5 Exciting Blogs to Try Right Now [especially if you're marketing your book]

Photo by Paige Cody on Unsplash

Book marketing. Whether you're an established author or not, you are learning or have first-hand knowledge that it takes time to find the best sites for book marketing. Great news! Here are five blogs with substantial lists for your perusal. [Pay special attention to #3].

1) Be Writ. Brit says she is "helps creatives by day" and writes "novels in [her] head the rest of the time.""20 Writing Blogs That Accept Guest Posts" is a must-read.

2) Faith Blum has a great site with hundreds of ideas for writers. My favorite? "Promo Sites" from free advertising to paid.

3) A phenomenal article about how best to get a reader's attention. "How to Get a Reader's Attention by Shocking Broca" by Thomas Umstattd Jr. Read or listen to the Podcast. 

4) A fantastic site from Jane Friedman. My favorite article? "4 Ways to Immediately Improve Your Book Marketing Efforts." Want to know how best to find book reviewers? You'll want to read this article. 

5) Last, but surely not least, take a visit to Author Unlimited. My favorite place? "50 Surprisingly Simple Ways to Promote Your Book." Want some outside-the-box ideas along with ideas you may have already heard of but have procrastinated in trying? You'll want to make a visit.

Happy Marketing!

BUSINESS INTERVIEW: Charles Derek Bray

For the first time EVER I am doing a business interview on this blog. And because Charles Bray is also doing something special for authors on his site for Christmas, I thought it a good time to begin.

Get your books displayed at The Indie Tribe for Christmas

Charles' business, The Indie Tribe (http://www.theindietribe.com) has been in the running for four years, and Charles says it is "used by more and more self-published authors" all of the time. If you're a new or established author interested in promoting your book or getting your book proofread, or even, exchanging book reviews with another author, The Indie Tribe may just be the fit for you.

Here's what Charles had to say about the questions I asked him:

What would you say is the number one way for authors to get the word out about their book(s)?

I don’t think there’s just one best way. I think the author should ensure that potential readers are tripping over their books everywhere. There are stacks of opportunities offered on the internet and social media sites, many of them free. Another great way is to ensure that the seven Amazon keywords are relevant; if manipulated properly, the Amazon algorithms can be an author’s best friend.

      How can an author make their book part of your Book of the Day, or be a part of Book Spotlight?

Full details are displayed on www.theindietribe.com. Indietribe also offers many free opportunities to promote their books. One in particular is a Newsflash service where we’ll publish live news items concerning authors and their books. This service is totally free and really should be used more than it is by indie authors.

     Tell me about your proofreading service.

I try to make proofreading affordable and currently offer a professional proofreading service for a fixed fee of £195. Up to a word count of 100,000 words. I’m currently inundated at this price, but still taking work on.

I noticed you have a book review exchange program for authors on your site. How do you work such an exchange and still get fair reviews on both sides of the exchange? Do book reviews really help an author in sales? What if an author has some poor, one and two star reviews in the mix of fours and fives, for example?

It’s very difficult to achieve true honesty here and the whole Amazon review concept is an extremely hot potato at the moment. I personally am very sensitive to Amazon’s paranoia and am seriously considering removing the review exchange program. Having said that, I do feel that good, honest reviews are essential to the success of a book. It’s just short of just sitting back and waiting for them to happen, It’s difficult to think of ways to attract them fairly and honestly. I know from experience that a series of bad reviews can destroy a book’s potential and am not entirely convinced that dirty tricks by certain authors are not sometimes used. Or maybe I’m beginning to share Amazon’s paranoia. As long as you’ve got a fairly balanced set of both good and bad reviews, a book should benefit.

  

     What's your favorite part about The Indie Tribe? What have you learned through your journey?

I just love waving the flag for self-published authors. I know how tough it is for them in the market place and how disappointing it is to watch a book that you have shed blood, sweat and tears creating, sit wallowing at the bottom of Amazon’s ratings. I started off offering everything free through Indietribe, but soon found it necessary to cover my ongoing costs. Profit making is certainly not my motivation and I keep our prices as low as I can, as well as ensuring that we still offer services for free.

