This is the last in my publishing series. See others in this series posted at this blog site November 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 14 and 17.
Today, we’re discussing book promotion. But what you read here in this small space is only a snapshot of the reality of the topic. There are entire books written on the subject, including mine, Promote Your Book, Over 250 Proven, Low-Cost Tips and Techniques for the Enterprising Author. Order your print copy here: http://www.matilijapress.com/PromoteYourBook.html or purchase a print, audio, or Kindle copy at www.amazon.com.
So you’ve been reading each post in this series and you have a much better understanding of publishing and your responsibilities throughout the process. Perhaps you’ve chosen a publishing method and have started production with your book. (Hopefully, you took time out to have your manuscript edited first.) Now it’s time to start promoting the book. You must spread the word; let your particular audience know it exists. Here are the steps to promoting a book:
- Know who your audience is.
- Know how to approach this particular audience and be willing to do so.
- Understand the concept of enticement—sharing the highlights and benefits of your book in order to pique consumer interest.
- Be consistent and persistent in promoting your book.
What is the best way to promote a book? It depends on the author and the book. It also depends on the audience. It is vital to know your audience, their habits, their interests, where they hang out, how/where they purchase their books. You need to offer them something they want—that, perhaps, they can’t get anywhere else. Then you must find a way to reach them and tell them about your book in such a way that they take a second look. For genre fiction, you want to offer your readers a story similar enough to those they’re familiar with so you satisfy the aspects they crave.
Your promotion material should be in alignment with the theme of your book—crisp, clean, and to the point or light, fun, and enticing, for example. When promoting a book, it’s important to share benefits rather than features. Sure, some features are important, too. A cook will appreciate a cookbook that lays flat, a hiker will be more interested in a book of hiking trails that fits in his pocket. So mention those features, as they can also be considered benefits. What other benefits do you provide for the author? Will the reader learn something new, be entertained, laugh out loud or even become thinner, richer, prettier, sexier, etc after reading your book? What’s in it for the reader?
I’ve met authors with amazing promotional material and creative handouts, which they distribute helter skelter. As I said above, it’s imperative that you write your book for a specific audience and then approach this audience with your promotional message. Too many authors simply email a few friends and family members to tell them about their book, then rely on their publishing company or service to spread the word. The author might create a website or blog site around the theme of their book, but neglect to promote it.
So what are some of the best ways to locate and approach your particular audience?
- Connect with organizations and clubs related to the topic or theme of your book. Speak at their meetings and conferences, run ads and/or articles in their newsletters, get involved in their discussion groups, ask to have your book featured at the organization site, use the member list to contact members individually and so forth.
- Likewise, submit stories/articles to magazines and newsletters published for your audience.
- Visit appropriate blog sites. Ask to be guest blogger, leave comments, ask to have your book reviewed, etc.
- Contact book reviewers and ask for book reviews.
- If your audience is among the general public—readers of historical fiction, caretakers of an elderly relative, parents of toddlers, pet owners, etc., go out and speak at civic club meetings, have a booth at local community events and, certainly, have your book for sale in local bookstores.
Book promotion today means reaching out. People buy books from authors they know and trust. So it is important that you mingle among potential customers.
I’m participating in a small neighborhood holiday boutique next month. I’ll have my Klepto Cat Mystery books (cozy mysteries) for sale. Although I talk about my books everywhere I go, I’m sure there are neighbors who don’t know about this series or who know about them, but haven’t had the opportunity to come face-to-face with the author (me) in a shopping environment. This is a good opportunity to sell books and to get additional exposure.
Now, go out and get that book of your dreams published. Remember the following:
- Choose a topic, theme, or genre that is salable. (Do you actually have an audience?)
- Study other books on this topic to make sure yours has something new and important to offer. Study other books in your genre to make sure you’re on track with your story.
- Hire a good book editor. (Contact me for a free estimate and sample edit.) PLFry620@yahoo.com http://www.patriciafry.com
- Research your publishing options and choose carefully.
- Read a good book and follow blogs related to book marketing.
- Create your marketing plan early and expect to promote this book for as long as you want it to sell.