How to Promote Your Book

There are thousands of books published every day on Amazon alone. Some are traditionally published, others self published. Some get noticed by readers but many fail to attract an audience even if they are given away for free.

How do you make sure that your book is one that is noticed? How can you get it before readers and secure and audience?

I remember some years ago discussing this very topic with Benita Cullingford of the Society of Women Writers and Journalists. Her answer was to write a book on a subject about which little has been written. Apparently her own nonfiction work, Chimneys and Chimney Sweeps, is one such book which perenially sell well amongst those needing to research the subject.

While I have no doubt this advice stands the test of time for nonfiction works and some more obscure fiction genres, for those of us writing commercial fiction securing readers who are looking for particular topics or genres is unlikely to be a successful ploy. Also, most authors are neither celebrities nor household names, so how should such writers promote their works to make sure readers find them? After all, nobody will seek out a book that they do not know exists. Even if you are traditionally published you cannot assume that your publisher will deal with all the promoting your book requires.

1) Start promoting your book before it is published with a cover reveal followed by a preorder period and make sure potential readers are aware of these by placing posts on social media, on your website and in your newsletter. Also make sure your Amazon Author page is up to date.

2) Book launches whether in real life, in a library, bookstore or other venue, or online in a group or as an event is a great way of publicising a new book. Photos can draw attention to it and signed copies increase sales and make great mementoes.

3) Posts on social media to announce your publication work well to ensure that readers are aware of your book. Depending on the demographic of your readership, Facebook, Instagram or TikTok (via Book Tok) may work.

4) You might also commission a Book Blog Tour. There will be costs involved in this promotion and these do vary widely, so it would be wise to seek out the provider who offers a tour offering what you require at a price you are prepared to pay.

5) It is always fun to contact local independent book stores and see if they are willing to stock your book. Your local library may also be willing to stock your book to supposrt a local author. Don't be shy, ask. What's the worst that can happen?

6) Other forms of promotion which will cost a small fee but should bring your book to the attention of the reading public include Amazon sponsorship, Amazon ads and Facebook ads.

7) Book signings, author events and Book festivals may require a financial investment but will allow you to put your book before a wide range of readers. However, I would cauthion you to consider any financial commitment needed before proceeding with these forms of promotion.

8) If you are willing to risk more money you may want to consider paid advertising with Book Bub or other such companies. These promotions can cost up to several hundred pounds but often produce sales over a period of some months and can help carry other books you have written to the attention of readers.

What you cannot do is simply see your book published, leave it and expect it to sell. You may feel self conscious promoting your own work. But as I was charged by author Allison Symes many years ago - "I hope you like your first book because you'll be promoting it for the rest of your life." This is a truism that all authors will recognise.

Promotions are the bane of many authors lives and is an endless task. However you choose to promote your book, I wish you well.

Val Penny