A Few No Cost or Low Cost Ways to Market Your Book
By Suzanne Lieurance
If you've written a book, the real challenge begins when you start to market that book. Marketing can be expensive, and most authors don't have loads of money to use for promoting or marketing their book(s). Here are a few no-cost or low-cost ways to get the word out about your book:
1. If you don't already belong to a local writer's group that includes at least a few authors who are published in the same genre as you, then join or start such a group. Then, when your book comes out, and other authors in your group who publish similar books also have a new or recent title, offer to do group signings together at your local bookstores. Often, just one unknown author has a hard time generating much enthusiasm from a local bookstore for a signing. But, if several local authors band together, a book signing can be more of an "event." A big table at the front, or even at the back, of the store, with 3 or 4 authors seated there, along with copies of their books, is bound to attract shoppers' attention, and bookstore owners or managers LOVE this.
2. Bookstores and libraries are not the only places where you can sell your books. Many authors have a lot of fun, and sell quite a few copies of their books, at restaurants--yeah, restaurants! All you need to do is ask the restaurant owner or manager if you can set up at one of the tables at the front of the restaurant. Then, people can drop by to look at your book and purchase a copy and get it signed by you, if they like. Again, do this with a friend who is also an author and you'll have more fun and generate more interest in your book(s). Plus, if no one stops by to purchase your book(s) at least you and your friend can have a nice time having coffee or a meal together.
3. Sell your book(s) at holiday fairs and crafts fairs. People look for all sorts of gifts, for all sorts of people, at holiday and craft fairs. And, generally, a booth or table at these types of local events doesn't cost much. Have a poster made up of the cover of your book. Put it on an inexpensive easel you can get at a local art store, then stack copies of your book on the table, and you're ready for business.
4. Start your own talk show on Internet Radio. Center your show around the topic you cover in your book. Having your own show will increase your visibility as an author, which will increase your credibility. It will help you become known as THE leading expert in your field. And, it doesn't cost a thing to start your own Internet radio show through sites such as Blog Talk Radio. Plus, you can have your show "on the air" immediately.
5. Present a free teleseminar as a way for people to preview your book. A teleseminar is nothing more than a conference call, where dozens, even hundreds or thousands, of people can call in to hear you speak. Generate interest in your teleseminar by letting everyone know you'll be making a special offer or having a giveaway drawing at the end of the teleseminar.
6. Create an in-person workshop based on your book. Offer the workshop at no-cost or low-cost, but sell your book at the back of the room during the workshop. Another way to sell more books through a workshop is to charge a fee for the workshop and make sure the fee includes the price of the book. Then, everyone who registers for your workshop will also get a copy of your book. People love it when their registration includes something they can take home with them from the workshop.
There are so many ways to market books these days. And you don't necessarily need a LOT of cash. Get creative! And have fun.
For more tips to market your books or to create your own freelance writing career, subscribe to The Morning Nudge or visit the Working Writer's Coach.
Suzanne Lieurance is a freelance writer, the author of 22 (at last count) published books, and the Working Writer's Coach.