There are an amazing number of ideas out there for promoting your book. They are certainly not all for everyone, so consider which ideas will work for you. I will be adding more to this list soon.
1. If you don't already have one, create your author website.
Every author needs one so that family, friends, readers, fans and publishers can check you out. There are plenty of free website builders. Search to see which one is right for you. Then get that author website created! This is a good thing to do even if your book is not yet published.
2. Sign up for Goodreads and create an author page.
Goodreads has an author program "designed to help authors reach their target audience." Check out their ideas and see which ones will work for you. Book "Giveaways" are a nice way to get people to notice your book. Check out Emlyn Chand's advice on how to run a successful giveaway.
3. Create a Facebook author page.
If you aren't already on Facebook, sign up and find your friends and family. Then create a separate author page and invite people to "like" your page. It is also a great idea to join Facebook writer groups so you can benefit from the wisdom of other writers.
4. Create a Twitter account.
Find family and friends and people with similar interests. Follow them. Consider your platform (more on that later) and decide what short comment you would like to "tweet." Over time, people will begin to follow you. Check out other people's "tweets" and consider "re-tweeting" every now and then. I don't recommend overwhelming people with your book, but there's nothing wrong with posting a promotion now and then. Follow other authors and consider promoting their books too.
5. Start a blog.
Many authors stay connected by writing blogs. You can decide the subject and the frequency of your blogs, but stay committed to it. It is a great way to establish an online presence and find an audience that appreciates your talents.
6. Plan an online book launch party.
Start planning a month before the release date. You can create a Facebook account and do this yourself, but I used Loving the Book Launch Party. They aren't very expensive and they plan the entire event. They even invite hundreds of people to the party. It is a great way for people to get to know you and your book.
7. Find reviewers for your book.
This should also be done about a month in advance. Ask friends, family members and online acquaintances if they would like to read and review your book when it becomes available. If you can send advanced reader copies, send them at once. Ask that reviews be posted on Amazon and Goodreads. As it gets close to release date, follow up. And don't forget to thank your reviewers!
8. Create a Press Release.
There are several templates online to help you learn how to write this. Send to your local newspapers, TV and radio stations. You can send out a press release for your book release date, author signings or other author events.
9. Ask Book Bloggers for Reviews.
The Book Bloggers Directory has a comprehensive list of bloggers, separated by genre. If you write Young Adult fiction, there is also the YA Book Blog Directory.
10. Create a Book Trailer.
There are several online instructions that can help you. I am no expert, but I did make a book trailer for my book. Check it out on my About page. You will need a Movie Editor. I have Windows Movie Maker on my PC, but there are also online options like Slideroll or other free online movie editors. Then you will need pictures and music. If you do not have your own, you can find free online resources. Make sure they are not copyrighted and are free for commercial use.
1. If you don't already have one, create your author website.
Every author needs one so that family, friends, readers, fans and publishers can check you out. There are plenty of free website builders. Search to see which one is right for you. Then get that author website created! This is a good thing to do even if your book is not yet published.
2. Sign up for Goodreads and create an author page.
Goodreads has an author program "designed to help authors reach their target audience." Check out their ideas and see which ones will work for you. Book "Giveaways" are a nice way to get people to notice your book. Check out Emlyn Chand's advice on how to run a successful giveaway.
3. Create a Facebook author page.
If you aren't already on Facebook, sign up and find your friends and family. Then create a separate author page and invite people to "like" your page. It is also a great idea to join Facebook writer groups so you can benefit from the wisdom of other writers.
4. Create a Twitter account.
Find family and friends and people with similar interests. Follow them. Consider your platform (more on that later) and decide what short comment you would like to "tweet." Over time, people will begin to follow you. Check out other people's "tweets" and consider "re-tweeting" every now and then. I don't recommend overwhelming people with your book, but there's nothing wrong with posting a promotion now and then. Follow other authors and consider promoting their books too.
5. Start a blog.
Many authors stay connected by writing blogs. You can decide the subject and the frequency of your blogs, but stay committed to it. It is a great way to establish an online presence and find an audience that appreciates your talents.
6. Plan an online book launch party.
Start planning a month before the release date. You can create a Facebook account and do this yourself, but I used Loving the Book Launch Party. They aren't very expensive and they plan the entire event. They even invite hundreds of people to the party. It is a great way for people to get to know you and your book.
7. Find reviewers for your book.
This should also be done about a month in advance. Ask friends, family members and online acquaintances if they would like to read and review your book when it becomes available. If you can send advanced reader copies, send them at once. Ask that reviews be posted on Amazon and Goodreads. As it gets close to release date, follow up. And don't forget to thank your reviewers!
8. Create a Press Release.
There are several templates online to help you learn how to write this. Send to your local newspapers, TV and radio stations. You can send out a press release for your book release date, author signings or other author events.
9. Ask Book Bloggers for Reviews.
The Book Bloggers Directory has a comprehensive list of bloggers, separated by genre. If you write Young Adult fiction, there is also the YA Book Blog Directory.
10. Create a Book Trailer.
There are several online instructions that can help you. I am no expert, but I did make a book trailer for my book. Check it out on my About page. You will need a Movie Editor. I have Windows Movie Maker on my PC, but there are also online options like Slideroll or other free online movie editors. Then you will need pictures and music. If you do not have your own, you can find free online resources. Make sure they are not copyrighted and are free for commercial use.