Now what? Indeed!
There are numerous options for authors today to get their books in print, but many people have a room full of good-looking printed books they wrote and wonder, “What do I do now?”
From traditional publishing, self-publishing, independent publishing, and university presses to e-books, it’s important that your publisher pays attention to your requests and needs and that they offer the expertise and experience to help you publish your book the way you intend. However, it is also essential for you as an author to realize that publishing is only the beginning. You need an aggressive and comprehensive marketing plan incorporating traditional and social-media options and opportunities.
Who is going to read your book? Who will buy it? Oh yes, of course some friends and family. All traditional and self-publishers will tell you, “You need to market your book. YOU need to promote it, tell your story and create a buzz about it.”
You’re a writer. You’re a creative person. You really don’t want to be a marketer. However, more and more, it’s a proven fact that writers have to promote their books. No matter how wonderful, interesting, compelling your book might be, you still have to let the reading world know it exists. Unless you market your book, chances are it will fall through the cracks of literary chaos.
Marketing includes everything from getting your book reviewed to doing book signings or seminars. It’s also important to have a website for your book. It’s like that old question that advertisers asked: “Do you know what happens when you don’t advertise?” Answer: “Nothing.”
Public relations provides information and can be a way to get free publicity through articles, book reviews, and interviews in print or with electronic media.
Advertising is when you pay for placement in the media such as a Facebook Author Fan Page, a Google ad, or even local media, which is far less costly than national media. Authors can also pay for reviews in publications such as Kirkus Indie Review, Goodreads, and San Francisco/Manhattan Reviews. Another avenue is to search through Google for reviews and event contest options.
Traditional Marketing Actions
- Set up book launch signings, time, place, and details.
- Develop an invitation list and sign-in sheet, and bring books to sell if you are self-published.
- Donate several copies of your book to the main library in your community.
- Send a press release including the cover of your book and your personal photo to media, announce the release on your website, email it to organizations of which you’re a member and to your personal contacts. (Continue to build your contact list.)
- Develop pitch letters for speaking opportunities, and make list of potential places you might speak such as target-appropriate conferences.
- Submit to online calendar listings in your target market.
- Have book swag (bookmarks, cards, flyers, pens, etc.).
- Write an eye-catching sell sheet incorporating your book cover, book synopsis, and author bio.
- Write articles related to your book and submit to organization blogs, newsletters, local papers, and magazines.
Online and Social Media Actions (a few ideas)
- Participate in Goodreads giveaway programs.
- Join or develop a blog tour.
- Set up a Facebook Author Fan Page and boost some of your posts. This can be very effective in building social-media and website traffic. Posts can include reviews, announcements, new books, links to book chapters, event dates, press releases, etc.
- Look into Instagram and X and other offerings. Be aware of scams and ask other authors about their experience with a particular promotional opportunity.
So, now what? Be willing to spend the time, money, and energy to fulfill your dreams and ambitions.
Marcia Rosen (aka M. Glenda Rosen) is an award-winning author of twelve books including her newest one, An Agatha, Raymond, Sherlock and Me Mystery: Murder at the Zoo plus The Senior Sleuths, Dying To Be Beautiful Mystery Series, and The Gourmet Gangster: Mysteries and Menus (menus by her son Jory Rosen). She is also author of The Woman’s Business Therapist and award-winning My Memoir Workbook and has given memoir writing presentations and classes for close to 20 years. Marcia has assisted many authors in developing, writing, publishing, and promoting their books. For 25 years, she was the owner of a successful national marketing and public relations agency. Marcia has frequently been a speaker or program moderator at organization meetings and conferences, bookstores, libraries, and Zoom programs. Topics she has taught and presented over the past 20 years include Encouraging the Writer Within You, Marketing for Authors, Writing Mysteries…Not A Mystery, Writing Your Memoir, and recently Anatomy of Writing a Murder. Many articles on these topics have been published on mystery reader blogs and in newsletters and magazines and her newest articles include Location, Location, Location: Murders Have Their Places; Hearing Voices of Past Famous Detectives: Their Impact and Influences; and Writing Mysteries at a Zoo: With Caution. Marcia is a member of Sisters in Crime National and New Mexico (Croak & Dagger), Southwest Writers, New Mexico Book Association, Women Writing the West, Public Safety Writer’s Association, Women’s National Book Association, and National Association of Independent Writers and Editors.
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