Posted by Teresa | Under Writing Lessons
Friday Apr 24, 2009
Marketing and promoting books requires a continuous flow of places to be seen and known on the subject of your book.
While signing with a major publisher can afford you some “extras”, it isn’t necessary in order to make your book a success.
One of the ways to make it successful is to remember your local community to help with book sales.
Here are some ways to utilize your local communityto help raise awareness of your book and thus increase book sales.
Begin a program at the library surrounding the topic of your book. Most libraries will allow authors to do a presentation on the topic of your book and a book signing. You can also check to see if they would allow you to do a class about the subject of your book.
Check out your local independent bookstores, boutiques or cafes (if you have a food or health related book) to carry your book and conduct book signings at their location.
Call local colleges (or schools) to see if they would be interested in you coming to do a presentation at the school for the students. Ask about doing a series of class discussions or class project around your book (if related to the subject).
Join your local writers club or group. If there isn’t one in your area, start one yourself. Though joining my local writers group, Florida Writers Association, I have met some wonderful writers, authors and speakers. Great way to meet more writers and authors to engage in conversations about the industry. You can learn tips, gain ideas and share thoughts with each other.
Collaborate with other authors to start a writers festival for your area. Here in Pinellas County, every October there is the Festival of Reading where people come to meet, greet and can purchase books from about 30 authors in this area. After attending the Festival, I wanted to showcase some of the authors I knew so I created the First Annual Book Fair Blitz in Jan 09.
Share with me other ways you have joined with your local community to share the message of your book.