With a course in miracles books new books published each year, every book needs help to find its market. Part of your job as an author is to market and promote your book.
Book marketing involves:
* Defining your reader
What does your book offer readers? What distinguishes your book from others on the topic? Who would read your book?
* Reaching your potential reader
Where are your potential readers? What magazines and newspapers do they read, where do they shop, which blogs do they visit, what television programs do they watch, which radio programs and podcasts do they listen to, and what social media sites do they frequent?
* Developing a strategy to convince your potential readership to buy your book
The three main components of book marketing are advertising, promotions, and publicity. Advertising is expensive and not particularly effective for selling books. Promotions – such as discounts, promotional materials (postcards, bookmarks, etc.), and co-op funds offered to booksellers – are provided by your publisher if your book is traditionally published. If you are self-published, promotions are not essential for your marketing plan. Publicity is the most effective and least expensive form of book marketing.
Publicity – obtaining media coverage for your book – is like free advertising. It adds legitimacy by way of a third-party endorsing your book. Garnering the right media coverage can have a valuable impact on book sales. Here are seven ways to begin to effectively plan publicity for your book: