Yesterday, we talked about marketing locally. Here are some ideas for starting your book promotion campaign close to home.
1: Contact librarians, bookstore, specialty store managers and so forth to arrange for signings, demonstrations, readings or other programs appropriate for your particular book. You might also make a consignment deal with store managers. Specialty stores might include toy stores, hobby shops, craft stores, bakeries, coffee shops, florists/nurseries, pharmacies, pet stores, fashion accessory shops, automotive/motorcycle shops, wineries, print shop, used book stores, organic food stores and so forth—depending on the nature of your book and the scope of your audience.
2: Set up programs and speeches for civic group meetings and other organization, club, association meetings and events. Start with Kiwanis, Rotary, etc.—those clubs that meet often and are always seeking good programs. Consider groups that you belong to—businessmen’s/women’s business organizations, retired businessmen’s/women’s organizations, church or school affiliated groups, real estate board, hobby clubs (photo, cars, bee-keeping, organic gardening, quilting, car club, cooking and so forth.)
3: Participate in flea markets, book fairs and other such activities. Most communities have an annual event—here it is Ojai Day. In other California communities, it is Horned Toad Day, Citrus Festival, Avocado Festival, Fiesta, and so forth. Often, there are opportunities for locals to sell their wares. Arrange to reserve a booth or share with someone.
4: Donate and volunteer. Most communities have events and activities throughout the year that rely on volunteers and donations. I’ve donated my Ojai history book over the years for many causes—fundraisers for local schools and community projects, for example. Often they need items for silent or live auctions.
5: Appear on local TV or radio.
6: Seek visibility within the community. Volunteer, for example. When I was promoting my local history book, I was appointed to the Historic Preservation Commission. Since I began spending more time and effort promoting my books for authors, I’ve been involved with SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network), a networking organization for authors that began right here in my county. I’ve also belonged to various writers groups and I always participate in author-related events and activities locally. You could start up or join a group related to cooking, crafting, hiking, animals, fashion, gardening, flying, racing, water sports, photography, etc.
7: Launch a project locally. I know a young writer of children’s books who launches a book drive every year. Another author I know produces book fairs in her area. Organize an author’s week or day in your city. Arrange for story time at your library or children’s bookstore. Do walking tours to promote your local history book. Serve a recipe from your cookbook at a local wine bar one weekend. Organize a nature walk to promote your novel set in the wilderness or a signing at a pet store for all local writers of books involving animals.
I’ll bet a nickel that I’ve included some ideas you’ve never thought of before. And I’ll bet a dime that you can come up with even more of them.
For many more ideas for promoting your book locally and world-wide, order your copy of “Promote Your Book, Over 250 Proven, Low-Cost Tips and Techniques for the Enterprising Author.” It’s at amazon in print, Kindle and audio as well as in most online and downtown bookstores.