There are effective ways and less effective ways to promote a book. Most authors are busy people. We run businesses, work outside the home, care for a family and house, maintain a writing career, have a social life and promote one or more books. So it is important that we use our time wisely. Here are a few tips toward more efficient book promotion:
• Create a website designed to promote your book before your book is a book. And make sure it is absolutely complete and functioning accurately before sending announcements to your list. For example, is the ordering function in place and is it crystal clear for anyone wanting to purchase your book.
• Provide a way for each individual to purchase your book. Some people use PayPal. Others will only pay by credit card. And still others prefer to send a check by mail. Accommodate each of your potential customers, or you may, inadvertently, turn some of them away.
• Send promo packages and/or notices to your email and snail mail list letting potential customers know that your book is available—but only after you have your ordering options in place. Then repeat the mailing/emailing every few months. Try to preface each mailing with a pertinent announcement or message to capture the customer’s attention. Let them know when you are running a special, when your book won an award, when you are coming out with a new book or an accompanying workbook or when you are presenting classes in your topic, for example.
• Maintain a more intimate relationship with your audience by creating a monthly newsletter designed to inform, entertain and teach with regard to your book’s topic or theme. Of course, this is also a sales tool, so use it to promote your book.
• Periodically bring out new booklets, reports, workbooks, etc. to entice additional sales. And be sure to inform your customers and potential customers about these products.
In some instances, there is the right time and the wrong time to promote a book. You may be eager to tell the world about your book, but make sure that you are ready to accept orders before you start spreading the word.
Visit Patricia Fry’s bookstore and resource center: http://www.matilijapress.com and stop in at her new personal website: http://www.patriciafry.com