Promotion
Promotion. How most authors hate that word and all it implies. Your book is about to be published and a good percentage of how well it sells depends on how much and how well you promote it. We're told, don't wave a banner saying "Buy my book! Buy my book!." Instead, engage readers, entice readers, dangle a lure in front of readers—so they will buy your book. These days we authors have become quite skilled at promoting our books. It's part of our job, and being creative people we've learned to promote in creative ways.
Promotion often involves spending money. There’s that old adage “You have to spend money to make money” But there’s no foolproof method of knowing what will bring in sales. A BookBub promotion which costs big bucks might be very successful one time but not another. I don’t spend a lot of money on promotion. I’m hoping that word of mouth, great reviews, and the promotion that I do do will spread the word about my books.
The one "rule" that I follow regarding promotion states that authors should promote in ways they find comfortable. I enjoy chatting with readers on Facebook, having Facebook parties when I've a new book coming out. I join friends' parties as well, and I'm happy to offer a giveaway and have the opportunity to chat with readers about a
writing-related topic.
I enjoy posting on the various Facebook cozy groups' pages when I've something to report about my books. And, much to my surprise, I enjoy putting out my newsletter every four to six weeks. For years I avoided doing a newsletter for fear that I'd have nothing to say. But it turns out that there's always something to report. From the feedback I receive, I've learned that many who receive my newsletter I like finding out which books I've been reading and the TV shows and movies I've been watching.
I do a virtual blog tour when a new book comes out, and I've joined Writers Who Kill, where I blog once a month. I enjoy speaking, and while I don't arrange too many speaking engagements, I do a book signing at my local Barnes & Noble when a new book comes out and speak locally when asked. I attend a few conferences a year, where I love getting together with my writer friends and readers and I taking part in panels.
I've learned to always keep business cards and bookmarks on hand because I never know when I'll be meeting a potential new reader—in a doctor's office, on an airplane, in a store. I've been pleasantly surprised by the number of people I meet who have told me they enjoy reading mysteries.
How do you promote your books, and which methods do you think are the most successful?
I'm the most comfortable with Face Book, though I should learn Instagram. I carry business cards and talk about my anthology publications. I donated a copy of my last anthology to the local fitness center. Short stories make a good read while grinding out the miles on the elliptical, treadmill, and stationary bike. I'm assembling a list of local organizations with guest speakers, exploring opportunities with the county library system, and making a list of book fairs within a two hour drive: Columbus, Indianapolis, Lexington, Cincinnati.
ReplyDeleteAgree about Facebook being a comfortable zone. I know I need to get more things out there, though, but they suck time away from things I enjoy. Thanks for this post - makes me think again.
ReplyDeleteIt's a hard trying to balance writing, promotion, and family life. I used to think that if I'd had a wife and secretary how easier life would have been. Now I'd like to add a publicist to that list.
ReplyDeleteMargaret,
ReplyDeleteI also feel I should learn more about Instagram. I visit it from time to time to look at the lovely photos.
Debra,
There's never enough time for busy people!
Grace,
Having a publicist sounds great. We're often our own publicists.
Such a relevant post! I'm afraid I've been derelict in the promotion department. And of course it's reflected in my sales (or lack thereof.)
ReplyDeleteI do my best to promote authors by interviewing them. Of course, my real problem is that I don't have that problem---yet!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post. Thanks, Marilyn. I think one of the best takeaways you write about is: promote in your comfort zone. I, too, like chatting and speaking about the writing and publishing process. And I do think it's some of the little things that count, such as listening to readers and other writers, handing out the cards and bookmarks, posting on FB and Instagram (which I've yet to do). I am sunk into the Twitter world lately after my publisher gave me a nudge and told me "to get with the social media world." It really does suck you in, but it's a good way to connect....
ReplyDeleteElaine—I hope you have the problem of promoting your books very soon!
ReplyDeleteNancy—my Facebook account is set up so that everything I post goes to Twitter too. I didn't arrange this, but maybe you can find someone to do it for you.
Great post, Marilyn!
ReplyDeleteI always carry some of my books in the trunk of my car and I've sold many that way through the years. For example, I was waiting in line at the post office when the woman behind me complimented the knit hat I was wearing and asked where I bought it. (It was winter. LOL) When I told her I'd gotten it at a local craft show where I'd also had a booth selling my books, our talk turned to one of my favorite subjects: books. It turned out that her daughter loves to read and she went out to my car with me and bought a set of my Malone mysteries. You just never know! :)
Pat,
ReplyDeleteI agree—You never know! Good for you, keeping copies in your car!