One of the biggest mistakes new authors make is believing that blindly mailing copies of their book (or, worse, emailing copies of their ebook) will result in sure-fire coverage by book reviewers and journalists. They waste this valuable opportunity by making several common mistakes.
Most authors learn the hard way that when starting out, traditional bookstore signings can be discouraging. Very quickly we are forced to find or accept more creative, even unusual venues to sell our books. When my first novel was released, I was horribly inexperienced in the world of marketing. I focused almost primarily on bookstores or festivals, scheduling twenty or more events in and around the Midwest that first year. Out of those twenty plus gigs, only two drew sales worth writing home about. Two.
Most writers are aware that using Twitter and Facebook, and advertising on their own web sites, are effective ways to get your name, message and materials to a great number of people. However, there are other avenues to work with…
Are you looking for new places to give promotion information on your latest release? I have several that I found helpful for press releases, promotional materials (bookmarks, pens, brochures with book excerpts, and other items), and media kits.
When most writers think of school book sales, they envision elementary students clustered around a book fair in the library. While children’s authors can capitalize on that setting, schools consist of more than munchkins seeking pop-up books.
Educational facilities range from kindergartens to high schools, technical colleges to universities, trade schools to adult education venues. Seas of students equate to captured audiences of potential buyers. Teachers buy a lot, too.
Amazon recently announced they would be removing other book names and links from book reviews. Some so-called book reviewers are furious about it…because they were accustomed to using Amazon’s book reviews option to promote themselves. While I’m no fan of Amazon, for once, they’re doing something I agree with!
Don’t pay for reviews that can ultimately harm your reputation!
As you enter into the world of publishing, you may ask experienced authors, “How do you promote a book?” or “What’s the best way to promote a book?” When someone asks me that question, I typically answer, “It depends on the book and it depends on you.” Anyone who responds differently could be leading you astray.
Just about every journalist and periodical editor has received countless press releases by email, fax and mail. While at WritersWeekly.com we don’t publish press releases, and never have, we are still inundated with them on a daily basis for everything ranging from publishing services to insurance for the self-employed. But, we get far more “new book release” press releases than anything else. And, let me tell you, even though I’m an avid book reader and buy several books each month, it is very rare that I receive a new book press release that keeps me interested past the first sentence.
Let’s say that you followed the advice of several publishing professionals and prepared a complete book proposal. Good for you! It’s clear to anyone reading your proposal that you have a handle on your target audience. You did a good job of showing that there is a need for your proposed book. Your synopsis and chapter outline are superbly written. And your promotional plan is impressive, indeed, except for one thing. It’s fake, counterfeit, phony, bogus.
