Investing in Promotion
Over the past couple of weeks, I've been gathering promotional ideas. Everyone says the key to success in e-publishing is promotion, promotion, promotion. Name recognition, buzz, etc.
But how do you get that? I thought I'd share with you what I've come up with in my reading and research.
1) Memorable, durable, and usable giveaway items: I'm thinking custom-imprinted pens. They are used often and inexpensive if ordered in bulk. Another item I'm considering is homemade soaps from a local giftshop, packaged in small bags with a card with the cover for WHAT MATTERED MOST as well as ordering information. Because the beach plays a part in the setting of WMM, I'd also considered a beach-themed giveaway basket.
2) Free online reads: I know many people give away books, but I've also heard from authors who say that giving away copies can actually hurt your sales. Instead, I think I'm going to draft a short online novella, offering all readers something for free and giving them a taste of my writing style. Hopefully, this would intrigue them and make them want to go buy the book. I'd considered putting the first chapter on my website and offer subsequent chapters through my group/newsletter.
3) Website -- I've had one for a while, but I need to update as well as make sure the site is interesting and useful, to keep people coming back. I'd considered offering an online writing course and critique giveaway there as well.
4) Loops -- I've joined Samhain's mailing list and group, with a readership of nearly 1000. I'll be able to list links and post excerpts here.
5) Chats and Reviews -- Still a little overwhelmed here, looking for whatever tips I can get!
So there's the beginnings of my promotion ideas. I'd love your thoughts and feedback, and if you have any other suggestions, I'm open to them!
But how do you get that? I thought I'd share with you what I've come up with in my reading and research.
1) Memorable, durable, and usable giveaway items: I'm thinking custom-imprinted pens. They are used often and inexpensive if ordered in bulk. Another item I'm considering is homemade soaps from a local giftshop, packaged in small bags with a card with the cover for WHAT MATTERED MOST as well as ordering information. Because the beach plays a part in the setting of WMM, I'd also considered a beach-themed giveaway basket.
2) Free online reads: I know many people give away books, but I've also heard from authors who say that giving away copies can actually hurt your sales. Instead, I think I'm going to draft a short online novella, offering all readers something for free and giving them a taste of my writing style. Hopefully, this would intrigue them and make them want to go buy the book. I'd considered putting the first chapter on my website and offer subsequent chapters through my group/newsletter.
3) Website -- I've had one for a while, but I need to update as well as make sure the site is interesting and useful, to keep people coming back. I'd considered offering an online writing course and critique giveaway there as well.
4) Loops -- I've joined Samhain's mailing list and group, with a readership of nearly 1000. I'll be able to list links and post excerpts here.
5) Chats and Reviews -- Still a little overwhelmed here, looking for whatever tips I can get!
So there's the beginnings of my promotion ideas. I'd love your thoughts and feedback, and if you have any other suggestions, I'm open to them!
posted by Linda Winfree at 8:44 AM
3Comments:
Great list! I'm going to have to remember some of those. I would also suggest joining Romance Divas. They just hit 1500 members on their forums and a lot of people do promotion on there. And a lot of them are e-published, so it's a supportive environment for that.
I'm at the same place you are. I will have an e-book coming out in September and have been scouring anything I can find on promotion. I dislike the fact it takes up so much time.
This information is very timely for me! Thank you!
Join The Romance Studio--it's worth the extra 2.50 for their newsletter alone.
Post a Comment
<< Home