Marketing a book, online and off

There is a saying that everyone has a book inside them. Now, more than ever before, it seems like there are many paths for getting that book out of your system, too. But before and then once the book is published, how can you market (and sell!) your book?

Here are some ideas:

Have a web site
A promotional web site can be a great tool for marketing a book. Get that web site up there and start promoting it way before your book is available and you’ll have a nice sized list to announce your book to. Include links to radio interviews, press exposure. Have a chapter available for download – or provide tip sheets or work sheets related to your topic as giveaways for subscribing. A web site can also act as an electronic media kit that you can point producers and reporters to.

Join online communities
Not only can this prove to be a great source of ideas while you’re writing a book, joining online communities related to your topic and establishing yourself there is a great way to begin marketing online. By being helpful and generous with your expertise, you’ll develop a supportive group of people who will celebrate and potentially purchase and promote your book when the time comes.

Get on the radio
Radio hosts are always looking for people to interview, if your subject interests their listening audience. If you think your readers might be listening to podcasts, that is another route - and very often, by their nature, podcast interviews give you an opportunity to say a LOT more.

Contact the local news
Here, we have a great local news channel that is on 24/7 and they are always looking for stories. If the topic of your book can be represented visually, chances are you can succeed with pitching a topic that can tie with your book and get at least 24 hours worth of near hourly exposure.

Pitch a newspaper reporter
Find out who the reporter is who specializes in your subject and give him or her a call to introduce yourself and your book. Consider providing them with advance excerpts from the book, if appropriate, or an advance copy of the book to be reviewed in the paper. They might even give you a chance to write a regular column for their audience.

Write related articles
You can write and publish short articles on the topic of your book for free republication on other web sites – with a required bio that mentions your book and links back to a place to purchase it.

Don’t forget your small local book stores
They operate much differently than the big chains – and very often will work with you to promote you as a local or regional author. This could mean giving you an opportunity to speak about your book, a book signing, a mention in their newsletter, and prominent placement in the store for a time.

Teach a class
Depending on the subject, you might teach a class for the Chamber of Commerce, a local non profit organization, or a college. This establishes you as an expert as well as providing the chance to promote your book – depending on the venue, you might be able to offer discounted sales of your book on the spot.

Offer your book as a prize
Donate a copy of your book to networking organizations that cater to your audience, as a raffle prize. Offer a copy of the book to groups and organizations as a giveaway for a member survey or drawing.

Set up an affiliate program
However you sell your book online, make sure you take advantage of affiliate programs so that other related web sites can promote your book and profit from it – always an incentive and a great way to expand your reach.

Spin it off
Can your book topic be spun off into other products like a calendar, card deck, greeting cards, CDs, and so on? Something else to think about!

Think creatively
Be untraditional, daring and explore every idea, no matter how wacky. One client of mine had the brilliant idea of offering to publish an edition of her book that is branded just for organizations that purchase a certain number of books and they can use them as gifts for their sales reps. You might contact a non profit organization with a similar opportunity. Contact the people who reach your prospective readers on a regular basis about writing an article for their newsletter, that mentions the book.

There you go - plenty of ideas for creating a marketing plan for a book, whether you're just starting to plot your path or have already published!

(c) Eileen Parzek, 2005

Eileen Parzek is an award winning graphic designer and writer providing digital and print graphic design and web design services. Always found at the intersection of information, creativity and technology, her business, Business Design Studio (www.businessdesignstudio.com) helps small businesses make a big impression, increase their reach and grow.

May be republished with full bio and credit link to http://www.businessdesignstudio.com