I have learned that the indie authors that succeed never stop trying, They seize every opportunity to get their book in lights. The number of authors that don’t even take advantage of free services like our Newfslash service is surprisingly high. Unsurprisingly, They are the authors that never seem to get anywhere.

***

Thank you Charles!

Learn more about Charles and his services at the link below:

http://www.theindietribe.com

Barefoot Book Marketing on a Shoestring Budget

PUT SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11 ON YOUR CALENDAR!

If you're needing assistance in the marketing arena, whether that assistance be book tours, book reviews, book trailers, blogs, radio interviews and more, contact Jill at: thewriters4literacy@gmail.com.

I will be teaching a class on book trailers and how to set up an author blog.

Time: 9:30 - 3:30
Place: Literacy Action Center
3595 S. Main Street, Salt Lake City

YOU PROVIDE THE SACK LUNCH AND WE PROVIDE THE HANDS-ON CLASSES!

$35.00

Questions? 

Contact Jill at:

 thewriters4literacy@gmail.com

or Kathy at:

kathy@ariverofstones.com

Guest Post Marketing

One of the best ways I know of to market is to find blogs that are eager to post your guest post. It really isn't enough to write your own posts on your own blog, it's important to share your knowledge and experience with others outside your own world.

I usually write up guest posts that reflect on some aspect of marketing. But I have also created posts on writing and publishing. I have also shared some of my thoughts on the process of writing, and how life fits in to my writing career or the other way around.

A big thing that guest posting does is allow readers of the particular blog to follow you on your blog as well as locate your books. You may get some new readership on your own blog and maybe even some sales.

Though it is very difficult to track sales when it comes to guest blog writing, there are many things I have noticed when it has come to interest. You know you are moving forward when:

1. You get a few responses for your guest post and are able to connect with any or all of those who've responded to your guest post.

2. When your numbers on your own blog increase the day or the day following your guest blog post.

3. The person in charge of the blog in which you are guest writing, invites you to post something else because his/her readership has increased.

It's important to remember that whatever you do to promote your work will rank higher and lower on your search engine depending on the current interest of the readership on that particular blog. But that doesn't mean you should search out only highly read blogs.

4. Writing a guest post for any blog will open the doors to a trade. Why not ask the blog owner if he/she is interested in writing for your blog, enlarging your new friendship and increasing both of your readerships?

Guest post marketing is a little like playing in the ocean. You spend some time playing in the sand, collecting shells and cooling off in the water. Then you return home. The responses and other perks received from your guest blog are a little like the photos you look at from your visit to the ocean to remind you of your great time away.

Marketing eBook Released!

A heads up in case you didn't hear the news yesterday.

If you're looking for some new ideas on marketing your book, ideas that will cost you little or NO money, check out:

Marketing Your Book on a Budget 2014!

This is the eBook version; expect the paperback this weekend or early next week. I'll let you know when the day is finally here.

I've heard from a few of you about my new book. Thank you so much for your support.

I am also still looking for reviewers, so if you would like to review this book and post your review on Amazon, please let me know. I appreciate all those who have reviewed the book thus far.

You might also enjoy reading my article posted today at Words Unlimited. I give some timely ideas on putting together a book trailer without spending ANY money.

Come and see me at Words Unlimited and leave a comment. I promise to respond.

And thank you again for all of your support.

Happy Marketing!

Kathryn

Marketing Madness: Five More Ideas

If you missed yesterdays post, you'll want to read over the first five ideas I'm implementing this time around for marketing.

Here are the second five.

1. Offer your book for free. During its "grand opening" or "release," make sure you offer your readers an opportunity to get your eBook for free. Although you won't be making any money, be assured, if they like your book, the word will spread and others will purchase your book. My book offers last a minimum of three days through Amazon.

