Hi all. Pamela S. Meyers here with another post on marketing your books. We are nearing the end of another year, and I’ve been thinking about what kind of New Year’s resolutions we authors can make as they relate to marketing.
Happy day after Christmas! If you’re not out shopping the bargains, now is the perfect time to put those marketing goals into place. What they might be depends on if you just had a book release, or have one coming up in the new year.
In my case, my Love Finds You in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin is releasing April 1, 2013, and Love Will Find a Way, the sequel to my debut novel, releases sometime in the next few months. April may seem far away, but I’ve learned the hard way, it’s never too late to lay the groundwork for a
successful marketing program for your book. I can and should be doing as much as possible ahead of April. Here’s my list so far:
1. Book a blog tour.
Many people love to host authors and their books on their blogs, and many bloggers are already booking for at least the first half of 2013. That has to be the first item on my marketing resolution list for 2013. When you book a visit, if at all possible, offer to do a giveaway of a free book. The possibility of winning a free book, always brings more visitors to the blog, and if they don’t win, chances are they will look for your story to purchase it.
2. Book personal appearances and signings.
I already have booked the Geneva Lake Museum for a presentation and signing on April 27th, but there are other places I need to contact such as the local library and an upscale gift shop that has already shown interest in hosting a signing event for me. Try to think out of the box and come up with some unique places that might be willing to host an event for you.
3. Contact local news media.
Always look into the local paper where you story is set. People love to read books set in places they know. I’ll be contacting the
editor of the paper to arrange for an interview. Since Lake Geneva is my hometown I’ll have somewhat more interest than usual, but I haven’t lived there in many years and a lot of people who live there now don’t know me at all. The more that read about my book prior to my event at the museum, the better opportunity I’ll have for a turnout and for sales. Also, if the location has a local radio station, contact them to arrange for an interview. But don’t stop with local media. Internet radio is fast becoming as popular as broadcast radio. Check into what programs are looking for authors to interview on the air.
4. Order promotional items.
Now is the time to order bookmarks, postcards, and other items such as pens, sticky notes, or whatever clever items that could tie into your storyline. In my case, since my main characters work for the local weekly newspaper, I might look for something related to their profession, or something that promotes the town.
That’s the start of my marketing to-do list for 2013. I have a feeling more will be added as I think of them. Can you help me out and remind me of anything I may have forgotten?
Happy New Year Everyone!!!!
