marketer for your books. And you probably agree with the majority of novelists that books, blog posts and lectures on book promotion are prepared strictly for nonfiction writers. So untrue!
Exactly like your nonfiction author counterparts, you need to know who your audience is, where they are and how to approach them. And you must approach them in order to let them know that your book exists. Your book won’t sell itself. So how do you approach your audience? Pretty much the same ways as nonfiction authors do.
Go out and speak to them, get your book reviewed many times over, send press releases, engage in social media, join appropriate organizations, build an interesting and useful website, blog and create amazing promotional material, for example.
Your speaking venues might be different, your 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’ll follow the same basic path as anyone who is promoting a book.
Whether you write fiction or nonfiction, you will reserve space at book festivals where you can promote your 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, fantasy, thriller, adventure, mystery, how to, self-help or spiritual book 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.
Now tell me, if you can, how is the task and the concept of book promotion different for those of you who write novels?
For over 250 book promotion ideas, including over 150 specific tips and suggestions for novelists as well as many examples, order your copy of Promote Your Book by Patricia Fry (that’s me). It’s available at amazon.com as well as most other online and downtown bookstores. In print, Kindle and audio.