Yesterday I blogged about how to use competing books to promote your own book. And when I indicate “competition” I mean it in the kindest, friendliest sense.
Your “competitors” are simply other authors with books on a similar topic or in the same genre as yours. And I’m not suggesting stealing from them or undermining their efforts in any way. Instead, I want you to learn from them and align with them, where possible. Here are a few more ideas for doing that: (Read the post for November 14, 2009 for additional tips and ideas.)
Find out who is reviewing their books. Where did they get book reviews? Perhaps you could solicit reviews from the same reviewers.
What publications have supported their books in some way? Consider contacting editors of similar magazines and newsletters.
Some new authors might wonder how to locate authors of books like theirs.
• Do a Google search using key words related to the topic/genre of your book.
• Subscribe to Google Alerts http://www.google.com/alerts
• Use the books you chose for the competitive books section of your book proposal.
• Locate books like yours in the section where your book would be stocked in local bookstores.
• Keep a watchful eye on the books and authors mentioned in the trade, consumer or genre publications you subscribe to and at the sites you frequent related to your book’s topic/genre.
Book promotion is hard work. Making a sale is getting harder and harder. It is to our benefit to connect with others who are also struggling (or who are succeeding) in this effort. That’s why we recommend that authors at any stage of their project join SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network). Check it out at http://www.spawn.org. You will be amazed at the value provided for a $45 annual fee.