First Word

  So, you’re ready to publish your book, but you’re not ready to promote it. You may not know what it takes. If you don’t want to promote yourself, you can hire an expert like myself (email me at info@3LPublishing.com ). If you don’t have a promotional budget, here are some things you can do on your own.   No. #1 – Join all applicable social media platforms well in advance of your book’s official release . You can set up your Instagram, Goodreads, Facebook or TikTok accounts long before your book releases. You can begin advanced promotion to attract readers who are ready to buy your book. You also want to ensure you’ve built your following ahead of time, too. Without a strong following, you won’t get the necessary exposure.   No. #2 – Create a blog and start using it . Blogger is free. Write related articles and content for your book’s promotion. It doesn’t have to be specifically about your book, and it probably shouldn’t be. You can highlight m...

Promo Sheet/Flyer --your promo sheet should be loaded with great quotes from reviews about your book. If you don't yet have professional reviews, use testimonials. Put an image of your book on the sheet. Use it to hand out to prospective readers. Stand near your sales area and direct those readers to your sales table for actual purchase. Bookmarks --nice bookmarks with brief information about your book. Bookmarks take the place of business cards and should have your URL and general contact information along with where to purchase the book. Large poster board of book cover image --an enlarged poster-size image of your book cover created on a cardboard of foam-core backing to protect it. Do not date anything on the image so it can be easily reused from event to event. Bring a sturdy stand to put it on.

One of the best ways to invest your marketing dollars is in book festivals. You can't look at a festival as a singular marketing strategy. Festivals return on investment (ROI) comes from the outreach and networking done to promote your book and get copies right in the hands of readers. When attending a festival as an author, here are some activities that will deliver precious ROI: Reviewers --hand the book and pitch it right to book reviewers. Meeting and talking about your book directly to a reviewer is much different than an email pitch. Make it memorable. Have you elevator speech prepared and deliver it effectively in 30 seconds or less. Make sure you collect the reviewer's business card so you can follow-up. Readers --try and useful trick to build your following; do book giveaways with the request that the readers post Amazon reviews in exchange for the copy. If you have a series you're working on copy giveaways are worth it. Fan following equals bigger sales for t...

An often-read post on this blog involves either book marketing techniques or storytelling tips. So I thought I would share what I think is the no. #1 book marketing technique that gives you the most for your investment -- festival participation. Book Festivals : find a book festival near you that specializes in your book's genre. Book festivals are typically hosted by libraries and other nonprofits and sell booth space for as low as $400. Some of the big ones are the LA Times Book Festival (tables though run around $1800 for a 10 x 10); Miami Book Festival (tables cost $400 upward); RT Book Lovers Convention (this year it's in New Orleans); and Tucson Book Festival (where else? Tucson, Arizona). What return on investment can you expect from a book festival? Direct outreach with your audience/readers . You can meet and greet would-be readers and promote your book. Point of sales , you can sell right to your readers and make some money and spread copies of your books in va...