Here's a list of some of the things I've learned about promoting your books:
Mention the title of the book: This may seem like a given, but I've seen many announcements or comments where authors are promoting their new book and fail to mention the title.
Add links: Again this is something authors often fail to add to their marketing. And if your book (especialy if it is an ebook) is on more than one site, add those links! Remember Amazon.com is not the only place people shop. Also, make sure the links are direct links to the book, not just to the store.
Don't make your promotion sound like an ad: If your book sounds too much like an advertisement, you run the risk of people considering it spam. Interaction gets a better response, so share don't sell.
Tread lightly when promoting within forums and groups: Some groups and forums have strict spam/promotion policies, so always read the group rules before posting.
Make your blurbs tight, short, with a good hook: If you want people to read your book, you have to interest them. A rambling blurb loses their attention.
Free excerpts never hurt: An excerpt of a well-written book is the best way to interest readers.
Help out fellow authors: Tweets, Retweets, Diggs, Facebook Likes, Blog Comments for other writer's books and posts, well, they're just plain nice. Plus, you never know when someone might return the favour.
If anyone has any other tips for the list please comment.
Mention the title of the book: This may seem like a given, but I've seen many announcements or comments where authors are promoting their new book and fail to mention the title.
Add links: Again this is something authors often fail to add to their marketing. And if your book (especialy if it is an ebook) is on more than one site, add those links! Remember Amazon.com is not the only place people shop. Also, make sure the links are direct links to the book, not just to the store.
Don't make your promotion sound like an ad: If your book sounds too much like an advertisement, you run the risk of people considering it spam. Interaction gets a better response, so share don't sell.
Tread lightly when promoting within forums and groups: Some groups and forums have strict spam/promotion policies, so always read the group rules before posting.
Make your blurbs tight, short, with a good hook: If you want people to read your book, you have to interest them. A rambling blurb loses their attention.
Free excerpts never hurt: An excerpt of a well-written book is the best way to interest readers.
Help out fellow authors: Tweets, Retweets, Diggs, Facebook Likes, Blog Comments for other writer's books and posts, well, they're just plain nice. Plus, you never know when someone might return the favour.
If anyone has any other tips for the list please comment.