I've just self-published a facts-of-life book for teens. How do I promote it?

1. 80

   Say Yes To Lifeposted 9 years ago

   I've just self-published a facts-of-life book for teens. How do I promote it?
   
   The book, "Wage Peace Between the Sexes", comes in two versions: "Sugar Version", which discusses social issues, birth control, STDs, and finances, and "Spice Version", which has an additional chapter on sex. Several people have warned me not to take it directly to schools, since it could jeopardize my substitute teaching job. A local bookstore agreed to stock a few copies. How can I let parents know it's available, so they can buy it there?
   
   

   replyreport
2. 0

   Stargrrlposted 9 years ago

   DO NOT try to sell this book at schools; You WILL lose your substitute teaching job.  I would try to advertise it in the paper, or get someone to write a local review.  I guess you could mention the book to people in passing, but not on the job.  I see that you've written under an alias, which was smart.  Why didn't you take the book to a real publisher?  They probably would have paid to promote the book.  Congratulations on the publish, anyway.

   replyreport
   1. 80

      Say Yes To Lifeposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for your answer! Maybe I can still take it to a real publisher. I admit, I didn't even try that, feeling too intimidated.

      replyreport
3. 78

   Kathleen Cochranposted 9 years ago

   That's the hard part, my friend.    I've written three books and writing them is easier than selling them.  I would encourage you to join GoodReads.com as an author, post them on CreateSpace.com, which will make them available through Amazon, and list them occasionally as Amazon capsules here.  But I have to tell you, non of these avenues with get the cash rolling in.  My best results have come from periodically pricing my ebooks at $0.99 while keeping my paperback price at a reasonable rate.  Many readers will take a chance for less than $1.  The really frustrating part is when folks tell you how much they love your writing, but don't buy a book.  Good luck!

   replyreport
   1. 80

      Say Yes To Lifeposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks, I'll try that!  I have them in Kindle version as well.

      replyreport
4. 73

   manatita44posted 9 years ago

   You've started here. Online will tell you a lot about marketing free, and you can also pay a Publishing company to do it for you. Bookstores are good. Be prepared to walk and visit a few. Sell to friends and have a few social media sites to make extra friends: Facebook, Twitter, Linked In ... write regularly for HubPages. Take an interest in others and they will take an interest in you.
   
   Write for various poetry or prose sites. Make friends. Add reviews to your book and write your own review and produce the book in the Hub. Go to poetry Cafe's. You can spread the word there or join a Meet-up group suited to your work. Lots on the internet. Lots more elsewhere. I wish you success.

   replyreport
   1. 0

      Stargrrlposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      You might want to try to get it sold on Amazon.  I got one of my "books" sold on there.  Amazon will sell it.

      replyreport
   2. 80

      Say Yes To Lifeposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Manatita44 - I have established a page on FaceBook, and it got only 16 likes. I also have a page here, called "Busting Out From Prudish To Erotic". In addition, I published Chapter 3 as an excerpt. Stargrrl - you may want to check out Chapter 3.

      replyreport
   3. 73

      manatita44posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you, Yoleen. Some traditional Publishers will do it all for you, or if you have a friend to help you can do like the Chicken Soup series writer. Sheer hard work. I will look for your Hub.

      replyreport
5. 80

   Say Yes To Lifeposted 9 years ago

   I wonder - what if I promoted it at a private school where I don't teach?  Or would word get back to the public schools?

   replyreport
   1. 73

      manatita44posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      You seem to want parents to read it, in which case then, why would you think it controversial for the school? They would think of parents first and children afterwards. So if it's good for parents, then it should be good for the children.

      replyreport
   2. 80

      Say Yes To Lifeposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks, manatita44. I don't believe I have anything controversial in my books, but sex is a touchy subject with a lot of people. I was blessed to have an excellent teacher from my Christian high school, and wish to pass the knowledge on to others.

      replyreport
6. 82

   peachpurpleposted 9 years ago

   try selling them at ebay, amazon and book shops. Some publisher put their books at bookshops and distribute fliers to promote them

   replyreport
   1. 80

      Say Yes To Lifeposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks, peachpurple. The book is available on Amazon and CreateSpace. One book shop is interested in it, so I've ordered a couple copies of both. Now I need to let people know it's available! One private school, where I don't work, showed interest.

      replyreport