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Today’s self-publishing options can give authors the opportunity to release their work to the public without needing the help of a major publishing corporation. However, this does mean that self-published authors must handle all marketing and promotional duties themselves. These tips can help you do just that as efficiently and effectively as possible.
Obviously, your primary goal is simply to attract the attention of people who might be interested in reading your book. Alas, there will be no paid-for book tour for you. Even most mainstream publishers are skipping them now, simply because they are frequently not cost effective. The cost will likely also prohibit you from purchasing glossy full-page spreads in magazines to which your prospective readers subscribe.
Fortunately, there is no need to mourn the absence of this type of “old school” book promotion moves, popularized by almost a century of mainstream book publishers. Today’s new book world gives you access to other promotional options the “old school” never enjoyed.
Social media is frequently one of the most powerful such options. Successful authors gradually accumulate a devoted following on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter, giving them a head start on promoting each new book. The specific social media strategies different authors use can vary quite a bit.
For example, many writers have had success using social media to promote the “free book” idea. After you have built up reader interest with several posts about your book, offer a free or substantially discounted book to all who request one during a certain short period of time. For example, you can start this project before your books is officially published, and offer the book free for a short time on “Publication Day.” The people who request your book should be asked to submit reviews or testimonials about how they liked the book that you can then use in other promotional efforts. If you are concerned about giving away too many free copies, simply limit the promotion to the first 50 requests (or whatever number you choose).
In addition, you will want to contact as many popular book bloggers as possible. Write to as many of those related to your niche as you can find, asking if they would like to read and review your book. Send a PDF copy to the ones who respond; follow it up with a “Hope you’re enjoying my book” message in a week to ten days simply to remind them to post a review that will hopefully attract you readers.
Now, it is time to take your book on the road. Armed with several copies of your book, visit all the brick-and-mortar bookstores in your region. Ask to speak to the manager, then show him or her your book and ask for a place on the store’s shelves. Promise to give a free reading and book signing; this benefits the store by attracting additional customers and you by spreading the word about your book.
The beginning of your career as a self-published author will undoubtedly be a challenging one. With persistence, however, you can gradually build a following that makes each book you write easier to promote than the one before.