Along with your release, list your free book at sites such as Morgen Bailey's Writing Blog, Freebooksy and Frugal Freebies.

You may also decide to do a .99 cent promotion. Try: Bookbub, Gorilla and eBook Fairy Bargains.

2. Make sure you're scheduling interviews and guest posts wherever you can. Go back through your list of previously used sites, and contact the site owners again. See if they will help you with the release of your new book.

3. After your book is listed on Amazon make sure you get it listed online wherever you can. There are many sites that offer this service for free. Some starting places: Awesome Gang, BookGoodies, SPB Roundup, and World Lit Café.

4. Do some blog radio interviews. These are actually getting a bit harder to round up and I think its because radio reviewers are getting a bit more particular. Check out: Book Report Radio with Elaine.

5. Do some of your own book reviews. I have Fridays slotted for this, and when I don't have a book to review, I put in a guest post. Book reviews bring in readers to your blog, but you need to remember that you have to also read the book before you can review it, and this takes precious time. I usually don't have a book review posted more than once a month.

Need more ideas?

You'll want to get your hands on my book, Marketing Your Book on a Budget, if you haven't already.

 

Get the book at Amazon or

order an autographed copy at this site

Publishing Your Book of Poetry

Is poetry a dead language?

You might at first think so based on the lack of interest from the general public. Still, if you're a poet and you know it, it makes sense to write what you love and to find the readers that will appreciate what you have to offer.

So how do you do that?

I haven't written a book of poetry myself but I have spoken with plenty of authors who have. Those who have been the most successful have certain qualities in common. Allow me to list them in no particular order.

Photo by: Julie Jordan Scott, courtesy of Flickr

1. They know who they are and write what comes from their heart. They are less concerned about what is 'marketable' and more concerned about sharing who they are.

2. They publish their own books. Very, very few traditional publishers publish poetry. Why? Because they don't believe that poetry sells. I beg to differ. Publish your own work, and read down this list.

3. Their poetry books look professional. What that means to me is that if you decide to use a venue like CreateSpace, that you make sure that the interior of your book (the layout) is done right. Take a look at professional poetry books out there. How is the spacing in between stanzas? How is the pagination done? How is the book separated? (Are there various headings, and is there an index?)

4. Their cover is eyecatching. They'd done their research. CreateSpace has some professionally done book covers that you can choose from. Just add the text. (They don't worry about a hardbound book of poetry in the beginning, either).

5. They don't expect to sell many copies of their poetry books in bookstores, but check out gift shops, hair salons, craft stores--locally owned businesses. Set up some book signings, but don't expect them to garner in the most sales. Holiday boutiques will bring in much more! Don't be afraid to speak at conferences. Talk your book up, and do some poetry readings!!

6. If this is their first or second book of poetry, they keep it short. Most folks like a short book of poetry, especially if they're just getting to know a new poet. Besides, a shorter book means a less expensive price. Get in on the FREE Amazon release program and look for ways to promote your book of poetry that will cost you little or nothing. They are out there.

Publishing your book of poetry doesn't have to be a struggle, neither does it have to be a worry. Just get out there and have some fun!

Market Your Book!

Good news!

I've just started a new social media group on Linkedin!

This group is for all authors who are interested in marketing! Although I cover a lot of marketing topics here, in the group, you will also discover what other authors are doing to promote their work.

Come and share your work, your links and your questions.

The group again is, Market Your Book!

Hate Marketing?

As some of you may know, I'm a member of various social media groups. One of the things I have been hearing a lot of is:

"I'm an author, I shouldn't have to market. Shouldn't I be focused on my creative endeavors?"

And

"I hate marketing. It isn't really creative, and I don't want to take time away from what I really love to do."

Well, I have some feedback for you want-to-be marketers.

Yes, you can hire someone to do the marketing for you; pay out the bucks, keep your focus totally and completely on writing, OR, if the money at your house is about as scarce as that ocean in the distance (good for you if you live on or near the coast), then you'll want to listen up.

