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Beyond The Book: How To Promote Your Book After It Is Finished
The Writing Is Done. Now What?
Congratulations! You have written a book. Six months of your life went into those 100,000 words and you are now an author. It is a huge accomplishment for any writer and one to be proud of.
Now what do you do?
We are going to start with the assumption that you wrote the book with the purpose of selling it. If you are a writer who has simply written a book for personal satisfaction then read no further. If, however, you have visions of someone actually reading that book and paying money to do so, then your work has just begun.
Even if you are lucky enough to have an agent or a publisher, you will still need to move beyond the writing and actually promote the book. Few writers enjoy this but it is necessary. For those who do not have an agent or publisher, who have written an ebook or have self-published in hardback, you are on your own. You are your agent; you are your publisher; and you are your marketing director. The sooner you grasp that concept the better, and the more determined you are to be a successful marketing director the better your book will sell.
What follows are some suggestions on how to promote your book that will cost you absolutely nothing. In other words, what follows are suggestions for free advertising, and who among you would pass up free advertising?
Book Signings
Be aware of a very important fact: bookstores and libraries love to have local authors appear for readings and book signings. Why wouldn’t they? It costs them nothing and it brings in customers. They are in a no-lose situation and so are you, the writer.
Despite the ever-increasing online market, the bookstore venue is still your best bet as an indie writer. Hop in your car and make the rounds of bookstores in your area and schedule readings and signings. To insure that your appearance will be successful, follow these suggestions:
- Your physical appearance matters. Dress sharp, look sharp, and act like the professional that you are.
- Arrive early before your scheduled reading/signing. Make sure that your books are stocked. Talk with the staff. Check out the area where you will be sitting and have a sign-in sheet available as well as an email list, bottle of water and any free giveaways you might have.
- Be on your best behavior. Remember that you are your product, as much so as your book. Look everyone in the eye, shake hands, be pleasant, and smile often.
- Use the clock wisely. Usually you will have an hour for your appearance. Break that hour into segments: introduction, reading, discussion about reading, question and answers period, and signing period.
- Read a lively passage to keep your audience entertained, interested, and on the verge of buying your book.
- Adapt to your audience. If only four people show up then circle the chairs and make the event more personable. If nobody shows up, and that is a possibility, then chat with the staff and network.
CONFERENCES
I know….you are a writer and you hate networking. What is it about writers that they can’t stand promoting themselves? Why would a writer much prefer to sit in their studio writing to actually talking to other writers in person?
Well, if you are going to be successful then you need to get over that shyness and get out there among your peers. Attend workshops and meet people. Who knows when that next contact will be the one that propels you to infinity and beyond? You will never know unless you take that first step.
There are writer’s conferences and workshops in every state in this nation; simply go online and find one that works for you. Once you have finally committed and you actually go to one, be yourself and be friendly. Introduce yourself to people. Do not say “Hi, my name is Jane and I just wrote a book.” Nobody likes glaring commercialism. Simply introduce yourself as a writer and make conversation. “What are you working on” is a good ice-breaker. One truth that will never go out of style is this: people like to be liked. People like to think that they matter. If you genuinely reach out to another writer and show interest in their work, your efforts will be reciprocated.
To School You Go
I was a teacher for eighteen years so trust me on this next suggestion: teachers will be thrilled if you offer to speak to their class about the life of a writer. Go find the writing instructor at your local high school and arrange for a time when you can schmooze with their class. Same with middle school Language classes.
Will you sell any books by doing school readings? Probably not, but you will be discussed over dinner by those students and their parents, and who knows if your talk might inspire a student to actually become a writer? How cool would that be?
Turn to the Media
“But I could never go on the radio or public television and speak about my book!” Well why not? If you aren’t willing to do so then who do you think will?
Listen, this is up to you as an indie writer, so get over whatever hang-ups you have and get out there. Radio stations will interview you if you approach them. Newspapers and local magazines will interview you if you approach them. Local public television will give you airtime if you approach them. Please notice that the last three sentences had something in common….”if you approach them.”
When you are being interviewed, remember this important point: the interviewer most likely knows nothing about your book; they will be quite happy if you field their question and then run free with it, leaving them to simply listen to your answers. Tell your audience about your book in an excited and yet professional manner. One thing my father taught me that I have never forgotten: fake it until you make it.
Use Your Book As a Springboard for Other Stories
Write short stories using the characters from your novel, then publish your stories online with references to your book. I have known authors who bombed on their novels as ebooks, but then followed up with a short story and suddenly their ebook sales increased.
On a personal note, I am currently doing this for a novel that is not completed yet. I have written several articles where I have quoted the lead character in my upcoming novel. In other words, I am laying the seeds for crops that will come later.
Follow Through
Bookstore readings…library readings…classrooms….workshops….other contacts….once you have made connections then follow up on them. Send thank you notes to everyone you meet at a bookstore or library reading. Send thank you notes to the bookstore owners and send follow-up notes to authors you meet at workshops. Why would you do this? Well, it is the nice thing to do for one, and for another it just might earn you a repeat appearance at a later date.
This is all part of building your platform, and a writer must keep their eye on the bigger picture. Maybe you won’t sell a book at a book signing, but you will have made valuable contacts that will pay dividends in a few months.
Please note that I intentionally left out promoting your book on Facebook and other online sites. Feel free to do so. From my viewpoint, Facebook is flooded with writers and musicians hawking their work, so I question the return that is gained from such efforts. Still, what do you really have to lose by doing so in a reserved manner?
You have done the hard work by writing that book. Now give yourself a chance at being successful by taking it to the next level.
2014 William D. Holland (aka billybuc)
“Helping writers to spread their wings and fly.”
Related
Comments
- Author
Thank you so much Glimmer! I like the school idea because, well, I love working with kids.
These are great suggestions Bill! I love the one about going to school. I never thought about that one and book signings are great. I've purchased books before when an author was there to sign it. This is really useful!
- Author
Deb, this is the step most writers do not want to tackle...and it is almost as important as the book itself. I know you know this......thanks!
If WE don't do it, it won't get done! You put everything down, so sell, sell, sell!
- Author
Brian, I'm afraid that is a common refrain for us writers...we just don't enjoy interacting with the reading public as much as we should...sigh...you are not alone my friend.
Thank you!
I wish I could be the sort of person who could get up the nerve to talk to people. It was easier to mention my novel when it was first published, but several years have gone by.
- Author
Fantastic, Denise...good luck my friend. I am excited for you.
This is just what I needed to hear, Bill. I am getting ready to go to a publisher, now you have helped me make a plan of what is next. Thanks!
- Author
Eddy, you are not alone my friend. Writers hate promotion....it's that simple...and it is the hardest thing we MUST do if we are to find more success. Best wishes to you my friend.
billy
Hi Billy well I think that this hub was written just for me as I am so useless at promoting my book .This hub I save for easy access as it is one I so definitely need to read over and over and take heed. Thank you again my friend and lots of love from Wales for you and Bev.
Eddy.
- Author
MizB, thank you for confirming that radio stations will welcome writers. It always helps to get confirmation from one who has been there and worked in the industry.
As for my father, you would have liked him. He didn't have schooling but he understood life and the price one must pay for any success.
Thank you!
Really useful information, Bill. They didn’t teach us how to promote books in journalism school. I can back you up on seeking out the media to promote yourself, though. When I worked in radio, at a couple of stations I was in charge of public affairs programming. I also had to serve as my own producer, and I was thrilled whenever I got promotional materials from writers wanting an interview (well, most of time unless their products were so bad that we couldn’t oblige). So don’t be afraid to approach the media, especially radio and TV because they have dead air that they are trying to fill. Newspaper is a little different. Paper and ink cost them dearly, so they usually pick only the cream of the crop for book reviews. It doesn’t hurt to try, though.
I Iove your idea about the classroom. I wish when we were in school we would have had the opportunity to hear real authors in our English classes. That knife cuts both ways.
By the way, your father was one wise man. Voted you up++
- Author
Thank you Dianna! I have found libraries to be very welcoming indeed and a great way to meet the public and other writers.
- Author
Thank you vkwok!
The local library here is really good at allowing authors to hold book chats with the public. It's true, you have to step out of your comfort zone and learn to interact with people if you are going to market your book or writings. Another lesson learned here today. Thank you.
