What's the best way to promote a book from an unknown author?

Question

My father has recently had a book published and I would like to help him promote it. We live in a small city in Alabama and only have one bookstore. The book is called Absolute Justice by David Cauthen and it is great reading! Can anyone give me any ideas as to how to help him promote this book?

Answer 1

It take money. Like printing it in newspapers, etc. But hey, I live in LA. Or AL. I live in (L)ower (A)labama!

Answer 2

The book appears to be self-published, which means that nearly all of the conventional means of promotion are closed to him.

He probably can't conduct signings at any bookstore, arrange for critical reviews in the paper or magazines, or set up interviews on local radio or TV. It's possible that he can set up signings at area libraries, but with so many POD authors out there, many libraries will no longer host such events. I see it involves the legal system, so he might be able to have promotional items ready to pass out (pens, pencils, bookmarks) at any Bar Association event.

Unfortunately, the reality of POD fiction sales is that the number tends to be a little less than the number of friends and family the author has, regardless of the quality of the book. Typical sales are between 50 and 75 copies total, without regard to how much or how little the author has promoted his book.

Answer 3

I'm a published author who has POD books and you're getting some wrong info here. POD is a printing option and has nothing to do with the way a book is published. Mine are released by a royalty paying publisher who also pays advances and doesn't charge me any fees, yet the books are print on demand. That only means they are printed as they are ordered. There are all kinds of ways to promote books - even ebooks, print on demand and self published. I'm actually putting the finished touches on a book about promoting books this afternoon :)

The internet is your best bet. A website, getting active on forums and networking and social sites can be great. Give away something related to the content of the book to get people interested. This can be a short story with some background or information about the topics in the story. But make a big deal that its free. I offer "samplers" which contain the first chapter, any intro, character and setting info, my background, how the story came about and anything that would get someone interested. A blog is a great way to get the word out.

Word of mouth is great, but takes time and you have to get the book into people's hands to get the word of mouth started. If your father's book is already on Amazon, they offer all kinds of ways to promote our books. If he's not, think long and hard about paying all the fees to be on their site and remember there are over 4.5 million books on there. Even if the book is for sale on Amazon, you need to let people know about it.

There are all kinds of review sites online which will help him to get quotes and to get exposure on their websites.

Promoting a book can take a decent amount of money, it takes lots of effort and determination, but it can be done. You do NOT have to break the bank to promote the book. Check with your local libraries and independent bookstores. The chain stores are a pain to deal with, but I've had great success with smaller stores. And, remember that bookstores are NOT the best place to sell books. FInd a store that has a connection to something in the story and talk with them.

Good luck with your promotion :)

Nikki Leigh

Answer 4

Set up a website

Answer 5

i would think it would be to read the book an tell others about it,the word of mouth is a goodthing,might also let your local book clubs know of the book. they can usally do more. or just send it to oprahs book club lol

Answer 6

Free Ways:

Tell everyone you know about it.

Ask them to tell other people.

Go find book clubs and suggest it to them.

Suggest it to your local library.

Not free:

Advertise.

Answer 7

Sell it on Amazon.com.