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.
7 Responses
Good blog, Sharon. Organization is the key. Delegation is a little hard for some of us.:) Thanks for the tips! Congrats on your new release. I look forward to reading it.
I wish you a hugely successful run with your upcoming book, Sharon. I would like to add that Sharon does a most amazing job of searching out opportunities for authors and sharing them with her peers. She has helped me tremendously! Thank you for that, Sharon.
GREAT tips. They’re exactly right on for promoting ourselves. Thank you.
Patti
Too true
All so very true. Who knew that writing the novel was the easy part?!
Book Promotion
Good ideas, Sharon. We know you’ve put them in practice for yourself, and how unselfish you’ve been in helping promote other authors.
Best wishes to you on your upcoming release, and happy marketing!
Helen & Lorri
Thanks for your kind comments, Sloane! Now only if I could get you to cater my book launch party!
Hey, C.K., even if you tweet, share or comment on other facebook groups, it helps establish your presence and builds relationships. Thanks for sharing your time with me on Brandie’s blog. Cheers!