How to get started with promoting your first book

Publicity is the process of getting information about your book out to people who might be interested in buying or reading it. There are many ways to promote a book, and the most effective approach depends on what your goals are. Some general tips for promoting a book include creating an online profile that includes basic information about your work, writing promotional blurbs for local newspapers and magazines, attending speaking events, developing relationships with bloggers and reviewers (to get early reviews), social media promotion (using hashtags &etc.),and publicizing retailer signings.

For the author without access to a publisher, promoting a book can seem like an insurmountable task. Where do you start? What does a marketing plan look like? There’s a lot of information out there, and it can be overwhelming to say the least. I will try to guide through the steps and tips that would make your journey a little easier.

— Start with a plan – 

Once you’ve written your book, it’s time to start thinking about how you’re going to promote it. Who is your target audience? What platform are you going to use to reach them? What are your goals for the promotion? Having a plan will help you focus your efforts and make the most of your time and resources.

— Create a professional-looking website for your book

Make sure to include an eye-catching cover photo, a brief synopsis of your book, and links to where people can buy it. You can also use your website to blog about topics related to your book, which will help draw attention to it.

— Create a social media profile for your author brand.

Before you start promoting your book, it’s important to create a social media profile for your author brand. This will help you connect with potential readers and build your audience. When you’re talking on social media, don’t just say that you’ve published a book—that’s not newsworthy. Instead, tell people what the book is about and highlight a few great things that other people have said about it. Have a Facebook Page dedicated to your book. Also have your presence across all the platforms, Twitter, Instagram and others.

— Use existing platforms to promote your book.

Once you have a social media profile for your author brand, you can start promoting your book on existing platforms like Goodreads, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble. Try to organize Book signings in local bookstores. Other ways include Giveaways with your books, promotional materials such as bookmarks, coasters, keychain tassels, door hangers, printed mugs, tote bags, and others.

— Join social media groups relevant to your book’s genre

This is a great way to connect with potential readers who are interested in the same kind of books as you are. It’s also a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest news and trends in your genre, so you can adjust your promotional strategy accordingly.

— Connect with bloggers and influencers in your genre.

Another great way to promote your book is to connect with bloggers and influencers in your genre. These people can help spread the word about your book to their followers and help you reach a larger audience. Showing that you’re committed to your book is one of the most important steps in successfully promoting your book. When you start talking about your book and sharing what goes into the writing process, you’re creating a more personal connection with your readers, and are showing them that your book wasn’t just a random thought you had one day, bloggers and influencers can help convey this idea.

— Make a list of book bloggers and reviewers who might be interested in your book

Contact them directly and offer to send them a review copy of your book. Be sure to include information about why you think they would be interested in reading it.

— Get creative –

There are endless possibilities when it comes to promoting your book. Get creative and think outside the box to come up with ideas that will grab attention and get people talking.

— Be persistent –

Promoting your book is a marathon, not a sprint. Don’t give up if you don’t see results immediately. Keep at it and eventually, you’ll start to see the fruits of your labor pay off.

What are some common mistakes when promoting a book?

There are some common mistakes that people make when they first start the process of promoting their book. 

Mistake #1: Not having a worthy book cover to go with your book. I can’t stress enough the importance of a great book cover design, it is the first thing people see about your book and make their opinion. Give them something eye catchy to grab their attention.

Mistake #2: Not having a blog – If you do not have a blog and you are promoting your book, no one will believe that you are actually the author of said book. If you do not write, if this is an idea that came out of thin air, you will need to set up a blog. It can be a free blog with wordpress, or if you want something fancier, there are plenty of sites out there.

Mistake #3: Not asking for reviews –  If you have a blog, ask for reviews. Tell people what the book is about, tell them how much it would mean to you to get a review from them. Make it easy for them to review the book. Make sure that they understand that it is an honest review. Most book reviewers have blogs of their own and they will be more than willing to help promote your book.