YOU KNOW THE PHRASE, "IT TAKES MONEY TO MAKE MONEY?" It is certainly true with new authors that are not celebratiers already.
I strongly
recommend that you give your
book away to as many people as you
can–particularly people of influence.
Not everyone likes the
idea of parting with their books for free, but the majority of consumers buy
books based on recommendations from media, peers, friends and family. Giving
books away is a great way to launch a word-of-mouth marketing campaign.
Please don't give a book to everyone you meet, because not everyone has influence. But you should give them
to media professionals including reporters, editors, and producers. You should
also give them to bloggers – these folks have more influence than ever before.
Bloggers with a loyal audience can have tremendous influence when recommending
a book. For children's booksI recommend mom blogger sites.To reach the right influencers, spend time on Google searching for key contacts (or hire a smart virtual assistant to do this for you). Find contact information for reporters who cover topics related to your book as well as radio and t.v. shows that report on similar topics.
It's wise to send an e-mail first. This gives me a chance to establish a rapport, which can go a long way when it’s time to follow-up. It also ensures that I’m not sending out copies that end up in the recycle bin.
Using a service like Smashwords, you can give away ebook editions by creating a coupon for 100% off.
Not every review copy will result in publicity, but the ones that do can make up for all the rest. A feature article in a major media outlet or a recommendation on a popular blog can propel a book to all kinds of success.
As a freelance writer and ghostwriter, Kathy Stemke has
published over one hundred articles in directories, magazines and on websites.
She is a reviewer for Sylvan Dell Publishing and a former editor for The
National Writing for Children Center. As a retired teacher, Kathy has several
activities published with Gryphon House Publishing. Stemke is also part of the
team at DKV Writing 4 U, a writing services company that includes ghostwriting,
copywriting, editing, proofreading, critiquing, and resumes. http://www.dkvwriting4u.com
Award winning author, Kathy
Stemke’s first children’s picture book,
Moving Through All Seven Days, was published on Lulu. Her next two picture
books, Sh, Sh, Sh Let the Baby Sleep, and
Trouble on Earth Day were released in
2011. Both of these books have been awarded the Children’s Literary Classics
Seal of Approval.
