BOOK MARKETING MADE EASY

When should I begin marketing my book?

A) When the book is out. B) When I finalize my publishing contract.

The correct answer? Marketing your book should start the moment the ink dries on your publishing deal. Books, movies, and music albums are advertised for months before they are launched in order to build the hype—and your book is no different!

First, begin by posting on social media to let friends and family know you have a book coming out; be sure to use a generous and very general publication timeline (“Coming Soon: Fall of This Year!”) so you’re not rushed. We also recommend keeping your title private until you finish the writing & editing phase. This is known in the industry as a “working title,” and you’d be surprised how often authors come up with an even better title for their book after they are done writing!

Once your manuscript is turned in, it’s time to start writing blog posts on your book topic, sharing your cover design on social media, posting excerpts from your book, and reaching out to local media and bookstores about coverage and events. The key to a successful pre-launch campaign? Don’t rush the process! The more time you have, the more you can promote, and the bigger your book launch will be!

At the end of the day day, pre-marketing is just as important as marketing your book once it’s published.

Should I have a presence on social media platforms?

Social media marketing isn’t the future; it’s the here and now! Social media makes it a breeze for your fans to follow you, find out about upcoming events, and share their love for your book. We offer social media marketing for platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, and more.

Worried you can’t do it all? You don’t have to! We recommend scheduling a consult with your Marketing Specialist so you can identify your target audience (i.e., the readers most likely to purchase your book). While you may have written a book that would be helpful or entertaining to everyone, the truth is that there is a niche audience who is most likely to buy your book. Figure out who they are and what platforms they hang out on, then concentrate your energy there. Did you write romance fiction? Facebook, Instagram and Goodreads are your best bet. Books about business, leadership, health or sports should absolutely be marketed on Twitter. Find out where your fans are already spending their time, and meet them there!

Why do I need a website and/or blog?

Simple: because every traditionally published author has one. (And most self-published authors, too.) How can you compete if you don’t?

One of the first things a reader, bookstore buyer or media member will do when trying to find you is search for your name on Google—so you need an online platform where they can purchase books, peruse your backstory, and comb through a calendar of events. A website isn’t just important for readers; it’s also imperative for establishing your professional legitimacy when booking media appearances, book signings, speaking engagements, and more.

And why do you need a blog? You’re an author now! You should be writing. Your new fans will be eager to hear more from you. In addition, regularly releasing content on your new site means you’ll rise higher in searches, continue to curate a fan following, and that those new fans will be more likely to buy your next published work.

Social media is important for engagement, but it should act as a complement to your author website, not a substitute. It’s important to have a piece of internet real estate you own. Facebook is the perfect example of a social platform that changes the rules for play often, and you don’t want your entire audience housed on a page you don’t own, in a platform where you can’t guarantee they’ll receive your announcements. Start with a beautiful, professionally designed author website, and ask your fans to sign up for your email updates there!

How do I set up book signings?

Setting up a book signing might be intimidating at first since you’ll be marketing yourself to a bookstore manager, a complete stranger sometimes, but we know you can do it! Initially, you’ll want to meet with the manager of the bookstore you want your signing at, and your goal here is to make that owner just as excited about your book as you are about it. Don’t feel discouraged if the owner isn’t immediately on board, but give them a reason to give you just one day. You need one day to show them what you’ve got and how much customers will relate to and want to buy your book. If you want to provide extra assurance to the manager, make sure they know you’ll only be adding to the bookstore and won’t be in the way of customers.

We have all of the essential tools to help you have the most professional book signing possible. The key is being equipped with the know-how and products that you will need. The good news is that we are here to help!

When is the best time to release my book?

Did you write the next great #BeachRead? Well, fiction books fly off the shelves in the summer. Children’s books, devotionals or non-fiction books written specifically for men and women sell well around Father’s and Mother’s Day. Inspirational books make great gifts for new grads, and educational books should be released early enough for back-to-school book orders.

Christmas is traditionally known as the biggest book-buying season of the year, but it’s also a time when new releases flood the market in anticipation of holiday shopping. A targeted release with less competition is probably the best fit for your book. For help developing your strategy, talk to one of our dedicated Publishing Consultants about how to plan a targeted release for your book!

How will readers know where to find my book online?

Making your book available for purchase online is easy—and included in our two top-tier publishing packages. Talk to your Publishing Consultant about how we can add your book to Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, and our Naberm Publications bookstore.

How will you let readers know to find you there? This is a perfect example of why pre-marketing your book and having an established online presence is key!

Through frequent posts on your blog and social media leading up to your launch (and after the book is out), your readers will consistently be reminded where to buy your book. Studies have proven that it takes a few rounds of exposure for a buyer to “remember and react.” Even if your social media audience knows you personally, they have busy lives filled with work and family, plus vacations to plan and bills to pay. Don’t assume they’ll hop online to purchase your book because they saw it once! Post interesting content often and always directly link your book, whether it is on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or other online retailers. Then it’s as easy as click-and-done!

What are the most effective ways to promote my book?

With so many marketing options at Naberm Publications, honing in on the most effective tools might seem daunting—but it’s not. We suggest purchasing services strategically selected for your book, and also take advantage of all the free methods for promotion available today: guest blogging, engaging with readers on social media, reaching out to book bloggers online or book clubs in your area, booking speaking engagements, and setting up local book signings.

The best marketing plan is one that combines our industry-leading PR services with some good ole’ fashioned elbow grease, and our team of experts is here to offer guidance from that very first thought until the last book is bought!

The key is found in assessing your marketing budget, book genre, target audience, and strengths as an author. Chat with your Publishing Consultant or Marketing Specialist to determine the social channels your readers are on, the marketing tools your competition is using to succeed, and how your personality and God-given gifts fit into the puzzle.