Author And Book Marketing Tips
Writers want their work to be read by many; it will mean that they can keep on writing for a living and not as a side-line. Starting out is always hard for any first-time writer. You do not know what to do or how best to market your work. You will probably not be able to afford a high-quality, big city P. R. Firm to do your marketing for you. You may not even have an agent. So how do you get your work known?
Many authors have had the smart idea of writing books about how to promote their books. They are serving their own needs by catering to others just like them. Some books are better than others and some may be just scams. However, you should look at what these authors are doing to get their books bought in the first place. They use new technology which can be free. Use the internet. Create fan sites. Try to link yourself up with as many search engines and online retailers as you can.
If you are a small town author, it is all the better. Living in a big city gives you access to the biggest publishers and agents, but writing a book there is no great news for anyone. In a small town you are far more likely to be noticed. The newspaper will want to interview you, the local news station will do a story on you, book stores may want you in for a book signing. Take advantage of every single one of these opportunities, because they will not come around again.
That said, keep a little mystery around you and be very aware of your own appearance. You are selling both your book and yourself. If you are dumpy or trashy looking, do not speak articulately, tell dumb jokes, or reveal everything about your book during an interview, who is going to want to buy your novel?
Dress well, too. If you do not dress professionally for public appearances, what makes anyone think that you can write professionally? Play up your contacts, you affiliation with local schools or business or sports teams. Make people proud that you came from their area. Keep in mind that people know your parents or remember you from high school. They want to see what you have done with your life.
Do not be afraid to put up fliers and do television spots. Network as much as you can, cash in favors, and do not burn any bridges. You will need as much help as you can get in moving your publicity up to the next level.
