Book Marketing - A Marathon Not a Sprint

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I hear a lot of disappointed comments from new authors as they struggle to promote and market their books. Posting a couple of “buy my book” links is not all there is to book marketing. Good promotion is a marathon and not a sprint. It’s a lot of work, but if you put the time in, you will see results. Here’s what I’ve learned through the years…

While You’re Waiting - There is a lot of down time while you’re querying and waiting for edits. Use that time to build your author platform. You need the foundation for your promotional efforts.

  • Spend at least 30 minutes a day on your main social media sites. Interact and share others’ information. Work to build your followers. Follow people who have similar interests to you.

  • Build your email list. Participate in online contests to add readers of your genre. Take a sign up sheet to all of your in-person events. Put a sign up option on your website.

  • Create your marketing contact list of librarians, bookstore owners, and other authors. Relationships are important.

  • Make sure you have an author website. This is the hub of your promotions. Check to make sure everything is up to date. The look should match your social media sites.

  • Start driving traffic to your website. The easiest way is to have a blog with fresh content that will bring people back. (You will also need to promote your posts to build an audience.) Most websites don’t have frequent enough updates to bring people back regularly.

Network - Writing is often a solitary adventure, but you do need those special people who share your celebrations.

  • Find a writers’ group where you can share the good times and the disappointments. The support is invaluable.

  • It is much easier to get reviews, blurbs, and promotion opportunities if you’re part of a writing community. Plus, they are a wealth of information and experience.

  • Be a good citizen. Don’t show up on pub day and ask for a bunch of help unless you’re willing to return the favors.

  • Be willing to volunteer and help where you can.

Be Creative - Look for different types of virtual and in-person events.

  • Make a list of themes in your book. (For my latest, some of these are: vintage trailers, glamping, Blue Ridge Mountains, and Jack Russell Terriers.) Look for places that cater to these. My Delanie Fitzgerald mysteries feature a Sears Catalog house, and I was a guest on a blog that restores these classic houses.

  • Look for sales opportunities that aren’t book stores. I have friends who have book displays in restaurants, giftshops, and museums. We’ve done a lot of book signings at wineries and craft breweries.

  • Volunteering to conduct workshops, give talks, or teach classes is a good way to get your name out to new audiences. Some will even feature your books. And even if you can’t sell books, you can pass out bookmarks and share your contact information.

Book marketing takes a lot of time and effort. Start early and build your base. (I started with 3 Twitter followers.) Best wishes on your writing projects and marketing efforts!