Last updated on December 14, 2015
Self publishing your book gives you a chance to get it out in the world on your own terms without waiting for a major publishing house to notice you. But without a major publisher backing you, how do you market your book? Don’t worry—there are lots of resources available to self-publishers. Use these tips to market your next book:
Write An Appealing Book
The first step to marketing your book is to write a book people will want to read. Word of mouth is one of your most powerful marketing tools. Take time to get your book just right. Have trusted friends read it and provide constructive feedback and work with an editor to get the tone just right. Think about the books you’ve enjoyed in the past. What made them compelling? Does your book have those qualities?
Invest In A Great Cover Design
Whether they should or not, people do judge books by their covers. Invest in a professional cover design that looks polished and intriguing. Don’t just have your nephew’s friend who is studying art create a cover for you—hire a professional designer—preferably someone with a lot of experience designing book covers for books in the same genre as your novel. Contact a company that specializes in book printing and self publishing. They can help you find the right cover design for your book.
Contact Bloggers And Reviewers
Ask professional reviewers and bloggers with large followings to read and post about your book. Don’t ask for a raving review—just ask them for their honest feedback. Reviews from bloggers and others in the industry will boost your credibility and inform lots of people about your book.
Offer A Temporary Promotion
While you shouldn’t permanently slash the price of your book, a temporary promotional offer is a great way to peak people’s interest and boost sales. Consider offering your book for free for a limited time. This gives people a chance to read your book without any risk. Happy readers will gladly spread the word about your book and leave positive reviews, and boosted sales from the promotion will improve your reputation.
Choose A Specific Genre
One of the best ways to stand out in a sea of books is to be very specific about your genre. Instead of identifying your book online simply as a mystery, pick a more nuanced subgenre. Is it a historical mystery, a murder mystery, or a romantic mystery? A more specific genre makes it easier for your book to stand out from the crowd.
Research Your Target Audience
Who is your target audience? Was your book written for preteen girls, college students, or men in their 40s? Learn about your target audience. How old are they? How much education do they have? Are they in a specific income bracket? Do they live in a certain area? Where do they shop? Do they use Facebook or Twitter? The more you know about your target audience, the easier it will be for you to reach them.
Use these tips to market your next self-published book. You can achieve your dreams of being an author without the fuss of traditional publishing—just market your book correctly so your readers can find you!
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