First, all writers need to learn how to market. It doesn't matter whether you have published traditionally or not, you need to know how to market. Why?

No one will know you have a book for sale.
Your readership won't grow.
No one will be looking out for your next book.

Photo by: danperry.com, courtesy of Flickr
Do you give out freebies at your book signings or speaking engagements?

Second, marketing IS a creative endeavor. Consider the book signing that is a stand out success, because it's more of a party than a signing. Consider an interview where the creative juices are overflowing because you, as the author, have answered the posed questions in surprising, yet honest ways. Consider the time it takes to connect with others on social media; a connection that helps you and helps your new friends. What creative ways can you think of now to help others with their writing? How have other writers helped you?

Three, marketing is only made fun by a change of attitude. You can't stand idly by and expect to market successfully. You can't hate it and do a great job; people will see right through you and you will get tired of the falsehood pretty quick.

Four, marketing doesn't have to take a lot of time, but it does take time. Schedule it. Make time for it, but don't allow your writing life to be run by it. There are times I do more marketing, (like at the time of a book's release) and times I do less of it, but I am always marketing.

Do I love marketing?

Yes I do! Especially when I've created a great balance between marketing and what I love the most--WRITING!

Snarled by Social Media

Sometimes, we get so excited about our writing, we forget to follow the rules about social media Thus was the case for me yesterday.

I have been sharing my new book, Marketing Your Book on a Budget 2013, with my social media friends and one of them didn't like it.

Photo by: carterse, courtesy of Flickr

I got a pretty specific "you are a snarl" type note about being removed from the group if I let it happen again. I went into the site, checked over the rules, and sure enough, I was a "snarl."

But I was still mad.

Didn't writers want to know about writing books? I wasn't promoting just "a book" I'd written, (you know a fictional tale) but something that could actually help another writer with their marketing.

But there it was in black and white.

"No personal promotion."

I had a choice to make. Since I am actively engaged in at least 20 social media groups; (like those on Facebook or Linkedin) who, by the way, have never discouraged me from sharing my work, especially when the book's just been released, I realized I had two choices. Either I could carry on with the group, trying to remember not to post any personal promotion, or I could drop the group.

I decided to drop the group. This wasn't because the group wasn't good, or I didn't like the people in it, or anything like that. I dropped it because it was far easier for me not to worry about the "one" group that didn't like what I was doing.

Since yesterday, I have thought a lot about joining social media groups, and I think it's important, first of all, to check them out before signing up. It's important to respect the rules that have been set up, or you might be apologizing and doing a Michael Jackson moonwalk like I was.
 

Photo by: _dChris, courtesy of Flickr

Two, if you're wanting to do some personal promotion of your own, make sure this isn't all you do. I guess I'd gotten a little, shall we say "excited" about my new book and I wanted everyone and their dog (snarl) to know about it. Make sure you ask questions of others and respond honestly to others' comments that are posted. Make some friends. Learn something new. And have fun!

Why Postcards are So Important in Your Marketing Plan

I know I have hinted at this before, but I wanted to make sure that you knew the details about postcards, when to use them and why they work.

First, business cards have been all the rage for years. I'm not saying you shouldn't use them; I am saying that postcards will get the news out about you and what you do much faster than a name, address, phone number and perhaps, "author" printed on the business card will get you.

Most of my postcards have these features:

On the Back of the Card

A synopsis. You always want a short synopsis of your book no more than 3 paragraphs long.

A QR code. I don't always used a QR code, but I am using it more often than I used to. A QR code does wonders (it's actually a postcard add-on) for anyone that takes a picture of it with their SmartPhone. In an instant they will be taken to a site of your choosing. My QR code goes to this site.

Get your QR code at: http://www.the-qrcode-generator.com/#/. There are many free options on the Internet.



QR Code

My contact information. I include my full name, phone number, email, website and Twitter handle. You may also want to include your Facebook handle.

