Dear potential author,
Book marketing can be one of the most rewarding or stressful factors of
your book. If you haven't noticed I kind of work backwards. There's
a method to my madness, thou. :-)
Marketing is second on the list as creating a buzz before it is launched
is extremely important. The more people who know about it the better
chance you stand to have a best seller. Eager eyeballs who wants to
devour what you have written equals sales.
Types of marketing:
1. Social media
2. Blogging
3. Forums
4. Website
5. Book reviews
6. Book giveaway
7. Online book stores
8. Book trailer
9. Book tours
10. Local newspaper
Having an online presence long before your book is finished is import.
You need to build a following. I realised it way too late, that's
why I have decided to write about it in advance.
Social Media
Being active on twitter, Facebook and pinterest is but a few social
media sites where you need to start contributing. Make friends but also
join fan pages or forums where like minded people ‘hang’.
Blogging
Blogging is a fantastic way to build a following. Blogger dot com
is an easy free blogging platform. Do
research on the types of blogging platforms out there. See what others
are doing. And if you don’t know how, you can always watch tutorials on
youtube.
Forums
Book forums like the Goodreads community is a fantastic place to find
readers. It is a social media site for book lovers. Check it out.
I am there. Click here to see.
Website
Remember, you are a brand. You need to build it. A website is
the perfect way to do this. You are spoiled for choice, but once again, please research your options. By the way, blogs can be turned into
websites, WordPress is one such blog site. There are free website places
like Weebly or you can do what I did. I host my account with godaddy.com
and I designed my site with Serif's Webplus.
Book reviews
Please don't skip this. Without reviews your book will not sell
very fast. Readers sometimes take a chance on a new author without a
review but don't hold your breath. Your book marketer will have a package
that can include a review option. Use it. A site like story cartel is
created for reviews. It is best to have reviews at least a month before
your book is published. Wish I knew this
before hand.
Book giveaway
I advise you to do this no less than a month
before your book is available for purchase.
Goodreads is a good place for this.
Once again, I have to bring to
your attention how important it is for your book to have exposure. This is a wonderful way of getting the word
out. At this stage, the giveaways are
for physical books only. J Signing it adds a nice personal
touch.
Book stores
An important thing to remember is that your book must be in online book stores, three months before the intended publishing date. This will ensure that your book has maximum exposure. Remember, it takes time for readers to find you.
Book trailer
Don't underestimate the power of a book trailer. It can be posted
on youtube and may other video site just like it. This includes your social media sites, book
marketing, etc.
Book marketing
There are many book marketers out there. Shop around to find the
best deal for your budget. I have worked
with Debra from The Book Enthusiast. She is very good.
Always ready with wonderful advice.
Keeps you calm and on schedule via email correspondence. Once
again, I urge you to find what is working for you.
Local newspaper
Getting published weather traditionally or self-published is a big deal.
Contact your local newspaper at least 2-3 weeks before your book is
available. Write a short query about
who you are and your book. They are always keen for a story. I did
this. Then tweeted and shared the
article from their website.
Enough said on the subject. Book marketing success will depend on
one thing, timing. Timing is
everything. It can mean sales or no
sales. So start your book marketing
efforts ahead of time. You don’t want
to be caught with your pants down, so to speak.
Until we meet again,
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