Sep 1, 2010 - Comments: 0

Writing the Book Was Just the Beginning: 5 Ways Authors Can Promote Themselves (and Sell More)

Posted by CDG Interactive under CDG Clients , Interactive Marketing

Weight_site If you’re a writer, it probably seems like the hardest part of getting your book into the hands of readers is, well, writing the book.

These days, though, writing is just the beginning of the journey, particularly for self-published authors. After the written word becomes the printed page, even authors with the weight of a major publishing house behind them must then begin the process of marketing their books—and themselves.

Since most authors consider themselves writers, not marketers, this can get a little overwhelming. What are the options? Where should you start? (How do you get on Oprah, anyway?)

We’ve been working recently with author and health counselor Dawn M. Adams to help design, publish and market her first book, Weight! That’s Not The Issue. Here are 5 key steps we’ve taken to help promote the book and introduce Adams to her audience.

5 Ways Self-Published Authors Can Market Themselves and Their Books

1. Online bookstores. Once your book is published and has an International Standard Book Number (ISBN), you can add it to the online bookstores: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and the iTunes Bookstore. Amazon also allows you to create and edit your own author page which will become more important as you publish more books. Adams purchased her own ISBN number directly which gave her control over how she added her book, but self-publishing companies like Lulu and Blurb can also do this for you.

2. Book website. If you do nothing else, you should have a website for your book. Register a domain name that matches the book title, if possible; Adams’ book site, for example, is www.weightthatsnottheissue.com. Include content about your book and about you, and make sure it’s optimized for search; before launching Adams’ site we conducted keyword research and optimized all copy. Include links to purchase your book from the online bookstores, to connect with you through social media and to read your blog (see below).

3. Social media. Readers increasingly buy books from authors to whom they feel connected, particularly in categories like self-help. Social media gives authors a way to make an immediate connection with potential readers and become a trusted resource. Use Twitter to find and interact with users who are interested in your book’s subject matter. Post videos to YouTube to talk about your book, or the one you’re writing now. Create a Facebook page and host reader Q&As on a weekly basis or give away books to fans. Connect with book lovers at Goodreads.com. Start a blog and incorporate this content and more; feature it on your book site.

The key in all cases is to truly engage and interact, and not just spam and sell. And you don’t have to do it all at once. In addition to being an author, Adams has a busy work schedule, so we worked with her to develop a schedule that would gradually build up her social media participation in a manageable way.

4. Author events. You don’t have to be famous to have a book launch party, just persistent. Identify local bookstores that sell books like yours and contact the manager to find out what the options are. Look for other retail outlets that might be a good fit as well. Adams’ book has a health focus, so we suggested she target health and nutrition stores.

5. Media outreach. Getting your book reviewed is a good way to get exposure to potential readers and buyers. Don’t limit yourself to print media; many bloggers review books as well. Determine who reviews books at your local paper, and search for bloggers who review books on your subject matter. In Adams’ case, we looked not just for reporters and bloggers who cover books, but those who cover health, fitness and nutrition.

These ideas are just the tip of the iceberg, of course. Another great resource for self-published authors is the Book Designer blog with tips on marketing as well as getting your book designed and published.

As for getting on Oprah? Well, we have to confess we don’t have any secret tips for that!

Your Turn

  • Are you a self-published author? How do you reach your readers?
  • Book lovers: How do you find out about new books? What are some ways your favorite authors are promoting themselves?

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