You just finished your book and as we have discussed in the past, the publishing company rarely promotes a book to the hilt unless they think they can recoup the money AND make a nice profit. For the millions of authors out there, that means that less than 1% of us is getting this type of attention!

I don't know about you, but while I would love to have my publisher handle all these details, I kind of like knowing what has been done and what hasn't. So, aside from the tips I provided last time, I recently came across some great sites that provide tons of links for authors to use in promotion.

Remember, we are looking for book reviewers, book clubs, online media to send electronic press releases both in the United States and abroad. We also want to search for blogs or columns from up and comers that like to promote new books and authors. Believe me, all this investigation and countless hours of googling, yahooing and the like takes A LOT OF TIME. I never said it was easy, but it is accomplishable.

What does it take from the author? Absolute stubborn determiniation and not taking "no" for an answer. Seriously...that is the reason most people fall short or fail is because they get tired of hearing rejections or "don't call us, we'll call you" response. You as the author have to have a fire in your belly so intense and driven that nothing will stop you. Ask yourself the following questions and be honest. Do you honestly believe that your book is the best you've ever read? Do you think other people NEED to read about it (not just should know about it). Are you willing to hear alot of NO before you hear YES? Then let's proceed. If you answered NO to any of these questions, and write another book or punch up your existing book. It's not there yet.

One great place that I've found to submit your title or press release etc. is "I Want Media!". The url is http://www.iwantmedia.com/ . The categories are listed by organizations, magazines, columnists, newspapers and the like. Go to EVERY SINGLE ONE and plug your book. Out of the hundreds of submissions, you may receive a few inquiries and that is enough to get started. Didn't hear anything at all? Continue on or maybe re-evalulate your pitch, press release and reword it. If it looks okay to you, then press on. Remember, NOTHING is to deter you from this effort.

Another site is called International Journalist Network - http://www.ijnet.org/Director.aspx?P=MediaOutlets&regID=8 . This list is alphabetized and has every media outlet you can think of. Don't forget to contact your local media as well. That should include local magazines, newspapers, lifestyle papers/magazines, television stations, etc.

Remember, people may turn you down flat just because they've never heard of you. That should inspire you all the more. Be creative, who is a personality that would enjoy your book? Find an address and send your book with your compliments. Be sure to leave your contact info. Do as much as you can to draw attention to the book.

Finally: Enter your book in as many contests and book fairs, showings etc. as you can. Blog about it, write press releases about it. Create your own buzz! Have you thought about sending to Oprah? Sure, all authors do. Be practical and have common sense about it. Try to find a staffer who works for Oprah.com and see if they are willing to read the book. What do you have to lose? Just the cost of the book. And a chance is worth at least that much.

Get the fire and Go for it!