Whether you’re an indie or hybrid author, the marketing of your book comes down primarily to you, and this sometimes can be quite a pain. However, here are some tips to make it a little easier!
1. Attend Writing Conferences.
This is the perfect place for you to showcase your skills as an indie author and network with other authors, editors, cover designers, etc. through:
- Teaching a class or two pertaining to your specific author expertise (this is a great way to promote your book and get your name out there).
- Participating in book sales and signings (this is where you will probably see the most traffic).
2. Create a Video Trailer for Your Book.
I’ve seen this done at a writing conference by an indie author to help promote her book. Her daughter had created for her on YouTube, and I thought it was a very creative way to showcase her novel.
3. Participate in Public Markets.
Flea markets are a great way to get your book out there locally. Reserve a space ahead of time for you to set up your booth to promote/sell your book and any other trinkets related to your book (like bookmarks, magnets, pencils, buttons, etc.)
4. Network with Local Libraries.
Search out your nearest public library and see what their policy is for promoting indie books on their shelves or book-related events like readings, signings, etc.
5. Schedule School Visits.
If your book is aimed for younger audiences, schedule a visit to a local school class or library to promote your book and writing skills to younger audiences, English teachers, school librarians, etc. who may even create a space for your book in their school libraries if interested.
6. Participate in Book Signings.
These can be scheduled anywhere—schools, libraries, markets, or even a planetarium if your book is about space. Keep in mind the intended audiences for your book and try to build up rapport with local individuals who may allow you to set up a booth on their property.
7. Schedule Book Readings.
Schools and libraries are also good possible settings for you to promote your book through reading excerpts from your book. Look for places like independent book shops or schools where you can possibly schedule a reading for intended audiences of your book.
8. Create/Facilitate a Local Creative Writing Group.
I recently joined one of these and the facilitator was an indie author who passed around copies of her books with us and her author business card with her website and other contact info relating to her books. This is a great way to get the word out about your own work directly, while also encouraging others to create their own stories.
9. Join or Create an Indie Book Club.
This is a fun way to get many people to read and discuss your book in a group setting along with helping other indie authors get their books read and circulated.
10. Join a Facebook Indie Author Group.
This is a great way to network with other writers about what helps them to get their work out there to the public. As an indie author, it’s always constructive to give and receive feedback from others who have gone down a similar publishing path.
11. Enhance Your Social Media Presence.
Many indie authors use social media platforms like Pinterest, Instagram (or “Bookstagram”), YouTube (or “BookTube”), or Facebook to promote their books through sending regular announcements or updates about their book, where they will be doing a book signing or selling your book locally, presenting at a conference, etc. These are also places where you can promote your author website.
12. Circulate a Newsletter for Your Readers.
It’s amazing how many followers will subscribe to an author newsletter. This is where authors send updates that they would normally put on social media directly to their email. Keep this is mind when creating your author website; create a place for those who access your author website to subscribe to your newsletter. Be sure to send it out as regularly as you can.
Good luck to all you indie authors as you promote your books and grow your writing presence! Feel free to suggest other tips I may have missed!
