I’m a debut author. My first book, a contemporary romance, will hit shelves May, 2012. And as soon as I signed that I-could-kiss-you-you’re-so-lovely contract, my mind jumped from “How can I get published?” to “How can I get read?”
Last Monday, I wrote a post about my marketing philosophy, titled How May I Serve You?
Philosophy is good. Philosophy is fun. But today, let’s get practical.
I’d like to share ten things I’ve done or will do to market my upcoming book.
As you read through the list, I hope you feel encouraged. None of these things are difficult. Many are practical. Most are free. And I’m willing to bet you’re doing some already.
I’ve defined my target audience.
Nobody can write for everyone and the minute we try is the minute we write for no one. Defining our target audience is a prerequisite if we’re going to market effectively.
I blog.
Ever since I signed my contract, I’ve put more thought and time into blogging. Consistency and content is key. I’ve tried to consistently post three times a week about topics that will appeal to my target audience.
I created a Facebook page.
I have to be honest here. I’m not utilizing my page as well I could. But I’m hoping, as my book gets closer to release and then hits the shelves, that my page will be an easy place to connect with readers.
I tweet. (Oh, how I love Twitter.)
If you don’t have a Twitter account yet, get thee to Twitter right now. It’s a great way to meet new people and as Thomas Umstaddt pointed out in a recent webinar, it’s a great place to listen. Listening is key. If you sign up for Twitter, make sure to download Tweetdeck.
I joined a writing community.
Because I write contemporary romance for the Christian market, the best organization for me to join was ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). I can’t tell you how many amazing, supportive, encouraging people I’ve met within this community, many of whom will help promote my book when it releases.
I’m in the process of creating a website.
If a reader finishes my book and Googles my name, I want her to be able to find me easily. A website is like a cyber office. It gives readers an easy way to find information about us and our books. I also hired a professional photographer to take some high-quality photos that I can use on my website.
I’m establishing (I hope) positive relationships.
With readers, yes. But also with the people at my publishing house. I listened to a workshop given by Colleen Coble and she believes one of the smartest things a writer can do to gain a readership is establish positive relationships with their publisher. Sounds weird, maybe, but it makes sense. I want to be a blessing to the people at my publishing house.
I’ve done interviews.
I recently completed a telephone interview with my publishing house. They recorded it and will use it for promotional purposes. More information on this fun adventure is coming soon!
I completed a questionnaire for marketing.
Not a quick one either, but nine pages of questions. I answered as thoroughly as possible in order to best help the marketing department market my book.
I will take advantage of local connections.
I have a friend who writes for the newspaper and a family member who works for a local news station. As my release gets closer, we’re planning on doing an article in the paper and an interview on the news.
So there you go. Ten things I’ve done or will do in order to market my debut novel.
As my release date approaches, I’m sure I’ll give other things a try. Some of which might help. Some of which might not. And that’s okay. Marketing is a try-and-see adventure. One that can be as stressful or as fun as we make it.
Let’s Talk: What are you doing right now to market your work? What marketing strategies have you seen authors do that have been effective?
I drafted this post a few weeks ago, and since then, Jody Hedlund published an amazing post that goes well with this one, titled 10 Ways to Prepare in Advance for Publication.
The clients of WordServe Literary Agency have launched a new blog, The WordServe Water Cooler, where we hope to build community and discuss all things writing and publishing. Please come say hi!
