The role of publicizing books is increasingly the author's responsibility.
Once a book is published, the next step is to find readers. Finding readers requires letting people know the book exists and enticing them to read it. Below are six ways to bring attention to a book.
- Business Cards. Authors may find business cards with an image of the book’s cover incorporated are preferable to plain business cards for book promotion. Business cards should contain the author’s name, website, and email address. A phone number and a mailing address can also be included. If including a mailing address, it’s a good idea to use a PO Box rather than a street address. Business cards are easy to carry and to give to people who express an interest in an author’s work. They can also be sent for inclusion in goodie bags at conferences. With the right software authors can make and print their own business cards though there are many inexpensive printing companies such as Vista Print.
- Bookmarks. Most readers use bookmarks, so they make a good promotional tool. The bookmark should have an image of the book cover, a couple of blurbs about the book, the author’s website, and possibly a short summary of the book. A simple design that has strong visual appeal is the best way to go. Bookmarks are easy to carry and give away. They can be given to people reading books in a public place like the airport, given to libraries and bookstores to distribute, and provided to conferences for their goodie bags. Authors can make their own bookmarks, especially if they only need a few; however, there are companies such as Overnight Prints that are reasonably priced.
- Postcards. Authors may also find postcards useful in alerting potential readers to a new book. Postcards can be mailed to people who have expressed an interest in knowing when a book is released. This includes writers’ organizations of which the author is a member, author friends, family, and friends. Authors should be careful not to send postcards to people blindly as they may irritate rather than entice if sent to the wrong people. Libraries and bookstores receive so many postcards they may not garner the desired attention. Postcards also make good items for goodie bags at conferences. Authors can make their own or order through a printing service like the two aforementioned companies.
- Book Signings. The author may or may not read from his/her book or talk about writing at a book signing but will always sign books and talk with readers. Authors schedule book signings to meet fans and to entice readers to try their book. Group book signings can be particularly beneficial is attracting readers to the event and provides the opportunity for authors to find new readers. Of equal value is the opportunity to meet book store managers and/or owners and develop an equally beneficial relationship. Bookstore managers appreciate authors who behave professionally, engage staff and customers in conversation without being overbearing, and who show enthusiasm for the event. Making a good impression on bookstore managers will be beneficial when future books are published.
- Teach Workshops. Beginning writers are always looking for tips to improve their chances of getting published. Authors can help other writers by developing a few workshops to present to writers’ groups, at conferences, or other writers’ events. In an author feels unready to produce a full workshop, he or she can look for panels where the responsibility for providing information is shared by several panelists. The presentation shouldn’t sound like a sales pitch for the authors book. If authors present helpful, interesting information in an engaging manner, attendees may be enticed to buy the author’s book. Always make sure arrangements will be made for books to be sold at the event.
- Give Books Away. Authors will find it beneficial to donate books to libraries, especially libraries with a connection to the author. Requests for reviews should include a book unless guidelines instruct otherwise. Authors should be prepared to provide a book to media people interested in writing an article about the book or interviewing the author. Another way an author can draw attention to his/her book is to donate copies for conference goodie bags or raffles. Any copy given away should be directly related to creating publicity for the author and the book.
Books only sell when potential readers hear about them. These steps will help get the books in front of readers who will recommend the author’s books to other readers – the best publicity. For tips for online book promotion, please read Six Ways to Promote a Book Online.
The copyright of the article Six Easy Ways to Promote a Book in Resources for Writers is owned by T. L. Cooper. Permission to republish Six Easy Ways to Promote a Book in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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