So you’ve got a great book, eye-catching cover and sizzling hooks to an :08 second ride. How do you get your target audience to notice? It takes promotion; and that can take you out of your comfort zone. Most of us can safely dismiss the possibility of a whirlwind book tour, featuring media appearances and book signings. You might have some luck with local media coverage or a signing at a local book store; but here’s a dirty little secret: both are tough to get and marginally productive if you do.

If marketing takes you out of your comfort zone, you may want to consider a publicist. If marketing is a wilderness for you, a professional can help. Listen to what they can do for you and evaluate what it might mean to you. Get references and check them. Watch the hourly billing rate and budget. Used properly a good publicist can give you valuable assistance. I came to writing with a marketing background. I talked to a couple of publicists, got some help from one; but in the end decided to go a different direction.

I’ve done some radio. I enjoy it. I had the benefit of a lot of media experience in my business career. Does it translate into book sales? I don’t know. It can’t hurt, but I wouldn’t hang my promotion strategy on it. I haven’t had a lot of experience with book signings. Anecdotally I’m told a good book signing may sell eight books. I’ve had one of those. The most productive appearances I’ve done are book clubs. They’re great fun. I donate books to charity auctions with the offer of an author appearance if the book is purchased as a book club selection.

Fortunately we live in a digital world. That’s where I’ve had the most success. I started out with a website because: ‘you need one to be taken seriously’. Or so I was told. The challenge with a website is getting people to go there. It’s tough. I’m an abject failure at it. Sure it can be done. A publicist would be happy to help you with that. I’d rather spend the money selling books. I keep the website to protect my URL, but my promotion strategy has moved on.

If you are reading this, you found it on Facebook or Good Reads. I use both because that’s where my target audience can find me. Facebook has been very productive. I do posts like this one in addition to running ads. If you follow these posts, you know they always include a link to my Amazon author page. From there a prospective buyer is one click away from an :80 second ride. I take advantage of Amazon features like key words and Search Inside The Book. I’m learning about Good Reads’ Give Away program. I’ve done one and will do another with advance reader copies of my next book.

Next week: Building a Brand

https://www.amazon.com/author/paulcolt

Ride easy,
Paul