10 of the Best Book Promotion Ideas
By Patricia Fry
I’m often asked, “What’s the best book promotion activity?”
I always respond, “It depends on you and it depends on your book.”
I firmly believe, however, that personality sells books. Readers want a relationship with authors.
So the more visible and engaged you can be in your book promotion efforts, both in person and
through creative technological means, the better.
Following are ten book promotion activities and ideas you probably should pursue.
1: Start Promoting Your Book even Before it’s a Book
Build promotion into your book.
Make your book more salable by adding meaningful hooks.
Talk about your book wherever you go.
Start compiling an extensive email list.
2: Engage in Public Speaking
At civic organizations
At your affiliations (church, clubs, etc.)
At activities and events related to the theme/genre of your book.
At conferences related to the theme of your book. (Links to conference directories in
Patricia Fry’s books—listed at the end of this report.)
3: Build a Useful/Meaningful Website
Showcase your books.
Provide a buy button/merchant account (or at least PayPal).
Offer resources related to your book topic or genre.
Make it super simple for anyone to contact you
4: Connect With Your Audience
Through your massive email list.
Through newsletters, an active blog, discussion groups, forums, etc.
Conduct workshops related to the theme of your book.
5: Get Book Reviews
At online book review sites.
In appropriate publications.
In newspaper columns. (Links to newspaper directories in P. Fry’s books.)
6: Do Book Signings/Demonstrations/Performances
Set up signings at bookstores and other venues—be creative.
Give demonstrations—how to make crème brule, build bird house, set up a budget…
Give performances—poetry readings, act out chapter in novel—let audience help…
7: Engage in Social Media
Facebook, Twitter, Linked-In, etc.
8: Write and Submit Articles and Stories
For magazines, newsletters, websites
9: Hook-Up
Join related organizations and participate.
Subscribe to numerous newsletters and read them.
10: Spy on Other Authors Who Have Books Similar to Yours
Find out how they are promoting their books?
Where are they speaking?
Where are their articles appearing?
(Visit their websites and check out their media pages, their blog, their resource list and so
forth.)
Patricia Fry is the author of 37 books, including her latest, “Talk Up Your Book, How to Sell
Your Book Through Public Speaking, Interviews, Signings, Festivals, Conferences and more”
(Allworth Press, November, 2012), “Publish Your Book” and “Promote Your Book” (Allworth
Press, 2011 and 2012). These books are available at Amazon.com and most other online and
downtown bookstores. Or order a copy from the author’s website: www.matilijapress.com.
Patricia is the executive director of SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network)
www.spawn.org. She’s also a book editor. Let her give you a free sample edit and an estimate for
your next project. PLFry620@yahoo.com. Learn more about Patricia and her work here:
www.patriciafry.com