Congratulations, you're a published author! You have accomplished what many dream about...now what? Now, you need to become marketing savvy and let the world know about your book.
Find some valuable tips below on how you can gain more exposure for your work.
Create an online presence: Content is king! Authors need to create a unique online platform to generate buzz, show off their work, and gain new readers. Many ways exist to engage with the online community. Build a great website that showcases who you are, your writing and how it is unique, where your book is available, and any other cool or interesting things about you. Be sure to add social media share buttons to your website so fans can connect to you. Blogs are a great way to share your expertise and thoughts with the online world. Social media is where a lot of chit-chat/buzz is happening. You don't need to be on every site, just choose one or two, like Facebook and Twitter, to engage in conversations and get your work known.
Get solid book reviews: Book reviews, well, good book reviews, are like gold! Reviews are essential for growing book sales and expanding readership. Readers rely on reviews to select their next great read. Ask your friends and family to read your book and post a review. Reach out to bloggers and see if they would kindly and honestly review your book.
Enter writing contests: Be brave and showcase your mad writing skills by entering into writing contests. Once published, you can submit your book as a way to gain added exposure.
Promote your work: Contact bloggers for book reviews and to be hosted on their sites. For a not much money, you can buy online book promotions. Do a virtual online book tour to gain extra exposure and readers. Promote your book on social media channels. Sign up to do a Goodreads book giveaway. This is a great way to give free copies of your book to willing readers. Tell the world about your book – family, friends, and anyone you meet.
Keep writing and don't stop: Continue to hone your craft and set aside even 20 minutes a day to write blog posts or even your next book. Another great idea is to write a short story or just free write whatever is on your mind.
Keep up your writing, keep your dreams alive, and don’t ever give up!
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Monique was born in Cape Town, South Africa, and her grandparents were European Jews who fled their home as Hitler rose to power. It’s their story that inspired her to write Across Great Divides, her first historical novel.
Monique resides in Dallas, Texas, with her husband and son. She also works as a freelance writer.
Learn more at http://www.monique-roy.com.
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Would you like to participate in Friday "Speak Out!"? Email your short posts (under 500 words) about women and writing to: marcia[at]wow-womenonwriting[dot]com for consideration. We look forward to hearing from you!
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Monique--Great tips. I have not had a book published yet, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I do not have a social media presence, but your suggestions might nudge me into at least dipping my toes into Facebook and Instagram or Twitter.
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite authors--Alan Paton--was from South Africa. His book "Too Late the Phalarope" is on my top 10 list. Do you know him?
Good luck with your future writing projects. I hope to someday be able to make use of your suggestions.