Connecting Readers and Writers discussion

Hey all. I've just published a new book titled Mind Trap. The free preview can be read here on GoodReads or over on Amazon, and it's available in both eBook and paperback format. Problem is, I have no idea how to spread the word. Marketing my own work has proved challenging to say the least. If anyone has any direction to point me, I'd be grateful. Or maybe someone here could check it out :)

J.R.,

Most books and periodicals on the subject suggest utilizing multiple promotional tools.

Website - Designed specifically to promote the book and its author. Include a brief blurb, author's bio., excerpts, event announcements, and communication page.

Press Releases - Each designed to appeal to the specific targeted audience to whom it is being sent. This will increase the chances of it actually being published in whichever newspaper or newsletter the recipient distributes.

Join Literary Websites - Active participation in all types of discussion groups and threads, not just those designated for book/author promotion. Allow potential readers to get to know you as a person.

Formal/Informal Presentations - Seek and accept invitations to attend and participate in literary festivals and conventions, public library programs, book stores, and book clubs. Be prepared to deliver a well-rehearsed presentation with book-signing pen in hand.

Push Cards, Business Cards, Bookmarks, and Thank You Cards - Custom designed to promote both book and author.

Interviews - Accept all legitimate interview opportunities, prepared to provide interesting and succinct responses to any possible question.

I wish you success.

I'd recommend a few easy steps:
1. Offer review copies to members of groups you're in, and request reviews be posted on GR, Amazon, B & N, etc.
2. If you have print copies, put a few up for Goodreads Giveaway.
3. Look for bloggers interested in finding authors/books to post, ideally in your genre/subject.

There is also the mass freebie option under KDP Select, though while it gets the word out I'm not convinced it nets appreciable sales (there's a thread I started on here somewhere about that).

How about if you are flat broke? I put my first eBook up on KDP in October (Not the New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes) and sold a whopping 15 copies and have given away copies hoping for reviews, which have never come in. (I guess the readers didn't like the book. They have never mentioned the book again to me other than "Thanks for the copy.") Thanks for the suggestions already given.

Rena wrote: "How about if you are flat broke? I put my first eBook up on KDP in October (Not the New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes) and sold a whopping 15 copies and have given away copies hoping for reviews, w..."

Rena,

Your book was released only three months ago. That is hardly any time at all in the literary world. Be patient. While you are busy being patient, consider utilizing one or more of the promotional tools listed in message 2. Some require a financial investment, but others require only an investment of time and effort.

Whatever you decide, I wish you eventual success.

Thanks for the kind words and advice, Jim. Hope you are well.

Thanks for the responses all, and thank you Rena for your kind review.

I enjoyed Mind Trap. How did you get a preview of it up on Goodreads?