Thanks for sharing this great advice, bill!
- Author
Millionaire, very true...having it read would be a nice bonus for sure. :) Thank you!
These are great ideas, Bill. Of course, once a book is written, the author will want it to be read. It is about being brave and open and selling yourself as well as your book. Voted up.
- Author
Dream away, Lesley; I'll dream good dreams for you as well. Thank you my friend.
Excellent advice for us again Bill. 100,000 words - I can only dream. Ha ha
- Author
Maria my dear, welcome back. Inspiring others to write...a noble calling, don't you agree? We need to pass the baton on to the next generation of writers, so you and I have some work to do before they put us out to pasture. :)
blessings always, and....
love,
bill
Dear Bill,
I stopped in for some inspiration and sure enough found it... I am especially pleased with the idea of speaking to high school kids about writing and intend to follow up on this.
I am now teaching so many adults who are paralyzed with fear at writing papers due to harsh feedback they have received. I don't expect that I'll ever be tops in sales but the idea of motivating others to feel passion in their writing is a wonderful thought.
Thank you so much, dear man. Voted UP and UABI...most valuable.
Love, Maria
- Author
Nadine, thanks for sharing that side of the publishing business. Knowing all aspects is crucial to success....and thank you for sharing this on yoru Facebook page. I appreciate it.
- Author
You would know, Liz; you are the voice of experience. Thank you!
Fantastic. If all our author were that aware about the part they need to play, we would be smiling. Yes having a book launch is a great start, but some bookshops today want to charge the publisher a large fee to hold a book launch in South Africa! And any of the books that are not sold, they return almost immediately, and what they have sold the publisher only gets paid 3 months later ( if lucky) I needed to share that. In the meantime I will share your article in our Kima Global author's Facebook group. I hope they read it. Thanks Billy
Great advice. Not an easy process...but a necessary one!
- Author
Seafarer, bravo my friend. I love that you went to the conference...I had no idea you had a published book. I am impressed and I wish you well with it. I, too, am considering a children's book based on the Chicken Chronicles...time is my enemy right now but I will win the battle. :) Thank you!
Hey Bill,
Great article about ways to sell one's book! It's funny that in his video, Stacey Cochran mentions the idea of procuring endorsements. I may have met two people who would give me very weighty ones this past weekend....so I think my timing of attending a sci~fi/fantasy convention in Boston with my daughter was better than I originally imagined. ~:0)
Right now I am practicing with my gardening book, "The Complete Guide to Growing Your Own Fruits and Berries:Everything You Need to Know Explained Simply." I have sold some and given away signed copies to others through raffles at benefit events. Once I can sell the bunch I just bought at a discount from my publisher, I will work on publishing and selling my next "baby," which is even closer to my heart...the one I have just met possible endorsers for...a children's picture book. ~:0)
I have learned much from you, Bill, as well as from my sister authors at SheWrites.com. I am on FB, Twitter, and Pinterest, and have author's pages on Amazon.com and Goodreads.com. If I can successfully market and sell the copies of my "fruits and berries" book, I will be confident in my ability to sell my present work-in-progress. Thanks for the extra push!
- Author
Anna, for most of the writers I know this is harder than writing. :) Thank you once again my friend.
- Author
mathira, apprehension is normal for most writers...I wish you well my friend and thank you.
Useful and interesting Bill. I suppose like everything else the writer is a brand that needs marketing. For most people probably as hard as the actual writing. :)
billy, thank you for the suggestions and I have bookmarked your hub so that I could refer when I gather courage to publish the books I have written. I somehow feel apprehensive how it will be received. All relationship concerned. I will wait and do it.
- Author
Alicia, I hope one day that you find it within you to do so. You are a good writer and I know whatever books you have inside of you would be good.
Thanks for all the useful suggestions, Bill. The one thing that is stopping me from creating ebooks is the knowledge that I would have to promote them myself. I know that I would find this process very uncomfortable. I'm still hoping to do it though! I appreciate all the ideas that you've shared.
- Author
John, for some writers I know, that idea of yours would be a big hit. No my friend, you are not alone in your reticence to head into the public....and as you said, it all depends on how much we all want it. Thanks for your thoughts buddy.
