Every book author requirements publicity. In a excellent globe, the nearby media would be glad to do stories about our function. But we do not live in a excellent planet and book marketing and advertising is an uphill battle.
I’ve been an independent journalist for decades. Years ago, the neighborhood newspaper published a story about one of my books. When I contacted te newspaper about my new book, the person in charge of book reviews refused to give me any coverage. “We’ve already done a story about you,” she declares.
Her reply was disappointing, to say the least. The reviewer acted as if my writing career was over and I was by no means going to write yet another book. She was wrong. Although I wrote dozens much more books, advertising continues to be a struggle.
My present publisher markets my books via its website, electronic newsletters, and conferences. I’ve added a weblog to my website, write Net articles that extend my books, post on Facebook and LinkedIn, and give talks to community groups. All of these actions enhance sales, yet I would like to get much more nearby publicity.
Portion of the issue is that my recent function focuses on loss, grief and recovery, tough sales in any economy. Americans do not think about these items until they encounter loss. I sent media releases to the newspaper and television station, but didn’t get any publicity.
So I’m taking a distinct advertising route. I’m asking friends to contact their churches and see if the guild would like me to speak. When I ask my buddies to assist, I make it clear that I speak for free.
My publisher exhibits its books as well as other grief resources at national conferences. To acquire exposure, I’ve offered to autograph books at conferences. This is an high-priced offer since I pay for transportation, lodging, and food.
I’m submitting stories to anthologies that pay little or nothing. So far, I’m represented in two anthologies and each has published a brief blurb about my books. In my mind, brief publicity is better than none.
To help keep pace with publishing I joined 3 specialist organizations. I send notices to these organizations when I have a brand new book. This may or could not enhance sales since, in a sense, I’m preaching to the choir.
I’ve changed my grief talks to general talks about becoming an independent author. This is really a “softer sell” than a talk about grief and recovery. I’ve also added some funny stories to my talks and audience members love them. However, when I speak to a grief organization, for example the nearby chapter of The Compassionate Buddies, I keep the humorous stories and focus my remarks on recovery.
Lastly, I’ve signed up for three marketing newsletters, all electronic, and responded to dozens of requests. The outcomes have been meager, but I feel they’ll increase, especially when my next book, which has nothing to do with grief or recovery, is obtainable online.
Authors like you and me cannot sit back and wait for sales. We need to be involved in book marketing and advertising and remain involved. Make a marketing and advertising program, function on it, and cross off points as you do them. When you’ve completed with this strategy, make yet another, and an additional. Show your publisher, and yourself, that you believe inside your work.