I sometimes include blank lines near the bottom back side of the postcard. This space is good to write a special note to the person you are giving the card too; something personal like, I hope you enjoy the book.

If you're going to be mailing your postcards, you will only have half the space in back, so keep in mind that the synopsis might be only one captivating line, and you probably will only have room for the date, time and place of your event, and probably not the QR code.

On the Front of the Card

 

I always include the book cover. This fills up the entire card.

 

Postcards are much harder to lose than a business card and provide your future reader with enough information to get online and learn more about your book. Postcards also make great bookmarks and are great for book signings and speaking events. I pass mine out during presentations, and always have them at the table when I'm doing a book signing.

 

If you have any questions about using postcards that I haven't mentioned here, don't hesitate to ask.

 

Happy Marketing!

 

Kathryn

Writer's Conference

I wanted to make you aware of a writer's conference being held May 10-11 at the Provo Marriott Hotel. Learn more here: ldstorymakers.com/conferences/2013-conference/.


I will be teaching a class on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. The subject?

15+ Ways to Market Your Book Without Spending a Cent!

On Friday evening, 5 p.m. is a mass book signing, and at 8 p.m. is a publishers meet and greet. Come and see me!

This is a popular conference; last year's attendees were over 500. There are plenty of classes to choose from. Get help writing, publishing and marketing!

Kathryn

What Gets Readers to Read Your Book?

Recently, I spoke at a writer's meeting and shared with the group some of my marketing ideas. At the start of the class I read a list that I'd obtained from Goodreads regarding a poll that was taken. The poll offered some insights.

Photo by: zimpenfish, courtesy of Flickr

The books that were polled were Gone Girl and The Night Circus, and the question was:

 

What Convinced You to Read the Book?

Here's the list:

1. Trusted Friend
2. Everyone talking about it
3. Book club
4. Goodreads - reviews
5. On "Best" lists
6. Sample read
7. Amazon reviews
8. Goodreads Choice Awards
9. Liked Author's books
10. Book blurb
11. Cover

Now, I was at first surprised at this list. I mean, when was the last time you heard, "Great covers sell books"? And yet, the book cover is at the last of this list. It is at the bottom of the totem pole so to speak.



Photo by: Lel4nd, courtesy of Flickr

And while I'm the first to admit that a good cover doesn't hurt, I started to think of the places I frequent and the time I give to them. If I am more concerned about my book cover than I am about talking my book up (doing the right marketing) so that someone will share it with a trusted friend, I'm in trouble.

When was the last time you offered to speak at a book club? Where do you place reviews on your to-do list? How much time to you spend on your book blurb as compared to putting out a sample read on your blog as well as the blogs of others who do it?

I also looked at the marketing done online, in person, and by those who market free for you.

The first two items on this list are done for you. I think that's significant. You must do more than sufficient marketing so that "everyone" at least appears to be talking about your book, including that trusted friend.

You must get out there personally through a book club. And, I would add, anywhere where you can be seen. That means the library, bookstore signings, writer's events, etc.

You must get your book reviewed and by enough people that your reviews will carry clout. And these are online interviews. "Best" lists are provided online, but in order to be put on a "Best" list an author must have a reason to be there. Sales numbers. Contest winnings. Sample reads are also online, as are Amazon reviews and Goodreads Choice Awards.

If your book is liked by a reader, they may just read another of your books, but consider what is above #9 on the list.

Book blurbs are on the back covers of books, and then we have the front covers of books, although both of these can also be placed on a website.

When I was at the writer's meeting, I asked the question, "When was the last time you purchased a book because of the cover?" There wasn't a response. Only a hand. And then, "I'm more concerned with other things," she said. 

We discussed the other things. Many of them were on this list.

You might want to consider them.

Free Book Marketing

The reviews keep coming! Thank you everyone!