Great advice Bill, and everything you say is a must do if you want to sell. The thought terrifies me, as like a lot of other writers I am shy of public speaking and even being the centre of attention is scary. It all depends how much you want it, and what you are willing to do to sell. Hey, I just had an idea. They have stunt doubles in movies, maybe I can hire a stand in to take my place...an out of work actor or something...lol.
- Author
Well my friend, congratulations are in order. I see you have a new book coming out next month. Well done and I wish you huge success. I am very happy for you.
Another great hub, Bill. This one reached me on a personal level - great advice and confirmation for me.
- Author
DrBill, you and me both, but I'm going to keep acting like I'm not. :) Thank you Sir!
- Author
You and me both, Greg, and I have no excuses. Thanks and blessings always.
- Author
Flourish, that is wonderful about your daughter. I hope one day to read her work. I love it when kids catch the bug. :)
- Author
Soon it will be time for me to do this, Ruchira, and I hate doing this sort of thing. Good luck to you and thank you.
Another great hub... and each of the suggestions work, if you have the energy and expend it as noted. Thanks for all the reminders. Made me tired, but I guess I'm now "old!" ;-)
Thanks billy. I needed to rehear this great advice. I think I need to get out there and market some.
Wonderful advice. My daughter has caught the novel writing bug (a family illness on my father's side) and is churning out work that surprises me. She's 14 but her manuscript reads like an adult wrote it -- an adult with a message for the young adult audience. All this time I've invested in talking to her about the gift of one's imagination and voice and ... whoa. Just when you think someone's not listening, they go and prove you wrong. I'm certain she'll need to apply the information in this well-written advice hub even before I do. Thank you for sharing your experiences.
such wonderful tips...i agree a writer gotta step out of the doorway to showcase his book.
sharing this across!
- Author
Ann, it is good indeed. Time with your granddaughter AND new writing ideas. It doesn't get much better than that my friend.
Thank you of course; show me a teacher who is not full of ideas and I'll show you a teacher who had way too much time on their hands. LOL
Enjoy your evening as well my friend.
bill
What brilliant ideas you have here. I like the bit about going into the classroom and I especially like the bit about writing a short story around the main character. I wouldn't have thought of that one.
This hub actually makes me want to write a novel just for the fun of all this afterwards!!
I've been looking through photos with my granddaughter and found lots more hub material in the process - how good is that?
Now I need to go off and write all that stuff I've been talking about over the last few days. Easier said than done but, never fear, I shall do it.
Have a great evening, bill. Ann
- Author
Sheila, that will be about the time I head out on a roadtrip, so bend over and get ready for that kick. LOL Thank you as always.
- Author
Alan, in your own unique manner, you made my point for me. :) Carry on my friend; obviously you are doing something quite right. Fame and fortune? Depends on how you define it, don't you think?
Thank you Sir!
Wonderful ideas! I haven't yet gotten to these things yet, but I wrote them down so I'll remember the places and the people I should contact for such events. If I still haven't done any of them within six months, you can come up here and give me a kick in the butt to motivate me.
(What happened? I didn't have to tunnel so far to get to 'the box'!)
Hey, Bill. Whaddya know, there's another book soon going to be submitted to the publisher, next week, and then it's about a couple of months before it shows up on Amazon etc (and I shall upload it to Amazon Kindle to coincide with the '3D' product. Keep your eyes peeled, kiddo! It'll be on Twitter, Hubpages, Facebook and my own website.
I'm to give advice to would-be self-publishers at several libraries over a week this summer. Can't sell my books in the libraries, but I'm told I can sell them in the car parks or whatever. I've been doing some pre-publicity on Twitter for this one, with the potential book cover. Take a dekko, Bill.
Meanwhile, back to knocking out book five for publication after this one. Hey-ho... Now where were we - Ah, I remember... sailing down the Kattegat to Roskilde...
- Author
Thank you as always,, DJ! Hope that book is coming along nicely.
bill
Great article with super advice, Bill.
Thanks, as always.
DJ.
- Author
Thank you W1totalk; I hope it helps you in the future.
