Never Squander Your Book's Release

Hi, Loretta C. Rogers here! You’ve written your first novel and whether it’s published through a traditional publisher or indie-published, pre-selling your book is important. So, here’s the question, “How do you pre-sell your book?”

Pre-selling is like training for and running a long marathon; it’s a process that requires planning. When I was a beginning author, my book marketing budget was almost zero. In addition to limited funds, I discovered that many successful authors were not inclined to share their marketing strategies. Trying not to get discouraged, I set about thinking of different ways to market my book without spending a lot of money. I began paying special attention to television ads, newspaper ads, and billboards—what drew me in and what turned me off. This is what works for me. Please note that I make no guarantee that these techniques will bring you success. However, feel free to grab a notepad and jot down these ideas.

One: A social media presence A) build a webpage using free sites such as Weebly, Wix, Wordpress, etc. B) Create pages on FaceBook, Goodreads, Instagram, etc.

Two: Create promotion each week to help build buzz about your book A) do a cover reveal ( use sites such as Canva, or Microsoft Power Point to make books ads.)

Three: Link up. Always include your social media-links with all of your emails and social media updates. (This makes it simple for readers to find your book on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, KOBO, and other web retail sites.

Four: Contests. Hold contests, do chapter reveals, conduct giveaways, and host your own blog tours.

Five: SWAG. People love free stuff. Swag is a good author marketing investment in general. With some smart planning, Swag doesn’t have to be expensive. Once you have it on hand, you’ll be amazed at how many ways you come up to use it, which will enhance your marketing efforts on multiple levels. Set a budget. Google sites such as Vista Prints, Earthly Charms, Ninth Moon, 4imprint and others.

Six: Join book promotion sites. Check FaceBook for book promotion groups. (Always check to see if book promo sites are free or charge a fee i.e. BookBub, Fussy Librarian)

Seven: And most important—BUSINESS CARDS! You need these. They’re small, they’re inexpensive, and they’re savable. You can make them personal and focused, and they will point readers to your author website. Business cards should include your name, contact information i.e. your website, Facebook, Twitter, and other media sites. They should also have your tagline or compelling brand. Keep them with you at all times. You hand business cards out like mad. Everyone gets one. People save them. Writing is a business. Cards are necessary.

There are times when I’ve felt like running out in the middle of the street and yelling buy my book! While you can’t bribe people into buying your books, like I said in my June article, the thing that sells your books is that you’ve written a great book, a terrific book. And now you need to get readers buzzing about it.

Just keep in mind that whether you’ve chosen the traditional or self-publishing route, nobody will be a bigger champion for your book than you. Never squander your book’s release.

And speaking of book releases, I’m excited to share that FATAL PASSION book #1 of my new mystery series makes its debut June 21st.

Grab your copy of FATAL PASSION.

Loretta C. Rogers for Pen Dames