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BOOK
MARKETING TIPS GET YOUR OWN WEBSITE: Do this early. As soon as you even
think about getting a book published, secure your name or the title of your choice for your website. I had www.lindarainwater.com
for 5 years before my book was published. It’s not much money, and it is worth the price.
JOIN ONLINE GROUPS: There are many groups online that give you a place to post writing
and get feedback. Eventually, your participation in these groups will give you added publicity. Check out Author’s Den,
FanStory, Writers.com.
AMAZON.COM: A real must is to get your book listed on Amazon.com. It is not difficult to do. Utilize their options
for scheduling events, link to your website and back to Amazon, and many more freebies.
Your aim is to be readily located on search engines. One year ago, my name yielded one entry
from the minutes of Washington Independent Writers. Today, I have at least three pages of listings. You won’t
be read unless you can be found!! CHECK OUT
YOUR LOCAL PAPERS: You can’t get reviews if you are self-published, but you can get something better–articles. Approach
newspaper columnists who do local interest stories and offer yourself for an interview. It’s better than a review that
only a few people will read or believe. Give them a photo and book cover file, too.
ADVERTISE IN LOCAL PAPERS: Place an ad especially to announce
a book signing or special event.
ARRANGE
BOOK SIGNINGS: Don’t believe the statement that you can’t get into big bookstores for signings. Go personally to the
bookstore. Ask to speak to the person in charge of signings. Tell them you are local, and if you have had other signings, point out
how successful they were. Have an enlarged laminated copy of your book to attach to a desk announcing who you are. Have cards
and maybe some type of gift, a bookmark or something related to your book. Take photos and add those to your website.
Don’t forget small bookstores! And other places such as malls, craft shows, etc.
Be aware of special requirements.
When I had a signing in one mall, I was shocked to learn that I was required to have a one million dollar insurance policy
on file before I could set up a table. Luckily, the university where I used to teach let me use the one they had on
file. Don't just assume you can set up shop anywhere! TV
AND RADIO TALK SHOWS: Look into Radio, Television Interview Report at www.RTIR.com.,
and Talkers Magazine at www.talkers.com. They will assist you in working up an
ad. Get ready to talk as you wait for the phonecalls.
BOOK CLUBS: Contact local book clubs and offer a discount to the members if they choose your book, and offer to attend
the discussion to talk about your work and answer questions.
MAILINGS: Order postcards with your book cover and information about yourself and how to order the book.
Get mailing lists from organizations.
LIBRARIES: Libraries have committees that decide
on what books to place on their shelves. The automatic reaction might be to say "No" to self-publishers.
Talk to a local librarian, donate copies to be considered, if necessary.
You never know where an ad or a contact will lead you. An ad in the Washington Post Book World lead to a call from New
York Times Book Review, and an offer I couldn't turn down to be listed in their December 3rd Christmas edition. With
15 million readers, the Times is the place to be seen!
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