Market Your Book Without Spending a Penny?

I ran across an article promoting how to market your book without spending a penny! So, naturally I was eager to read it. The first thing it said was to donate books. Hm, now I don't know about the author of this article but all my books cost money to print. Out of each set of 20-40, depending on my inventory, I buy I can barely squeeze out one or two to send to a reviewer. Heaven forbid if a single reviewing source requests two.

Now, with my first published book I actually followed this theory of donating books. The result, less books for me to sale and no profits from the ones I did give away. If you want to donate a book, donate 2-3 to the library. Make sure it is the main office so your book will be inputted in the system for it to circulate to all branches. This may actually spark some sales by the other branches.

In reality there really is not free way to market your books. Even we you talk to someone about your book you need to at least have a business card or flyer to hand them. Not something you just threw together off your PC either because I can almost guarantee where it will in up, the trash. At least that's what I do when someone hands me crap. Take some pride in you product. Heck use Vista Print. They always have good stuff on discount. This way even if you aren't a good designer you can at least use their designs, but do yourself a favor and add your book cover to what they have.

I am a reader as well as a writer and I tend to read books by authors that seem more put together. Especially if they are self-published. If their presentation is well thought out there is a less chance that their book was just thrown together. If not, at least they faked the funk and got a sale out of me.

To get money it takes money and I know you have heard it time and time again. My advice, spend wisely to generated those sales.

Until Next Time,

Omegia Keeys
Rise and Fall of a Track Star
Can You Keep a Secret?
The Baby Girl

Thinking About Being an Author?

Have you done your research? No, really have you done your research on how much hard work and dedication it takes to become an author? There is so much more to it than actually writing. If you are not someone who likes to put yourself out there then you may want to reconsider this field all together.

True story, I was at an event and an aspiring author approached me about being published. I asked if she had any marketing plans. Her answer was she would prefer not to have to deal with people. Really? I was a bit taken back because in order to sell you must market. Even the New York Times best selling authors must come from behind their laptop and sign books. She even went on to say she just wanted to make some extra cash. I didn't tell her she would probably fair better as a Wal-mart greeter but I did say how can you expect that if you don't want to promote? From the rolling of her eyes and annoyed look on her face I take it she didn't like that response any better.

The point is if the above mentioned is you then you seriously need a reality check. Being an author is a job and to be even a mediocre author you need to put in some work. If you get up and go to some form of a workplace on a daily basis I am sure once you get there they expect you to do some type of work to get a paycheck, right. Therefore why not think the same applies to being an author. You worked hard writing it so why not work hard letting people know it's out there? 

If you have no idea were to begin your marketing career try something simple as setting up your own book release party. It doesn't have to be any place big. Coffee shop, library, your living room (Pampered Chief can do it why not you?) or any place you fill comfortable with. Show people you are proud of what you have done. If you can't toot your own horn, why should they? 

Next, which you should have done way before the book has been published make yourself known on the internet. Don't bombard people with your book but ease it on them. Make sure you make comments on other people's postings. Comment, do not advertise unless your topic fits what they are saying. Pay attention to what works for others. Now I said pay attention, not email them with a list of question and irritate them until they remove you from their list. Yes, I have deleted several. Networking must be a give and take. 

Last but not least support people. If you see someone asking for a review help them out. If you don't have time to read their book you can at least rate it. You can not become successful thinking it's all about you. The only thing you will become successful at is being a jerk or user. 

Now, my intent is not to discourage but to encourage you to wake up and make your passion a priority. Take your writing seriously or no one else will. 

Until Next Time

Omegia Keeys