Writing a book takes time and effort, but all that spent energy does little good if no one reads what is written. For those who make a living writing, selling one book is what pays the rent while working on the next project. Being able to properly promote a book is key to being successful in a competitive business where exposure is the only way to sell. Luckily, there are some basic book promotion techniques that one can use from the comfort of their own home, on the internet.
Building a website to promote a book is a great way to provide exclusive and updatable information to the general public. It can be linked to a primary website about the author, from which regular customers can access it and new customers can find other books or promotional items to purchase. It can also convey some personal information about the author, allowing readers to connect with them, as well as giving space for comments and reviews that might entice more people into reading.
Having reviews about a book can often make the difference between it being listed in the 1000s or in the 100s on any website where it may be available for sale. This is especially true when using an e-book distribution method. It can be helpful to offer friends, family or even coworkers free copies of a book in exchange for them leaving a review. Reviews often highlight a book's strengths, drawing potential readers into the story before they have read the first page.
Social networking is another rising phenomenon that can be incredibly useful in book promotion. Social sites can be used to make announcements about new books, sales on older books or special deals. Also, those who receive the announcements, if they are loyal readers, may repost them so that they reach an entirely new audience.
Having a regular e-mail newsletter is a good way to organize a mailing list to inform repeat customers when there are promotions going on or when a new book may be coming out. It can also be a means to distribute additions to books or other small writing projects to keep people interested.
By paying attention to book promotion, it is much easier to raise awareness of a book and ensure that it sells. This type of promotion builds on itself, leading to a larger customer base overall and an influx of new readers. If one can afford it, checking in to hiring a professional promoter can also work wonders. A good promoter is skilled at what they do and can leave the writer time to do what they do best - write.
