How do I get my newly released book to the public, with little to no cost?

Question

What is the best way to market a book?

Answer 1

First of all, your book needs to be on Amazon.com. Sign up for the Advantage program to get your book listed, then follow the marketing information on the Advantage page to improve your book's detail page, etc.

Do you have a Web site for the book? Get one! You can set up a Web site inexpensively. You can take orders on the site, or send buyers to Amazon. Set up a PayPal account to take credit card payments, and set up an Amazon Associates account so you get a commission on orders you refer to them.

People have to learn about your book before they will buy it. Write articles, or use excerpts from your book, and post them online. There are article directory sites that will accept your articles and make them available to Web site owners and others to publish, or you can directly approach sites that appeal to the same people as your book. Of course, every article should include a brief paragraph about you and your book, with a link to your book's Web site.

Create a signature file to include on all of your outgoing emails with a line or two about your book and a link to the Web site.

Figure out where the people who should buy your book hang out online, and get in front of them. Post to the forums they read. Do not post an ad for your book (that is usually not allowed) but post something useful and interesting, with your signature file at the end.

Contact local book stores and ask about doing an event. Book stores are not interested in "signings" by unknown authors, but often a talk, demonstration or other event (that also includes selling and signing books) is of interest.

Look for other stores that might be interested in your book and having you in for an event. For example, if your book is about dog training (or there is a dog featured in the book) talk to the local pet shop or animal rescue organization. If you talk to a charity, offer them a percentage of the proceeds from book sales at the event.

Send out press releases to your local media. Your hometown newspaper might be interested in the fact that a local author has published a book. Stop by the offices of the weekly community paper (most places have at least one) and talk to them.

Always look for ways to promote and sell your book. You can not do everything, but the more you do the more books you will sell.

Good luck!

Cathy Stucker
http://www.SellingBooks.com/

Answer 2

An agent who will do that for you. Agents don't work for free, but you may be able to pay on results.

The publisher usually has its own marketing department too.

You can write a press release and put it on one of the few free newswires (the big wire firms will cost you at least $125..but are worth it).

Send the same release to all the major national papers' book review editors and all your local press.

Then see what happens.

Good luck.

Answer 3

Why not try LuLu.com?