Promotion, Promotion, Promotion

Authors nowadays seem to have to wear two hats. One for the writing process and one for the business end. An on-line presence and platform is a must. One marketing firm suggest that book promotion should be done a year before the book actually hits the shelf (real and virtual). Yikes! I’ve been perusing the on-line discussions about marketing books and ebooks, and have posted as much information as I can on Facebook to help my author colleagues with how to pimp their book. Even writing a blog is precious time away from creating an author’s bread and butter.

Here are some ideas to help with the promotion process:

·         Create a professional looking website or blog (or both)

·         Get involved with Social Networking – Facebook, Twitter, Linked etc.

·         Create a video trailer for your book and get it in front of your readers

·         Do a blog tour

·         Get reviews of your books posted on-line (preferably on your blog)

·         Podcast

·         Become a commenter and subscribe to a few blogs in your genre

Most authors dread the marketing process. It’s a tough gig if you’re not a natural born salesperson. Marketing guru Seth Godin suggests to build a media company, or join a book club with authors to help pimp each others books. Ultimately the success (or failure) of a book now falls upon the author’s shoulders one hundred per cent.

The key is to coordinate your life. Know yourself enough so that you’ll promote your book in the areas you’re strongest in, and delegate the tasks that you’re weak at.

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