Great Marketing Resource! June 27, 2013

Vicki V. Lucas (Missoua, MT)
This review is from: Marketing Your Book On A Budget (Kindle Edition) 

"Anyone looking to market their book will benefit from this book. There are great practical ideas on how to market without breaking the bank. Kathryn E. Jones has done a wonderful job of collecting useful actions an author can do to market his/her book and presenting these ideas in a logical, easy to read, organized book! A must for the determined author! Thanks, Kathryn!" 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7vIVl_8Uxg

"Marketing Your Book on a Budget is a useful guide for the first-time author wandering about lost in the wilderness of promotions. Even the pros will find the information beneficial.

Kathryn has arranged the topics in a clear sequence that is easily followed and provided links to the relevant sites.

One can quickly refer to her condensed booklet without having to search through tons of material.

Highly recommended."

Nancy Janes, author

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO AFFORDABLE MARKETING, May 18, 2013

 

Hope Irvin Marston "Author of SACKETS HARBOR ... (Black River, NY USA) -

This review is from: Marketing Your Book On A Budget (Paperback)

"This handy little market guide is a good investment for every writer who is new at marketing. The pages abound in doable plans presented in a format that is quick to read. Last year my 35th book was published so obviously I have some savvy when it comes to marketing. Still, Kathryn suggests a couple ideas that I hadn't thought of, but I intend to try soon.

When the author does her promised updates, I hope she will include posting reviews of the books one reads as a marketing tool. Those who read the reviews I've posted on Amazon know I am the author of SACKETS HARBOR POWDER MONKEY - THE WAR OF 1812 - a push for me and my most recent title. How's that for name recognition for me and my latest book?"




Short but Pithy--Must Have, May 7, 2013
Valerie W. Stasik
Amazon Verified Purchase
This review is from: Marketing Your Book On A Budget (Kindle Edition)

"These days, promotion is pretty much left up to the author, whether self-published or traditionally published, unless you're one of the big names. Jones provides us with some resources we can use right out of the gate, and most of them are free or low-cost opportunities. I first borrowed the book on Kindle, and then ordered it. I also gifted two copies to fellow authors. For the newbie who wonders 'Now what?' when it comes to promotion, this book is a life raft. Using the resources will save a lot of authors many sleepless nights. Help yourself to some peace of mind and order this book."
Author of Incidental Daughter

Lots of great marketing tips in this small book, May 4, 2013
Carol Ann (Claremore, Oklahoma) 
This review is from: Marketing Your Book On A Budget (Paperback)

"Marketing Your Book on a Budget," by Kathryn Elizabeth Jones, is small but full of wonderful inexpensive and free ideas to market your book. Although I have taken many webinars and workshops and read many books, this one gave me some new ideas that will be easy to implement in my book marketing plan. I don't think we can ever learn enough about marketing because it is constantly changing with the advent of social media. Jones does, however, address traditional marketing as well as social media marketing.

Although I have already been using some of these marketing techniques, I gained valuable knowledge that will definitely help me in the future. Every author will find this small book worth reading.

Carol Round, author of 'Journaling with Jesus: How to Draw Closer to God,' and the companion workbook, 'The 40-Day Challenge.'"

 
A great marketing guide, May 3, 2013
 Mike Nach
Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Marketing Your Book On A Budget (Kindle Edition)

"Kathryn's book is a treasure trove of information for writers who are ignorant about how to market their books after they are published. After reading this book, I realized that you don't have to spend a lot of money to publicize your work.

So, if you want to know how and where to contact reviewers for your book; participate in interviews to publicize your book; have your blog site or write on other's blogs; market your work on the social media; free advertising..... then you gotta have this book!

I enjoyed reading this book."

Marketing Your Book On A Budget, April 28, 2013 Donna J. Thompson (Ohio USA) Amazon Verified PurchaseThis review is from: Marketing Your Book On A Budget (Paperback)

"Tiny book--big information for a beginner like me. Step by step, Kathryn Elizabeth Jones lays out plans to help an author get started. She gives the writer place after place where they can advertise their book for free. Free is good. She makes one realize how important it is to create a website and start to blog. This little gem is filled with ideas everyone who has written a book, or just thinking of writing a book can use. The greatest thing is, Jones makes the task ahead of the Author not seem so frightening or difficult as we first think."

