I am the author of 37 books and have worked as a ghostwriter on numerous projects.? My byline has appeared in major publications all across the U.S., and I have written articles for over 200 websites.? Since 1996 I have been working out of my home office in Delaware as a full-time freelance writer, author, ghostwriter and donut eater.
34 of my titles were published with “traditional publishers,” and recently I self-published a short book for writers: The Flying Nun, A Light Bulb Moment and Me: 40 Years Making Money as a Freelance Writer (Hey, You Can Do It Too!)
I have learned a great deal about what works…and what doesn’t work…when it comes to marketing and promoting book projects.
So, in no particular order, here are some Creative Ways to Promote Your Book on a Shoestring Budget:
- Become a “hometown hero!”? Seriously…everyone in your hometown needs to know that you are an author…and can learn about your books.? This can be accomplished in many ways, including “networking like crazy” with local media outlets.? For about 20 years I worked the community news desk at several newspapers (as a freelancer!).? I would receive press releases, review copies, cards, letters, etc., from authors in the community.? And while I did not always have the space available to publish information about them, I eventually got around to writing about ALL of the authors who took time to write to me.? So, do you know who the media contacts are in your hometown?? If not, find out…NOW.? But don’t just send them a press release that screams “I’m an author, here’s my book!”? Write something personal to the editorial contact.? A wise newspaper person told me many years ago: “make the connection first, then let them know how your news can help them.” AND make sure you send out press releases, short articles, cards and letters on a regular basis to those editorial contacts.? Start local, then regional and eventually national.
- Offer to speak at local events.? Every community has a Chamber of Commerce, and other service organizations, etc. (Lions Club, VFW, etc.).? Find out as much as you can about them, and when they have their meetings.? In many cases, they are always looking for new and interesting speakers (that’s YOU!).? Some organizations will also give you a fee, provide a free meal and allow you to sell copies of your book at the event.? I have spoken at local events that had 20 people, and events that had over 200 people.? It’s a GREAT way to spread the word about you and your books!
- Offer to speak at local schools and colleges.? Even if you haven’t written a children’s book, local schools will often want you as a speaker.? Sometimes it’s just to visit a classroom or two, and share how you became an author, etc., and in other cases, it’s a full-blown assembly.? I have written a dozen children’s titles, but I was a regular speaker at schools when I just had boring business and health books to talk about.? NOTE: here’s a tip an elementary school teacher shared with me – Open with a booger joke!? I did, and she was right…the kids roared with laughter, and I had an audience that was engaged and interested.? Some PTAs will have money to give you as an honorarium as well.? Also, network with the English Department at nearby colleges and universities.? Oftentimes they will have panels, guest speakers, etc., and they usually pay a much higher fee than the PTA!
- Toss your hat into the ring as a potential presenter and speaker at a writer’s conference.? Now, you might be thinking, “gee, who would pay me to come to a conference and talk about my experience as an author?”? You would be surprised!? I got brave enough to offer my services as a freelance writer/speaker/presenter/gopher, etc., at a few writer’s conferences way back in 2000.? I discovered a website: ShawGuides.com at https://writing.shawguides.com/? It has a listing of writer’s conferences by month, by location, theme etc.? So, if you know that you will be in Florida in Feb., for example, you can search and see what conferences and events are scheduled there (or nearby/on your way).? I created a short email/promo introducing myself and suggested a workshop or two that I could teach.? I sent out a dozen emails in the year 2000, and FIVE of them hired me to teach at their conference!? I have taught at Blue Ridge Christian Writers Conference, the Write to Publish conference at Wheaton College, the Montrose Christian Writers Conference and many, many more over the past 15 years or so.??
- Search the web and find websites that interview authors.? I didn’t really start doing this until my Flying Nun self-published project was available, and boy, am I glad that I did!? In most cases, they will interview you via email.? In some cases, they will interview over the phone.? No matter what genre you write about, you will find a boatload of websites that feature author interviews.
I know that many authors find it difficult to “promote themselves,” and are reluctant to market their books as much as they should.
That’s why I created “There’s An APP for That!”
No, I’m not talking about a software app that you download to your phone…my “app” stands for “Author Profile Piece.”
Once I learn a little bit about an author and their book, I create a list of questions that I send via email.? With their answers, I draft a “promotional piece” that can be used in a variety of ways, including:
- On the author website
- In a newsletter
- In an email blast
- Shared with family and friends
- Sent to local/regional/media outlets (especially ones that feature authors and books) I can send to some media outlets as well
- On a variety of social media platforms
Here’s a link to a recent Author Profile Piece I wrote for an author:
Feel free to email [email protected] with any questions about publishing and promoting books.?
Stay safe…and keep writing!
Audiologist and Integrative and Functional Medicine Practitioner | Podcaster | Author | Innovator | Supporting you to REVERSE metabolic disorders, weight loss resistance, chronic disease, tinnitus and vertigo
1 年Great info, thank you! I just finished my first book and have no idea how to promote it. I’m totally overwhelmed. Your advice has been super helpful!