I have another lovely guest author post for my blog. This time, we’re talking about promotion. I’d like everyone to welcome YA Author Sharon Ledwith. You can follow her on Twitter (@sharonledwith) or read her blog. Sharon, take it away!
Authors nowadays seem to have to wear two hats. One for the writing process and one for the business end. An on-line presence and platform is a must. One marketing firm suggests that book promotion should be done a year before the book actually hits the shelf (real and virtual). Yikes! I’ve been perusing the on-line discussions about marketing books and ebooks, and have posted as much information as I can on Facebook to help my author colleagues with how to pimp their books. Even writing a blog is precious time away from creating an author’s bread and butter.
Here are some ideas to help with the promotion process:
· Create a professional looking website or blog (or both)
· Get involved with Social Networking: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn etc.
· Create a video trailer for your book and get it in front of your readers
· Do a blog tour
· Get reviews of your books posted on-line (preferably on your blog)
· Podcast
· Become a commenter and subscribe to a few blogs in your genre or do guest posts
Most authors dread the marketing process. It’s a tough gig if you’re not a natural born salesperson. Some marketing gurus even suggest building a media company, or join a book club with authors to help pimp each others books. Ultimately the success of a book now falls upon the author’s shoulders one hundred per cent.
The key is to coordinate your life. Know yourself enough so that you’ll promote your book in the areas you’re strongest in, and delegate the tasks that you’re weak at.
Sharon Ledwith is the author of the middle-grade/YA time travel series, THE LAST TIMEKEEPERS, debuting through Musa Publishing this May 18, 2012. When not writing or digging up the past, she enjoys reading, yoga, kayaking, time with family and friends, and single malt scotch. Sharon lives in the wilds of Muskoka in Central Ontario, Canada, with her hubby, a water-logged yellow Labrador and moody calico cat.
