Promoting Your Book in 2009

By Yvonne DiVita

It's not as hard as you may think. And, it's not as easy as you may think. But, in the end, it's after your book is completed - and published - that the real work begins. Regardless of how you published it, you are still the best person to market your book.

With the publishing industry changing so rapidly - big publishers cutting back on manuscripts, small publishers closing their doors, even POD companies cutting back on personnel, some people may think this is not a good time to write and promote a book.

They would be wrong. Write your book.

Be clear before you put fingers to keyboard what success means to you. It's unlikely your book will be a best-seller (but it could be); it's unlikely your publisher will spend a lot of time or money getting the word out (they usually ask for YOUR marketing plan up front); and it's unlikely that you have enough friends and family to make this publishing endeavor a big payback.

So...what are your options? We like to talk about "book as brochure." When you utilize your book as a calling card - it can help increase business for you. When you finally have a book - the recognition and credibility is huge! Anyone who has ever written a book can attest to the sudden "expert" status they gained by being published (even being self-published).

If you are ready to market, here are some tips on book marketing trends, from a post I wrote over at the Small Business Trends blog, for our friend Anita Campbell and her readers. I hope it helps you market your book in 2009. The other content will help you market your business in 2009. How can you lose?

Speaking of friends, if you'd like some more book marketing help, Sandy Beckwith can help, too! She's offering two flavors of her Build Book Buzz e-course and the next ones start on February 2: Original Book Publicity 101 or Book Publicity 101 for Self-Published Authors. You may also want to subscribe to her Build Book Buzz newsletter and visit her blog.

Comments

[Jay Heyman]

Hi Yvonne,
I wish I had known all these great tips you wrote for book marketing trends when "All You Need Is A Good Idea!" came out. But still very, very helpful. Thanks.
Jay Heyman

[Sarah]

I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.

Sarah

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