I was going through my notes from the 3rd Annual Writer’s Block Party where I was a panelist with fabulous book writing and publishing professionals: Libby Fischer Hellman, Dan Burns, Mare Swallow and Dana Kaye.
Book Marketing Tips from the Writer’s Block Party
- Partner with authors within the same genre to create book bundles
- Hold book contests with winners randomly selected by raffle copter
- Either write blog posts or interview with different bloggers on virtual book tours
- It’s okay for authors to have low traffic and an engaged following on their social sites
- Publishers do check the social media profiles of authors
- You want to be nice to everyone regardless of their titles and positions
- Traditional marketing strategies to consider: book signings, libraries, flyers, giveaways, ask people to read the book and write a review
- The rate for publicist services can range from $15 to month upwards of up to $10,000 per month. Ask publicists about the services they’ll be offering for their rates
- Publicists get proposals from multiple people per day so make your stand out
- Call the authors on publicists websites for references
- If you can’t afford publicists’ services, pay for a consultation
- Write publicity and marketing plans for your book
- Be wary of people offering packages. Do your research because individual services may be less expensive
- Call local newspapers, contact bloggers
- Remember, publicists have access to people you don’t. Consider investing.
- Go out and meet people
- Attend as many educational networking events as possible
- Create an author page on Good Read
- Develop an author media kit
- Always carry a case of books in your trunk
Resources to Write, Publish or Promote Your Books
Additional Considerations
What are you selling? A book, a brand or different products
What are you trying to accomplish with your book? Publicity has a lot to do with what’s next. Always be working on the next thing.
What About You?
What are some book marketing tips you can add to this list?