Yesterday, I shared five things that you really must do in order to promote your book and yourself. These were from a talk I gave at the Ventura Book Festival over the weekend. Here are the remaining five.
6: Arrange for Book Signings/Demonstrations/Performances
Read this article about how to experience a more successful book signing. http://www.matilijapress.com/articles/booksigningtips.htm
7: Get Involved in Social Media
The number one thing to remember when promoting a book through social media (such as Twitter, Facebook, Linked-in) is not to promote. Instead, become known as an expert in your field, be helpful, provide links when appropriate. Exposure is the name of the game in this setting, not promotion.
8: Write Articles and Submit Stories
Resources for Submitting Articles/Stories
Books
A Writer’s Guide to Magazine Articles by Patricia Fry ( http://www.matilijapress.com) — $6.50
This book walks you through the process of writing and submitting articles as a way to make a living or to promote your book.
Writer’s Market ( http://www.writesdigest.com) About $30 in most bookstores.
This is a directory of publications that publish fiction and nonfiction and it also provides instructions and tips for submitting your work.
Course
Article-Writing Course (online course taught by Patricia Fry)
http://www.matilijapress.com/course_magarticles.htm
(See Patricia’s array of additional courses on self-editing, memoir-writing, book promotion, writing a book proposal and self-publishing.) http://www.matilijapress.com/courses.htm
Online directories of publications
http://www.writersmarket.com
http://www.woodenhorsepub.com
9: Hook-Up
• Join organizations related to your topic/genre.
• Join author/publishing organizations in order to keep up with book promotion opps.
• Subscribe to numerous newsletters and read them.
10: Spy on Other Authors
Tips for Picking Up Book Promotion Ideas and Leads
From Other Authors
Locate authors in your genre or on your topic by doing a Google search, surfing through Amazon.com and visiting bookstores.
• Check out websites of authors in your genre or on your topic. What can you learn about their website design—the way they showcase their book, etc?
• Look at their Media pages to find out how they’ve been promoting their books.
• View their Testimonials pages. Who is listed there?
• Visit their Appearances pages to see where they’ve been speaking.
• Show up at one of their book signings.
• Contact these authors to discuss book promotion techniques and opportunities.
Bonus Book Promotion Ideas
Attend book festivals
Make news (Do something newsworthy and report it.)
Appear on radio/TV
Donate books
Create related books, booklets or other products
Present workshops, seminars and/or webinars
Contact Patricia Fry at PLFry620@yahoo.com. Visit her websites:
http://www.matilijapress.com
http://www.patriciafry.com