Once an author's book is on the way to publication, it's time to think about book promotion. Inevitably, the first question that comes up for authors is how to sell more books even before their book launches. A book launch is just one kind of event and yet there are many others - many of which can be done on a low budget. These strategies will help you plan your book events before-during and after the launch more effectively.
Determine your marketing budget
Although many authors are successful marketing their books on a shoestring budget, there are many kinds of expenses that need to be accounted for. A marketing budget will help you determine which expenses are absolutely necessary and which can be done for free or low cost. Such expenses include posters and visuals, any equipment, business cards, extra book copies you wish to raffle off or give as giveaways. Getting local media coverage helps offset some of the marketing expenses.
The key is in the planning
Good planning relieves stress, the jitters and fears. All authors who have promoted their book know how many logistics especially the unexpected ones in planning a book event whether it's a launch or an online event. JMC Academy offers a comprehensive event planning checklist containing strategies that apply to book promotion.
Identify and Involve Key Players
Successful book events require a "village type mindset." Are there key players who can help promote your event? Key players could be a school or organization for a fundraiser. For example, can they handle some of the social media and marketing coverage?
The success of an event at a library, bookstore or university largely depends on the help of an author's team. Encourage your fans to post reviews, share social media posts and book club recommendations. Ask local bookstores and libraries to stock the book and help spread the word of an upcoming event.
If you're running an online contest to help spread your book's message, your key players might be bloggers and Facebook friends. Keep them abreast of important dates and deadlines, but don't pressure them. Your book event isn't the only thing on their minds. Offer generous rewards for their help.
How strong is your author platform?
Building an author platform is a long-term strategy that helps build a built-in fan base. Whether you're blogging your book or branding yourself as an author, you've got to provide great content (yes, there's no way around that anymore) to keep building your own credibility. The same principle applies to growing and nurturing the members on your subscriber list. Have you developed that know-like-trust relationship?
When it comes time to start spreading the news about an upcoming book event, you can start activating your platform or your built-in readers and fan base to help spread the word.
Promoting an event isn't just about making sales but spreading your book's message. A local book event that was promoted successfully can help get your name out there as you work to stand out among a sea of authors.
Will 2016 be the year to promote your book event successfully? What strategies have worked for you?