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Turning an inspired idea into a great book is the goal of every aspiring author. Reaching that goal has become simpler in the digital age with advances in self-publishing technology. Still, publishing a book does not mark the end of the road for an author. It marks a new chapter and a new direction in their work with that book.
Achieving success as a self-published author hinges on attracting attention from your target audience. If an author writes a book and nobody notices, the costs of writing and publishing another book will not be worth it. Authors must put as much time and energy into marketing their book as they do writing it.
As a self-published author, you can use these five proven marketing strategies to create and retain an eager audience for your books:
1. Submit your work to bloggers
Nothing gets the word out about a book faster than promoting it through the blogosphere. Allowing other bloggers to review your new book is a calculated risk. You will get some negative reviews. On the other hand, you will also get some positive ones. Regardless of their personal taste, the fact that other bloggers connected to your niche or genre are talking about your work is valuable publicity. It will get followers of those blogs thinking about your book and maybe deciding to read it themselves.
2. Promote through your own blog
You don’t have to rely on other blogs to get the word out. Your own blog should be a primary tool in your marketing toolbox. Use your blog to announce book signings. Post excerpts of chapters to hook your followers into wanting to read the rest of the book. Your blog is fuel that keeps the engine going. It lets people know about your book and gives them a channel for finding your book.
3. Create real value with your book
An author is only successful when what they write creates value for their target audience. They must see tangible reasons for reading your book. What you write must impact their lives in a positive way. If your intended audience sees no value in your book, they will see no reason to buy it. Authors are most successful when they give their readers a reason to care.
4. Build for your next book
Sometimes, an author’s success only lasts as long as their next book. If you put all your energies into writing and promoting one book alone, your readers will slowly drift away after it becomes old news. Using your current book to lay the groundwork for the next book is a good way to keep them coming back for more. Always be working on your next book. Success is built one step at a time instead of all at once overnight.
5. Follow current self-publishing trends
Pay attention to your genre and follow trends in the publishing industry to stay on top of what is selling in the marketplace. Authors need to follow the law of supply and demand. Take time to refine your skills and develop your ideas into finished products that will draw the maximum amount of attention.