Here’s a big fear we all have when it comes to writing a book: What if no one buys it? Book marketing answers that fear.
While having a small number of sales is always possible, with a little planning and advanced buzz, it’s highly unlikely. The key is to get others excited about your book and talking and sharing the news with their friends.
If you are an author, you know that marketing your book is an essential part of the publishing process. it can be surprising to realize that finishing your book means you are just starting the book marketing stage.
It can be difficult to know where to start tips on marketing, however, as there are so many different ways to market your book. Book marketing can be done in several ways. Pick the method that works for you, and be consistent in using and for best results.
Book Marketing Ideas
Here are 10 effective ways to market your book.
Host a Launch Party
Weeks before your official publication date, it’s time to start revving up the launch engine. Offering bonuses for early purchases, incentives for a review, and free chapter downloads are all proven strategies for building the buzz for your upcoming book. Invite guests, purchasers, and would be purchasers.
Social Media
Social media is a great way to reach a wide audience. Create a Facebook page or a Twitter account and post regularly about your book. Use catchy phrases and images to draw people in and post updates often to keep them engaged. Share your book image on LinkedIn also.
Livecasting
Find a willing partner and develop a plan for holding a live event to discuss the content of your book. Mention it at the beginning, middle, and end of the event and be sure to broadcast the link where people can buy the book. Livecast into a Facebook group or a LinkedIn page.
Make the Interview Rounds
Two to three months prior to your book release, have your virtual assistant begin researching podcasts, blogs and other media outlets for potential interviews. Create a press package to send out, including headshots, book cover art, blurbs and testimonials, and let everyone know that you’re looking for interviews and guest posting opportunities.
Networking
Networking is an important tool for any author. Attend book signings, conferences, and other events related to your book’s genre. This will help you meet other authors and industry professionals who can help spread the word about your book.
Blog About It
You are your own best publicist; so don’t be afraid to toot your own horn on your blog, in your email newsletter, and on social media. Include images of the cover, blurbs from advance readers, and give your audience plenty of time to get excited about the upcoming launch, so when the buy button finally goes up they’re eager to get a copy. Include an image, link, and book description in blog posts that address the content in the book.
Reviews
Reviews are essential for any book. Ask purchasers to post reviews of your book on Amazon and Goodreads. Encourage them to share their reviews on social media as well.
Boosted Posts and Ads
Facebook is a terrific way to get new eyes on your book. Paid ads leading to your launch page are ideal, and can generate a lot of traffic for a very low cost. Before you start spending money, learn the rules of the platform and of recommended advertising practices. Facebook ads procedures are in a constant state of flux.
Advertise your book on websites and social media platforms. This will help get your book in front of more potential readers. Amazon offers authors a way to advertise, and other platforms do as well.
Giveaways
Giveaways are a great way to build buzz and get people talking about your book. Offer copies of your book as prizes for contests or sweepstakes. (Be sure you follow the rules for selecting winners for a sweepstakes.) You can also offer digital or physical copies as prizes for reviews, or as rewards for people who join your mailing list or comment on your posts.
Free Kindle Days
This technique alone can catapult your book to bestsellerdom in a matter of days. The key is to build up a buzz on your mailing list, share, share, share on social media, and ask your friends and colleagues to do the same.
Book marketing isn’t as easy as simply listing it on Amazon and becoming an instant bestseller. Anyone who tells you that is the exception to the rule. But that doesn’t mean selling your book is impossible either. With some strategic planning and a little effort, you can have a fantastic launch, whether it’s your first book or your fourteenth.
These are just a few of the many ways to market your book. With a little creativity and hard work, you can get your book noticed and start building a fanbase.
Pat Iyer has written over 60 books focused on writing skills and legal nurse consulting.
