How Do I Market My New Book?

You're a published author! Now what? That's the real issue for most self-published or print-on-demand authors - the marketing. Knowing how to write and publishing a fabulous book just isn't enough if you don't know how to get in front of a wide enough audience to really generate sales.

Marketing is essentially the art of getting as many people in as many places as possible to take an interest in your book. It sounds easy, but can be incredibly time-consuming and complex. There are some basic steps to follow, however, that will put in on the path to becoming the author whose name is mentioned across the country soon enough (or at least in an awful lot of coffee shops and Internet cafes!).

The Press Release

A press release is the essential first step. Get over the idea that this is "tooting your own horn," because you are your own publicist at this point - it's your job. Type up an effective, interesting press release and send it to all the major newspapers. Provide a separate version to local newspapers that covers the local angle, i.e. "local writer sees first novel in print." You may even get an interview request. If you don't want to send out endless press releases, consider one of the press release services on the internet that can provide you a bulk rate for this service.

The Local Angle

Every town loves a home-grown celebrity, so contact your local radio stations, television studios and newspapers directly. Send them a copy of your book with a brief note mentioning that you are available for interviews. Interviews grant an astonishing amount of interest, and you can mention you next book if it's underway as well. If you were born and raised in the area or wrote a book that has a local hook of some type, so much the better. Mention all of this in your note and fan the local flames of interest. These things spread!

Trade Publications

Write articles for trade magazines, local weekly newspapers, and any other small print publications that have a tie-in, however indirectly, with the subject of your book. In your article, mention the title of your new book to generate interest.

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