How Do You Market Your Book When Money Is Tight?

[Diane]

Self publishing can be the worse paying part time job you've ever had - and the hours are outrageous! I think we've all felt the pinch at one time or another, but we carry on because of our passion for writing.

Do any of you have ideas or tips that may help others when times are tight? Please join the discussion and share your wisdom and experience with the rest of us.

While sharing with another author, I pulled these ideas from my latest work "The Guide for First time Self Publishers":

Action items:
Create a postcard for the cost of shipping at clubflyers.com (1000 free with their ad on the back)
Create better keywords for your site. With this in mind please visit http://freekeywords.wordtracker.com/ As an example type in the word 'juicy' and watch the magic. Just choose the words with the most resonance for your site (and hits).
Start creating buzz by joining author's communities and posting your book cover (on sites like Black Author Showcase. Sharing the book and your experiences with other authors will garner additional interest. I have sent you an invitation in a separate email.
Create free short seminars for nonprofits and local clubs pertaining to your title. Try to schedule at least one seminar per month.
Send out a press release every month (and post on your website). Make sure these include all of your signings, interviews and seminar appearances.
Spend the $29 for the Amazon Advantage program http://advantage.amazon.com/gp/vendor/public/join-advantage-books. Yes I know they take 55% now, but you can't beat the credibility of a book on Amazon. Be sure to upload your book cover and get some folks to comment/review as soon as possible.

Those are just a few of my 'guerrilla' type marketing ideas. What are yours?

[leahmullen]

It's not just about lack of money for me (tho that is definitely an issue) when it comes to promoting my book. My constraints have also included family obligations and my own temperament. I'd rather be writing than promoting.

So I came up with the idea to combine the two. I want to market my writing via other writing. Currently I'm the life coaching editor for bellaonline.com and I just landed an assignment writing business profiles for a local paper here in New York called Black Star News.

Using writing to promote my writing is useful in many ways I think. First as I write more and more I get better and better which is always my goal. And I get to connect regularly with editors and readers.

I like the idea posted above regarding creating spin off seminars based on the book. I'm slowly writing a journaling workshop since that's how I wrote Again and Agains. It's based on the journal I kept as a teenager. I think everyone should keep a journal. When you write down the things you want, say a prayer and take action, magic happens.

[Diane]

That's truly cool, Leah! You are using one of the absolute best ways to snag free publicity. I used to write for Bellaonline also, but felt my subject matter (housing finance) didn't fit with my coaching and training businesses. There are loads of places to write on the web.

Good luck with the biz profiles at Black Star. That's sure to turn into something exciting and useful to your writing. Make sure you announce your journaling workshop here on Black Author Showcase. We could all use a little journaling help.

[leahmullen]

I'll be sure to announce the journaling workshop when I'm finished. I'm warning you tho, it takes me a looooooong time to do everything. So it might be awhile:)

[James A. Jimason]

I have found networking with other authors and business owners to be the best way to market your book, for very little to no money. There are always other people out there who know something you don't - so keep connection with others and all that you need will come. In addition, give the same back - marketing tips, upcoming book fairs, etc. to increasewhat comes back to you.

I hope this helps.

James

[Yasmin Coleman]

Network with bookclubs. For a list of bookclubs available visit www.mosaicbooks.com.
Bookclubs are great for book reviews and spreading WORD OF MOUTH...if we like a book we create the buzz for you!

Speaking of bookclubs, if anyone would like to have their book reviewed by APOOO, please email me at:
[e-mail] for more details.

yasmin
www.apooo.org
Subscribe to APOOO News Today!

[William Butler]

I often thought Marketing should have been a four-letter-word. But I knew before I started it would be an uphill climb. Prior to my book's release in July all of my writing efforts were in the area of short fiction and essays. In that market, the publications do the marketing and the author is free to do what we do best... write.

Still, having been a member of a local writer's group for more than two decades, I became acquainted with a number of novel writers and watched over the years as they hit the pavement whenever a book was release. Fortunately, because of that, I had a heads-up on what I would face.

My main point is to reinforce James J's post from Aug 27: networking. Experience is the best teacher and when you're new to the area the experience of others is priceless. The adage that all of us are stronger than any one of us is as true in writing as in any venture. Pooled knowledge serves all who are able to draw from the pool.

While the Internet may be vast and nearly limitless in the people and resources it presents, it is a poor substitute for networking with people face-to-face. A writer's group that meets even as infrequently as once a month provides a sounding board for your work, can provide workshops and critique groups, sponsor conferences and conventions, and can be a repository of knowledge and information.

Chances are there is already a group in your area that would meet your needs. Find it, join, begin the networking experience and reap the benefits it has to offer. If there is no such group... form one.

William

[Feon Davis]

I have done business cards, and include my link on my items, attend festivals, events in community to sell my books, and gifts I do by hand. Like craft vendors as well long as it not to much for them. I alsos sell what i can online as well. And link to inspirational site to get my site out there.