Marketing Suggestions
How can I sell more copies of my book?
Marketing your self-published print on demand (POD) or ebook comes with its own set of challenges that signed authors don't encounter. You (probably) don't have a huge advertising budget, or a marketing department to get you an interview on Good Morning America. So what can you do?
You've put it on Amazon, crossed your fingers, and now hope someone will stumble across it. You've told all your friends, your relatives, and even talked it up with your co-workers. Now what?
You may be frustrated with how to get the word out to a larger (and more lucrative) audience. So here's some suggestions for how to increase visibility so you can continue to ring up your sales.
10 Marketing Suggestions for Your Self-published Book
~Author Interviews (online and in-person)
Seek out blogs who deal with subject matter that is similar to what is covered in your book. Bloggers often struggle to constantly post fresh content and will welcome the opportunity to post an online interview. Have your own set of 5-10 questions and answers ready to give them. Call or write local radio/online shows and offer to phone/Skype/visit for an interview. Community access television programs are also a good way to get your name and book out to a wider audience.
~Reviews
Nearly all book review sites experience a lot of web traffic and can be a a great source of new readers. Just be sure your book is the best it can be and that it has been properly edited, or this can backfire on you. Be wary of those sites that request a hard copy, as some are merely book collectors who will turn around and sell your book online. Try to "gift" them a free ebook download instead.
~Social Media
If you don't already have an author Facebook page and Twitter account - start them. Don't promote your book endlessly or people will tune out. Instead, try to keep it to one posting about your book per every ten postings about other topics. Be sure to set up each site under your author name, not the title of your book. Start an interesting blog that people will want to follow. If your book deals with a subject that lends itself to a lot of visuals, start an Instagram account as well.
~Book Fairs
Having a table at a book fair can be an expensive solo proposition. Are you a woman who writes crime novels? Join Sisters In Crime and share a place at their table. Look up past book fair attendees and see if there is a group that's right for you to join. Pool resources with your fellow writer friends to pitch in and purchase a table together.
~Author Fairs
Many libraries have local author fairs where each author reads from their book, then sells them from their own table. These are usually free for participants and attendees alike. Independent bookstores often have these as well.
~Book Clubs/Writing Clubs
Join a book club or writing club to present your book to a new audience. Maybe your book can be the selection of the month that everyone reads and discusses? Offer tips on how to publish a book to those who have not yet taken the leap.
~Become a Volunteer Reader
If you wrote a children's book, volunteer at local story hours or schools to read it. Children love to hear the same book over and over again, and their parents may purchase it. There are also organizations for the blind, disabled, and elderly that would love to have you come in and read for their patrons.
~Public Speaking
In addition to writing your wonderful book, have you had other interesting experiences? Many service organizations would welcome you to speak at their weekly/monthly meetings. And while you most likely won't be paid for your time, they will let you set up a table and sell your book when the meeting concludes. Again, keep in mind that you are not there to pitch/sell your book, that is just the icing on the cake after your interesting presentation.
~Donate Books
While this may sound counter-intuitive, donating books to schools, hospitals, or other organizations is not only a kind and generous thing to do, it can create goodwill and be a great promotional opportunity. Which leads us to our last tip...
~Press Releases
Every time you have a speaking engagement, donate books, read to others, or something similar, send out a press release to your local paper. While the larger city papers will not cover it, smaller papers often need filler. And if you include a professional photo of the event, that's even better!
Best of luck with your new marketing plan!
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great tips and tricks to get your self-published book
out to a wider audience! We look forward to seeing you there!
great tips and tricks to get your self-published book
out to a wider audience! We look forward to seeing you there!