I bought Marketing Your Book on a Budget written by Kathy Jones. It's packed with awesome ideas. Check out her business and what she can do for you at: http://ideacreationspress.com/

Cindy A. Christensen, author

"This little gem is a marketing must for authors. You'll find a golden nugget or two in every chapter. Plus links to sites that are sure to become favorites. A wealth of marketing ideas and resources in a nutshell!"
Bette A. Stevens, author

"GREAT book! Everyone, I really believe we should all read Kathryn's book 'Marketing Your Book on a Budget'. Worth passing the information forward."

Gail E Dudley, author

"This book is a gem: It's concise, accessible and filled with specific links and concrete suggestions for you to market your book affordably and immediately."
Carolyn Campbell, author of three nationally-published books and 800 magazine articles.

Get the eBook for only $1.99 and the paperback for only $5.38 Plus, follow the instructions at the end of the book and receive all future eBooks FREE! 

Consider the benefits of an inexpensive book "jam packed with tips that will help you market your book"
Charlie Bray, author of Open House

Here's the link:

http://www.amazon.com/Marketing-Your-Book-Budget-ebook/dp/B0094XV6MA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1363058924&sr=8-1&keywords=marketing+your+book+on+a+budget
--

Consider using the book as a "marketing outline"
Michelle Renae Anderson, author of Shelby's Plan

Consider what YOU can do to market your book with little or no money!

In the process of updating this book, I neglected to add one resource I have personally used. If I'd remembered to place it, the information would have been included in the chapter, "Get Some Free Advertising."

AskDavid.com is a great site that promotes your book(s) for free, and puts you at the top of the list (you won't have to wait for your book's placement on the site behind other authors who beat you to the task) for only $10. I just sent in the information for my new book, above, and was able to include many links, including links to YouTube videos and a synopsis about my book. Your book cover is included on the site. In addition, AskDavid.com promotes your work to various social networking outlets, and you don't pay a dime!

When the 2014 update of Marketing Your Book on a Budget comes out next year, be prepared for additions like this one!

Happy marketing!

Kathryn

Selling Your Book at Christmas

Yes, I realize it isn't even Halloween yet, but you may want to start stocking the shelves for Christmas!

Marketing starts about now--and it comes by a whirlwind just right after Halloween.

What does this mean to the self-published or traditionally published author?

• You may want to purchase extra books to have on-hand in case someone in your area needs a last minute gift.
• You may want to consider setting up speaking engagements at schools if your book is for a younger audience.
• You may want to set up some author signings at retail establishments. A book store or two is fine, but a toy store (for a children's book) or a health food store (for a cook book) is better. Keep in mind that your book doesn't have to relate to the store you choose; what is most important is that you choose a store that is well traveled during the holidays.
• Do some extra advertising online by putting out more guest blogs, interviews, book giveaways and videos. My goal up until Halloween is one promotion online per week. After that I want to at least double that.
• Get involved in Christmas boutiques and other Christmas ventures. You may find that some of these ventures are already filled up--such is probably the case with Simple Treasures Holiday Boutique that I will be November 7-10 in Farmington, but it can never hurt to check. Booths are reasonable as compared to the Dicken's Festival.

• 

• Get together with some author friends and travel the libraries for speaking engagements and signings. Make it a two-day or longer event in which you focus on promoting your books and helping your writer friends to do the same.
• Have a Christmas book signing at your home. Gather all the books you have published for an all-in-one book signing and Christmas feast! Sample food, play Christmas music, make crafts; whatever you want to make the event great.
• Make sure your book is online for purchase especially the day after Thanksgiving. You may even want to offer a special deal on your books. I'm considering offering mine (your choice) for 50% off.
• If you don't have your book postcards yet, now is the time to order! I get mine from Vista Print online, but a local printer can also help you. These cards are great to pass out at any time and offer information on your book(s).

