Marketing Your Book

Savvy authors begin preparing to market their books before the book is even completed. Writing the book is only half the battle; even the best book in the world won't sell if the author doesn't market it effectively. Leading indie book publishers make available comprehensive book marketing services to help authors maximize their marketing efforts. Below are some venues and methods to consider when marketing a book.

• Traditional media relations: The media landscape is evolving quickly with the emergence of social networking, online media outlets and blogs; however a well-placed story in the daily newspaper or a radio interview can lend your book credibility and encourage readers to give it a look.
  
  Journalists in these types of outlets are inundated, so reaching out to them effectively can be a challenge. Hiring a book publicist, experienced in promoting indie book titles, may be one of the best investments an author can make. Leading indie book publishers many times have experienced publicists on staff that can provide you with this invaluable service.
  
  
• Online and viral marketing: Every year more and more readers are making their book purchasing decisions online, so it makes a great deal of sense to market where the buyers are.
  
  An optimized Web site with e-commerce capabilities can allow readers to learn about your book in a customized online environment then purchase the book instantly.
  Large email campaigns targeting millions of readers, who've opted in to receive such emails, can allow an author to reach an unprecedented number of authors quickly and inexpensively.
  Viral marketing through videos puts a face to the book and allows the book buyer to feel a closer connection with the author. Click here for a sample of an author video produced by a leading indie book publisher.
  
  
• Social Networking: A specific form of online marketing, social networking has exploded in popularity in recent years. The emergence of Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn and Twitter. Social networking can be amongst the fastest and most effective ways to keep in touch with your readers; however setting up an effective social networking platform can be confusing. Some indie book publishers make services available for setting up social networking resources.
  
  
• Book Events: Book readings and book signings are a great way to get your indie book title out to the reading and buying public. It's always best to start local and work your way out (think of the ripple effect created when a pebble is dropped in a pond). Indie book publishers many times offer book-signing services and products to help authors hold successful events.