Promoting Your Books

Most authors struggle with promoting and marketing their books. More often than not, it takes time and patience to grow your fan base and sales. The recent pandemic has reduced the opportunities for book signings and other direct marketing events. This makes it doubly important to create other promotional and marketing strategies.

I started with a couple of ways to use social media, but over time, I've broadened my scope. You don't have to do this totally alone. There're networks and groups already established that can help you. Tap into them. For example, there're many Facebook groups that hold regularly scheduled book celebrations. Some of them are themed, such as new releases or Western books, but you should be able to find groups where your books fit. Join them, contact the administrator, and participate in the events. You can have your posts with your bio, your book information, some fun questions or activities, and perhaps a giveaway already prepared to post. Stay on the page as much as possible on the day of the event to answer questions, make comments, and interact with readers.

Don't forget blogs, either. Some authors and authors' groups regularly have guest bloggers. I have become associated with some wonderful, well-known authors and have written a blog to be posted on their site. This is another great way to get new readers, and it doesn't take as much time as committing to a day's event.

There are also radio broadcasts and podcasts that regularly feature authors. I have done several of these and have always enjoyed them more than I initially thought I would.  You can often find invitations from these online, too, especially on some of the pages for authors' groups on Facebook. You might also contact your local radio station or even a television station that has a program featuring local stories.

As I become more involved and comfortable with marketing, new avenues are always opening. Recently, a fan contacted me and wanted to do a conference call with her book club. I talked with them for about 30 minutes on the phone and enjoyed every minute of it. I would like to pursue more of these because speaking with book clubs has always proved successful for me.

Explore the possibilities. Began small and expand on it. Seize every opportunity you can that comes your way and fits your writing. They are out there when you start looking and not hard to find. And most of all, have fun with it. Promoting and marketing shouldn't be a burden but an adventure and a joy.

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