Self-Publishing Resources: Marketing and PR

Self-Publishing Resources Part 2
Marketing and PR 

Here is the second installment of the self-publishing resources series. If you haven't watched the series trailer, you can watch it here. This week's article will focus on marketing and PR resources for new self-published authors. 

Marketing 

General Resources

First 1000 books by Time Grahl
This book is popular among self-published authors. Tim’s website contains a list of useful resources that are free. If you want to try before you buy, check the resources out. You can also subscribe to his newsletter to get useful tips delivered to your inbox. His resources are accessible to first-time writers. I recommend you start here. I love his free guide on how to make an author website. 

I would also recommend Plug your book by Steve Weber and 1001 Ways to Market your book by John Kremer . I read both ten years ago. They are useful guides, however, both need to be updated which is why I didn’t include it in the main section. 

Reviews

7 Strategies and 110 Resources
This is one of the most comprehensive lists available on the internet. The list contains websites where you could get interviews as well as the contact details of more than two hundred indie book reviewers. It also has a list of websites where you could host a giveaway, advertise and crowdsource. If you like all your eggs in one basket, check this page out. It is a good overview.

Kirkus reviews
This one has been around for ages. It provides good exposure but comes with a heavy price tag. If you can afford it, visit their website to buy a review. 

NetGalley
Net Galley is perhaps the most popular website for authors to connect with bloggers. You can purchase their package and upload your book for a limited time. During this time, it will be available to all interested bloggers and reviewers. It is free to read books, but you need to pay to upload yours. To check the prices and learn how it works, visit their website. 

Story Cartel
Story Cartel is a cheaper alternative to Net Galley. Their service is fast. You need to buy launch coupons for your books. When you launch the book, it will be available to download and review. They also give you the e-mail addresses of those who downloaded your book. One launch is three weeks with one week for reviewers. You can launch the same book multiple times. You can also read other people’s works and review them (reading is free). 
(PS: My book Into the Light is available on Story Cartel now. If you’re interested, click here to download a copy.) 

Marketing Checklists

Marketing checklists can shave time off your promotion agenda. These checklists are a boon for new authors as they tell you what to do step-by-step. I used the following to make a marketing plan for Into the Light. 

Book Marketing Tools 

Book marketing tools is a great website for marketers. The website is regularly updated with new articles. They do a podcast with self-published authors. I suggest you follow them on social media to stay updated. They have a multitude of resources for new authors. I recommend the self-publishing checklist.

Curiouser Editing Pre-Release Checklist

Many first time authors leave marketing to after the book release (I know I’m guilty of that). This pre-publishing checklist breaks down what you need to do before your book goes live. This checklist was immensely helpful in creating a marketing plan and keeping this organized. Allow at least two to three months for pre-release marketing.

Blog tour 
I do not recommend any particular blog tour website. There are many blog tour providers. Authors can also organize their own blog tour. I am not very convinced about the utility of blog tours in helping first-time authors gain publicity. 


Social Media

The Art of Social Media by Guy Kawasaki and Peg Fitzpatrick 
This book makes social media easy. If you follow my review blog on Booklikes or Goodreads, you’ve heard me rave about this book. It is short, filled with images and has exactly the right amount of information for a first-time author. If you’re new to social media or want to make a social media marketing plan for your book, I recommend you read this one.

Social Media Management Software 
I recommend using a post scheduler like Buffer or Hootsuite to manage your social media profiles. In the beginning, it will be pretty manageable but as the load grows, it gets hectic. I personally use Buffer and I like it. It is easy to use and you can try the free version for as long as you like. They send you a report each week. 



PR

Books

The Frugal Book Promoter by Carolyn Howard-Johnson 
This is the essential PR guide for authors. There aren’t many books on public relations for new authors. The book is comprehensive and contains information on how to write press releases, get the word out about your book and work TV and radio.  


The Future of PR by David Meerman Scott
This one is a more traditional marketing book that does not apply specifically to books. However, I prefer it to the other one. It is more general and the tips can be applied to any field. It debates the death of traditional print media presenting blogs as an alternative. I reviewed this book on Goodreads. I read the old version, but an updated version is available now. 


Blogging

Wordpress
Wordpress is the standard in blogging. It is also used to create websites. If you’re new to blogging, you can get a free Wordpress hosted blog. There are many resources that help you create and maintain a blog. Jane Friedman has a guide for beginners (https://janefriedman.com/blogging-for...). You can also use Tim Grahl’s book to enhance your blog.  


Free PR Websites


HARO
This is the most popular PR website. HARO stands for Help A Reporter Out. This website sends you an e-mail three times a day. You can reply to any requests that pertain to your expertise. The emails are filtered according to your geographical region. This is a good way for new authors to get publicity. If you find any of the requests match your expertise, you can pitch journalists. 

Sourcebottle
Sourcebottle is a website similar to HARO. It is an Australian website that allows new business owners or authors to gain publicity. It has many articles that are targeted towards small business owners and lifestyle bloggers. If you write about any of these things, you may be able to find publicity opportunities.

I hope you found this post useful. If you did, please share and spread the love. I will do an article about my self-publishing experience next week. If you have any questions, drop me an e-mail or comment. Subscribe to my newsletter for  updates. 

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