Promoting locally is something that I feel to be very important for authors, and something that I think is often overlooked. Over the past few weeks, I've had articles written about me in several local and regional newspapers (most on the front page), and I have events scheduled at local schools, libraries, community organizations, and bookstores. I think that it's part of human nature to have a certain amount of community pride, and most people are very interested and excited to hear that someone in their surrounding area has written a book. It's viewed as quite an accomplishment.
These people see you at the grocery store and at community functions. They feel like they know you, even if they only have a thin connection to you. It's important for authors to remember that these people are far more likely to support you and tell others about your book than people that don't feel any kind of attachment to you.
But all of this can be very time consuming, and it’s only a few sales…right?
This is true; local promotion most likely isn’t going to transform you into a bestseller. But we can't forget the importance of customer ratings and reviews for online retailers. These ratings are an integral part of the new world of digital publishing. When local fans comment to you about your book, encourage them to post a rating and review. This, in turn, helps get the word out to the rest of the world. Those that feel a connection to you are more likely to take the time to post something because they want to show their support. So while promoting locally isn’t going to make you rich, it’s definitely not something to be dismissed or ignored. In fact, I feel that promoting locally can be one of the most cost effective and rewarding forms of marketing that you can do as an author.
I know it may seem early to start talking about Christmas but when it comes to book marketing it's never too soon to put some plans into place.
As has now become a tradition here at Writers and Authors, the annual Christmas Wish List feature will return in December. A whole month worth of suggestions for books as Christmas presents.
The aim is to offer a different type of book on each day to inspire gifts that will appeal to the different tastes of friends and family of all ages. Books featured can be available in any format (print, e-book, kindle etc...). In fact electronic versions can get last minute sales from shoppers who are running out of time and can't face the idea of yet more Christmas crowds or for those who have relatives or friends far away.
If you would like to have your book considered for the 2011 feature please email with the following information: - book title
- author name
- ISBN
- publisher (self published also welcome)
- formats available (print, kindle etc...)
- genre
- purchasing link(s)
- book blurb
- video trailer (embed code)
- review of book with by-line of the reviewer (name and link to their site)
- jpeg of cover art
Please send all of the above, in order, in the body of an email with 'Christmas Wish List 2011' in the subject line. Jpeg of cover art as attachment.
You will be notified of the day of posting when all information has be correctly sent. Please proofread your submission before sending as all information will be posted 'as is'.
Want to be interviewed about your writing career? Got a new book out and would like to spread the word to a large international audience?
Email your weblink and give a brief bio and you could soon be featured on this site.
This feature is not just for writers either. If you offer services for writers you can be interviewed too. Please include jpeg of your logo with email.
A great tool for finding new places to promote your books and services.
http://www.helpareporter.com
Founded in 2008 by serial entrepreneur Peter Shankman, Help A Reporter Out (HARO) is one of the fastest-growing social media services in North America.
Every day, HARO brings nearly 30,000 reporters and bloggers, over 100,000 news sources and thousands of small businesses together to tell their stories, promote their brands and sell their products and services.
Since its inception, Two Cats and a Cup of Coffee under its mark HARO has published more than 75,000 journalist queries, has facilitated nearly 7,500,000 media pitches, and has marketed and promoted close to 1,500 brands to the media, small businesses and consumers.
HARO is entirely free to sources and reporters, and unlike a majority of social media services, is independently owned and funded and has been profitable since day one. In addition, HARO serves as a vital social networking resource for sources, reporters and advertisers who use the service at
www.helpareporter.com .
HOW THIS WORKS:
-
Sign Up
How easy is this? Give us your email address and a password, and you’re in the family. Easy huh?
-
Get your HAROs
Read your HAROs every day; keep an eye open for those specific media queries you’re qualified to comment on and act as a source for, and watch what happens next!
-
Submit Pitches
Found a query your expertise is a perfect match for? Well, go on, respond. But, keep it simple, straightforward and concise – it’ll make you look smarter to the reporter. Trust us, we know these things!
Tell us a bit about Authors & Book Promotions? Author & Book Promotions is a resource directory for both aspiring and established authors and also promotes literary works by best-selling and new authors wanting greater online book publicity. Authors will find a listing of newspaper and book reviewers, articles on book promotion, and tips on marketing a novel as well as other promotional resources.
When did you start it?Author & Book Promotions was launched in 2006 to assist and guide authors in their book marketing process. As the popularity of A&BP has increased, we now feature businesses that provide writing-related services such as proofreaders, editors, publishers, etc. It is a great place where readers can discover new authors and for those in the writing community to enhance their online exposure.
Why?An author must wear many hats, which includes being a salesman/saleswoman. They are the ones responsible for promoting their novels as publishing companies today, rely mostly on authors to promote their own books. Book marketing is an integral part of being an author, and it is not sufficient to just be a talented writer. As self-publishing and POD have increased, promoting has become arguably more challenging than getting a book published. Author & Book Promotions was designed to help authors meet the challenges that come with marketing a novel.
What services do you offer?Author & Book Promotions provides services to both authors and writing-related businesses. For authors wanting greater exposure, a Featured Books section is available. It is a service that A&BP is providing to best-selling and new authors seeking an increase in their online book publicity. Authors are able to have their books featured monthly along with their book title, name, and direct link to where their books can be purchased by readers. Writing-related businesses may advertise their services on our front page side bar and on all of our pages. Their services will also be announced in our newsletter.
Where can people find out more about Author & Book Promotions? Authors may visit our web site by going to
www.author-promotion.com . To contact us, please send all book submissions and queries to staff@author-promotion.com
Anything else you'd like to add?Be sure to check out the books currently being featured. To find out how you can have your book featured please visit the Authors section of our web site. We also encourage avid readers to browse our online book store and purchase books by our distinguished authors!