When it comes to selling your books at Christmas, don't stand in a box, get out and try some new things. Talk your book up and be open to ideas that come to you.

Do you have any ideas that you'd like to share here? Please do. Let's help each other out as writers.

Kathryn

Marketing Your Book on a Budget

This is my last day of heavy book promotion for my new book, Scrambled, and I thank everyone for sticking with me. As a thank you I am offering my short Kindle book, "Marketing Your Book on a Budget," for .99 cents.

Yes, this is the standard price, and a really great one I might add. In it you'll find resources for getting book reviews, gaining interviews, getting free advertising and more. It's a short read with links to many of the places I've gone for book promotion and the many great people who have a desire to help budding as well as established authors for FREE.

Remember, much of what you do as an author to promote your work does not have to cost you a penny. Yes, it will cost you some time and some growing experience, but everything in Marketing Your Book on a Budget is either free or very low cost.

Because I am an author too, I realize that authors (as a general rule) need all the help they can get with the funds needed to promote their work, and I can't see paying for something that is generously given out by someone else because he/she cares about writers and their success.

Keep in mind that once you purchase this handy pamplet, you'll want to be on the list for future FREE YEARLY updates. Just follow the instructions at the end of the book.

I thank everyone who has and who continues to be generous with me!

A BIG THANK YOU TO YOU ALL!

Love,

Kathryn

 

http://www.amazon.com/Marketing-Your-Book-Budget-ebook/dp/B0094XV6MA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1347116597&sr=8-1&keywords=marketing+your+book+on+a+budget

Finding the Best Audience for your Book

Warning--not everyone is going to like what you do or what you have to say--and that's okay.

Consider the ocean and all the sea life swimming within it. How does a clam differ from a whale? A dolphin from a sea horse?

Finding the right audience for your forthcoming book may seem like a real trick but it's also a super treat.

When was the last time you saw a dolphin? Who was their audience? Who got the greatest kick out of the experience?

You want to know WHO is going to like your book BEFORE you put it out there so that you can decide what sort of marketing will bring in the most readers. Here are a few examples:

My audience is primarily female readers

• Because I knew that my book, "Conquering your Goliaths: A Parable of the Five Stones," would relate primarily to women, I made sure that the cover reflected that. I had two colors I was trying to choose between for the text of the cover: black and burgundy. I color printed both of these covers and asked family members if they preferred the black text or the burgundy text. I discovered that most of the men liked the black and most of the women liked the burgundy. I went with burgundy because of the audience for my book.
• Before publishing your book, get readers that are of both persuasions to read your book if you can. A man's viewpoint will probably be different than a woman's and vice-versa. You will also discover if the book appears more interesting to men or women. If you've written a children's book, you probably will want it to cater to both girls and boys, so the cover should reflect that; the same is true for adult books that you want both sexes to be interested in. You may discover that you have an equal amount of interest in your book from both men and women and will want to design a cover appropriate for both views.
• When you're marketing your book, consider where your audience will be spending their time and make sure you frequent these places. Speaking engagements are great, if you choose venues your audience frequents. For example, if you've written a children's book, you might consider an indoor amusement park as a possible place to have a book signing or a book consignment opportunity instead of shelving your book at a typical book store.
• My book is also Christian, and not everyone is going to go for a Christian Fiction book. But in an era where many people are struggling to make ends meet, a book that speaks of doing better in life is a real winner. If your book answers a current concern, expresses a popular viewpoint, or gives the reader an opportunity to escape from life in a new and exciting way, you may just have a winner, too.

Finding the best audience for your book is an important part of marketing. Sure, you'll have some great reviews, you might even place your book in various bookstores, but it's the readers of books who will decide--perhaps even by your cover--if the book is something they'd like to read.