This is very good advice and it is a way to act after you publish. Great hub
- Author
cindyvine, without a doubt it would be very difficult in the Ukraine. Thanks for reading even though this doesn't really apply to you. Good luck with your writings.
Great article with good advice! Wish I lived in America though so I could do book signings etc. Hard to do any of that where I live as bringing your books into the country is a challenge.
- Author
Thanks Heidi and yes indeed schmooze with the staff; they are the ones who can recommend your book to customers when you aren't there.
- Author
Really, Dora, in this instance there is little different. With an ebook I would suggest having a couple copies printed so you have an actual book to read from at a book signing or reading....it just looks a bit more professional that way.
- Author
Sha, I have none. This is one of those things you have to face; it gets easier the more you do it. Believe me, I know; I used to get so scared I was in danger of pooping my pants.....you just do it and it gets easier. :)
- Author
Ouch indeed, Nell! Well, lesson learned my friend. Better luck next time. :)
Good advice whether the book is fiction or nonfiction. No one can sell your book like you can. This is something that even standard published writers learn... quickly. I like the suggestion that if no one shows up to your book signing/reading, network with the staff. Why not? They can become great fans which can help sell books, too. Happy Monday!
Great instructional article! I've been wondering how the e-book compares with the traditional copy. The book signings and classroom appearances make sense. Thanks for clearing that up. Voted Up!
This is the scary part for me. I absolutely hate speaking in public unless I know the attendees. I get red in the face, and the more I realize I'm blushing, it just gets worse. Do you have any advice for overcoming extreme stage fright?
Great advice as always bill, and good luck with your latest. I wrote an ebook a couple of years ago, got asked to go on Welsh tv for goodness sake! it was a personal book, long story, but would you believe I had no one to go with? so I declined, still stings! lol! voted up and shared! nell
- Author
Eric, I'm a writer...that's how I do this stuff. You do it as well my friend. We inspire...we generate reflection...we start conversations...that's what we do. :) Thanks buddy and have a great week.
- Author
Victoria, start making the rounds of bookstores and libraries.They will welcome you I'm sure. Thank you and Happy Monday to you.
- Author
Thank you DDE..I always appreciate you stopping by.
- Author
Thank you Faith. I was thinking of Debbie's book signing when I wrote this. Great minds think alike. :)
blessings to you on this Monday
bill
Happy President's day. I do not know how you do it, but this article makes me want to write a book so I can go do all this fun stuff. And believe me I hate selling stuff more than anyone. But you put a happy twist here that is good for my soul. Thank you!
Great article. I was just wondering myself how to do this for the book I've already published and the one that's coming next. :)
Promoting a book after it is finished is helpful most informative to all writers in such situations. Great suggestions here.
Great advice and one cannot skip this part as it is most important to get your book out there no doubt to sell it!!! I remember when Debbie had her book signing and there are a lot of great things one can do and not do for sure!
Have a great week,
Faith Reaper
- Author
We do indeed, Jackie! Selling seems to be the biggest problem for writers....most of us just want to write and never be bothered with this other stuff. :) Thank you dear friend and have a wonderful week.
- Author
Wayne, I hear you. I am a very shy person. Well, we'll just see how badly we want it, won't we? :) Thanks buddy and good luck!
You make some important points here Billy for like things to do at this book signing. No kidding, I think I would have just shown up with my ink pen and a cash box. I guess you do sort of have to put on a little show, and after all, we do want to leave them with a good impression since word of mouth may sell us a few more, huh?
Thanks for the advise and inspiration Bill. I am about a month away from my book coming out and I often wonder how I am going to be able to advertise it. And it doesn't help that I am shy when out comes to 'approaching'.
- Author
Thank you Mark! I appreciate the reference and I wish you well with your business.
A wonderful hub Bill. I am currently setting up an independent publisher and I think I will send my authors this way for advice on how to help promote their work.
- Author
Good morning Janine and thank you! I hope one day you can go to a conference. I think they are invaluable. Have a great week my friend.
Wonderful advice and I have yet to go to any conferences, because being the mom to two small kids I truly can't just pick up and go whenever I would like, but hoping as they grow up to get to do this in the future myself. Thanks as always and totally pinned to refer back to now. Happy Monday, now too Bill!
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