Writing, Self-Publishing, Book Marketing

So you’ve done the work, overcome a busy schedule, beaten back personal doubts and published your book. You witnessed your life dream come to fruition when you first cracked open the cover of your book and ran your finger over your name on the smooth pages.

So … what happens now?

If you’re thinking, “Now I’ll just sit back and wait for the royalty checks to pour in,” you’re going to be sadly mistaken.

Most publishers don’t offer a lot of marketing for their books, especially self-publishing companies (yes, that goes for Wordclay, too). Some authors publish for a limited audience of family, co-workers or friends, and for these authors, they don’t actually need to do anything else. However, if you’re among the majority of authors who want to compete in the book market, hoping to sell at least a handful to perfect strangers with your ultimate possible outcome being world domination, then it’s time to get to work.

The truth is, if you don’t market and promote your book, no one will know that it exists. Not librarians, bookstore owners, students, book club leaders, not people browsing for a book on Amazon – no one.

It’s time to take action with these seven easy and inexpensive book marketing tips to get started promoting your book:

1. Get with the times and get online.

Anyone can have a blog or Web site, so you’ve got no excuse. Blogs and sites are an easy way to increase your Web presence, keep readers updated with upcoming events and create a relationship with your readers. Here are a few to consider:

• Author Tree.com – Create a free author Web site at AuthorTree, an ever-growing community of writers.
• WordPress.com – Hey, they gave us a blog, and they’ll give you one too (it’s free plus you can pay extra to get cool upgrades).
• TypePad – Dynamic blog platform with affordable monthly rates.
• Blogger – A free blogging platform owned by Google.

2. Rehearse for your grocery store cameo.

You might manage once or twice to roll out of bed and sneak to the store for a gallon of milk, escaping unseen through one of the “U-Scan” checkouts. But sooner or later, you’ll run into someone you know, and it will most likely be someone you haven’t seen in years, an ex or your boss. Maybe you can brush off the embarrassment, but don’t let this happen to your book.

It’s helpful to prepare a short description, or pitch, of your book for occasions when you bump into just about anyone. For instance, when you run into your old work-friend Tom at a store, you might casually mention that you recently published a book. And, his response will most likely be: “Really? What’s it about?” Instead of stumbling through a ten-minute long explanation as Tom begins planning his escape to the next aisle, you can deliver a compelling answer in 30 seconds or less that will blow him away (along with anyone else listening).

Rehearse your book’s pitch and be prepared. You’ll be surprised how often it comes in handy.

3. Give them something to take home.

When you’re out and about, make sure you have marketing materials on hand. Remember your old work-buddy Tom from the grocery store? Well, let’s say you give such an impressive 30-second pitch about your book that he wants to check it out – the perfect opportunity to whip out a book business card with all the info he needs.

A business card is a powerful package that should always be kept on your person. It leaves potential readers and business associates with a little reminder that they can always refer to later when browsing online. You could also print bookmarks with ordering information and leave a few at coffee shops, bookstores and libraries to reach new readers. It’s all about being prepared to network at unexpected times in any situation that presents itself.

4. Create a book trailer.

With more Internet video platforms popping up left and right on the Web, anyone with video software can make a book trailer and distribute it to the masses. Browse through YouTube to get an idea of what works well and what doesn’t. Determine which still images draw you to click on them first. How long can you watch a video before wanting to stop it halfway through? Think about what kind of message and feeling you want to deliver and how you can acheive your goals by incorporating video, pictures and music. If you’re not too tech savvy, there are companies online that will create a book trailer for you, but make sure to consider the cost and possible return on your investment.

Once you’ve created a book trailer and uploaded it to YouTube, don’t stop there. There are tons of other video platforms where you can upload your video, such as Google videos, Metacafe, Dailymotion and Revver. Plus, you can post your video on your Web site, blog, Facebook page and link to it in forums and message boards.

5. Get creative locally.

Yes, you want to take the world by storm with your book, as you rightfully should. But, it’s best to walk around the block before trying to run the Boston Marathon. Start by setting up a book signing at a local bookstore. Contact a local independent newspaper to inform them about your book. Call a local radio station. Arrange a reading at a library, bookstore, coffee shop or school. Set up a booth at your nearby farmers and craft market. Piggyback with a fundraising event to raise public awareness and provide free books as prizes. There are tons of opportunities – you just have to put forth the effort and be a little creative.

6. Be your own biggest fan.

Get to know your book inside and out. Who is your audience? Why should someone read your book? What makes your book unique? What are interesting facts about you or your writing background? Pump of your self-esteem for the day and think about all the things that could make you and your book interesting to others. The better that you can answer these questions, the better you’ll know how to reach your audience and future readers.

7. Start talking

Word-of-mouth marketing is an easy way to reach out to your niche audience locally and nationally. Having a blog or Web site is a good start, but take a step further to truly spread the word. Start connecting with notable and active members within the online writing community. Carve time out of your day to read and comment in forums, message boards and other people’s blogs. Create a page on MySpace, Facebook, and join other groups. To encourage others to spread the word, give people a clear simple idea that can be relayed to others books, such as a 25- to 35-word description.

Promoting your book will take some time – it’s a task, that’s no lie. But you must promote if you are expecting any sales. By implementing these inexpensive and (relatively) easy ways to promote your book, you will have started in the right direction. Feel free to post any of your own tips or tactics that are particularly effective or let me know if there are certain promotional topics you’d like to know about more so.

-Angie