Promoting self-published novels.
A great song once said, "It's been a long road, to get us from there to here". And if your going to self-publish a novel the road you take will be long but worth it.. even after your done writing you still have to get the word out.
Publishing companies use expensive marketing and more to let potential buyers know an authors novel is coming out and they start early. They have money you don't have but you have access to your own resources and you should use it.
1: Social media: I'm working on my first novel, a YA fantasy and I promote it like hell on my social media. I post information, illustrations, do live Q and a and discussions on characters and world. I also post about it on pages and groups full of people inclined to read my book.
2: Build your team: You have friends family and maybe fans from previous work Ask them to spread the word. Let our passion become their passion.
If you do your job, your friends and friends of friends and so on should know about your project.
3. Buy add space: Purchasing cheap one or two days add campaigns can help build a fanbase. Keep your budget low, and focus on demographics inclined to like your novel.
4. Communicate: Talk to librarians and the owners of small bookstores. Let them know your book is coming, offer to send them copies art a discount and promotional material.
5. Promotional Material: I have an advantage, I'm a passable artist. But you can find an artist and you can make posters, business cards and bookmarkers based on just your books name.
Keep in mind smaller is better and while flyers o in the trash, business cards go in the pocket.
6. Establish a beachhead: Your hometown or city is your beachhead and you should do your best to get the word around there as best you can, Do a reading r signing at a local bookstore. Leave autograph copies at coffee shops for people to "find" The more people that know the more people will talk about it.
7. "Have no shame in your game": My dad was a music agent/promoter and he would say "I have no shame in my game". What does that mean? That means to be afraid to do whatever it takes to get people to know about your book. Don't be afraid to ruffle feathers or bend a few rules. For example.
I just wrote an article about Book promoting using my upcoming book "Adventurers Born". as an example You now have that book and its characters in your head. Now all I have to do is.....
It's Printing Go Fund Me Page (Donate a dollar and help spread the word. )
Speaking of...
8.. Having a Spotify playlist helps people who are not part of your network find your book and get a feeling for it.
The above are the basics, but they should help you.
Till next time...
NO SHAME IN YOUR GAME!
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