Marketing. It is the talk of the town in the current
scenario. No matter what one has to sell, this activity takes prior importance.
Why is it so?
Competition, rat race, they all say so. Today, each one has
something unique to portray. But that is not it. Even if you have the best of
worlds to sell, it would not be a success if you do not have the right tactics
to market it. The target is achieved when you are able to reach out to the
right audience with the best convincing skills.
As a debut author I was not much aware of how important this
function was. Luckily, having one of the best publishers, I could get through with
a fair amount of good marketing for my book.
So I decided to put up this article for people who are
debutants and need quick tips to find a platform to sell their books. I also
got points from some experienced authors to get this done.
1. Search and surf
In my experience, this was the best way I
could get hold of people who are involved in this field. Book reviewers,
bloggers, media staff and many others come your way. I spent hours looking for
them, trying to contact them. It is not enough if you just get hold of the
right people, you need to contact them, let them know about your work and
gather support.
Being experts in the field, no one could help
better promote the book than them.
Moreover, reviews and author interviews
build a huge readership for the book.
2. Never be shy to self promote
If you fear publicising your own work,
selling would become a challenge. It is your work, your effort. Never hesitate
or think twice before going ahead and using all possible channels to advertise
your book. If you don’t, who else would do it for you?
3. Social media
Social media has the power of sword. In this
generation, one should make sure that the book is rigorously promoted on social
media. The reach is quick and large. You can grab a huge crowd’s attention in
social media with the least time. This would be the best platform. The best way
to start off is by starting a page for your book and slowly expanding the
reader and fan base.
Youtube channel
It would be preferable to start a Youtube
channel where you share information and videos on your book, the launch and much
other relevant information. This helps capture attention and get people know
about your work.
4. Goodreads
Goodreads is one of the most happening platforms
for authors and readers. Get registered, conduct giveaways and keep updating. This
would help get readers from across the world.
5. Distribute books even in small stores
Apart from the big sellers, try and get
your book at small stores, libraries. Also give your book on rent to readers. This
would help tap areas that social media cannot get to.
6. Start early
Promotion happens even before the book is
available in the market. Get the people to know about your ‘soon to release’
book through all possible media including word of mouth. This will help create
awareness and a ready market, even before it has released. Make a trailer for
your book and be as creative as you can.
7. Networking matters
Network is definitely more important than networth. Get hold of the right people and keep in constant touch. Make sure you have someone to help you achieve better sales.
8. Have a blog
A blog becomes one of the most important tools to a writer to showcase thoughts and views. Having a blog enhances the marketing power for your book.
9. Speak to your publisher
Your publisher will be the best person to guide you in promoting your book. He/ she would have the right tactics, suitable to you and your content. There could be no better person to look up to for promotion avenues.
10. Signed copies
Last but never the least, give away signed copies of your book. This would surely bring in more readers but would also enhance your goodwill as a writer.
Though many of these points are known, I hope these tips are of some use to debut authors who are new entrants to the concept of book marketing.
