Top 5 Book Marketing Don’ts

Indie/self-published authors have very little room for errors as it relates to book marketing. It can be a tough job trying to reach the masses. However, there is a right and wrong way to market your book and the sooner you learn the wrong way the better off you are in the long run. Learn the top five book marketing don’ts that can save you time, resources and energy.

1 Don’t be Unprepared

There is an alarming amount of writers who thought writing their story was the only step needed in becoming a successful author. They slave away for weeks, months or even years trying to write a great work of fiction just to finish the manuscript with no know-how in marketing their work. Be prepared by studying your target audience and joining as many groups, forums and clubs as you can; especially before your book is done. This will help build a bit of trust before you start introducing your work. Start saving for your marketing efforts while you are still writing your novel. Doing it that way will leave you less overwhelmed and will cause minimal delays in jump starting your marketing efforts.

Being prepared with your book marketing campaigns also means having an author or media kit. They are mini introductions you can give to potential interviewers on radio/tv/newspaper/magazines. If you reach out to them they may ask you to send over your press kit. Not having one puts you in the amateur pile and can potentially lose you a big opportunity.

2 Don’t think Small 

I’ve said this a thousand times or more, unless you are writing for the pure satisfaction or to sell to family and friends don’t think small. Marketing can not be thought of as a small task. It is quite possibly the most important task outside of writing your story. Marketing on Facebook or Twitter is great however, it cannot and should not be your only marketing efforts. Be creative and always look for ways to incorporate free or even low-cost marketing opportunities into your efforts. Thinking big doesn’t always have to include expensive marketing. The more your book and its cover is seen to your target audience the more likely they are to give a try.

3 Don’t Forget to Network

Networking can be the difference between getting your book featured with a book club or getting your work seen by an industry insider. Social media outlets allow introverts to become more social without the hassle of face to face meetings. However, book fairs, libraries, book stores, book conferences are also great ways to meet like-minded folks. You may also want to show an interest in people you see reading books in your genre and strike up an easy conversation. Many people are impressed with authors especially if the book cover is competitive.

4 Don’t underestimate your family & Friends

Family and friends are great advocates for your book marketing efforts and usually are okay with helping out if asked. However, don’t be vague with your request. Ask if they would be willing to take a few copies of your books to work. In many of my past jobs we shared books around the office which is a great way to build up a following. Ask if they would mind hosting a book club or even inviting their friends and friends of friends to your book release party or a book signing. Ask if they can take a picture holding your book and post it on their social sites.

5 Don’t Spam Others

This book marketing don’t is a tricky one quite simply because spam can be a broad term. Spamming these days can be randomly marketing your book in a forum or book discussion. Spam can be soliciting sales of your book repeatedly in groups without the groups permission. Basically you don’t want to offend potential marketing sources. Engage in groups and subtly mention your book where its relevant. Golden rule is people love hearing about themselves but not to much about others. People also like receiving useful information so share valuable tips and things that are working for you and they are more likely to bite the bait.

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