Marketing – especially for writers appears to be a challenge for  most writers.  It is a topic that I have discussed at Writers Groups and Conferences.

These are my Nine Tips for Writers to Market Themselves and their Books 

1.  Create a  Plan.  Sit down with Pen and Paper, and work out what you want to achieve and how much money you need to provide to fund the marketing plan. Check on the items below and see what you can do to let as many people as possible know about you and your book or business. Get your Marketing in place as soon as possible – well before you publish your book.

2. Business Cards.  Everyone needs a business card!  (Yes, even if you don’t have a business or reason to promote yourself, it is much easier than always spelling your name, email etc.).  If you are a writer, and plan to publish a book, or would like to promote your topic and collect the contact details of other folk who are potential buyers of your work, or user of your services.  Your name, your phone number, your email, maybe your postal address, and some words about what you do, or what your book is about.  You can choose to use an inexpensive online business card maker or a more expensive (usually) local printer.  A busines card is a key part of your marketing.

3. Blog or Website.  It is not expensive to create a website or blog these days. I recommend Blogger.com or WordPress.com but there are other simple and free platform.  If you have a website, you should have a Blog as part of your site, and you need to update it at least weekly or 3 times a month.  More frequent posts help your rate higher in search engines, but get started, as when your book is published you will be able to use this platform to promote your work.

4. Flyers.  Prepare your publicity well before your book is ready for publication.  Flyers are inexpensive and should have enough information and images to encourage people to seek your book, check your website, or invite you to be a speaker about your book. Another key to your marketing.

5. Car Signage.  There are several options that are reasonably priced.  I had the URL of my website on the back window of my car.  www.DiHill.com.au.  I have not any information about it being effective, but I know some folk have checked my site because of this.  I am going to invest in two magnetic door signs on my new car.  Both options very inexpensive.

6. Network. “ People like doing business with people they know and like.”  I like to go to events and functions where my chances of meeting people who may be customers or promoters of my work.  I seek to meet other writers, I look for journalists, editors, publishers, supporters, friends.  I exchange business cards.  I give them mine and I like to get theirs.  I do mostly contact them afterwards.  A quick email or phone call. If people like you, they may well be happy to help you in some ways.

7. Social Media.  This is an essential part of your Marketing Kit.  There are many to choose from, so do some research among your friends  Facebook and Twitter are a must.  Set up and explore them with occasional posts.  Get followers, friends etc. You will need them.  Depending on your topic/s of interest other social media platforms may also suit you.  Explore HootSuite.com to learn now to save time with your social media platforms.

8. Public Speaking.  Be prepared to speak about your book and your writing journey.  A whole range of community and social groups will welcome you as a guest speaker. You will not get paid for being a guest speaker – maybe you will get a free lunch, but it is a great way to get your message out.  So, you might need to select the smart business-like clothes that will impress, and practice your talk.  Write notes and try to practice them so that you do not have to read your notes.  Offer to be a speaker at Writing events e.g. festivals, writers groups, conferences.  Most folk are scared of public speaking – there are some good YouTube Videos that might help you.

You will find many more ideas on marketing – but if you do the ones above, and work on them while you are writing your book, you will be well prepared to get out there and chase success.

Some stories:

Confusion

At a Writers Group meeting, a lady announced that her book was now published on Smashwords.  She had no flyers, business cards or any marketing material.  Keen to support her, I asked for the details. She wrote it down for me.  When I attempted to locate the book o Smashwords, I couldn’t find it, and phoned her.  Ooops.  She had made an error.  She gave me the correct details over the phone and I download it.

Apart from having no marketing, her book was challenging.  Spelling errors everywhere. Subsequently, I was at her home and she showed me the story in a Word document.  She had done it all by herself and felt her editing and proofreading skills were adequate. They were not.  She had done a spell check but had not saved it.  Anyway, we went through much of it together and I set her the task of rewriting much of it, and getting an editor.

Advice:  Make sure your work is worth promoting, and at least get a business card with correct information on it!

Fear

At a Writers Event, everyone was given the opportunity to promote their book/s.  Many did. While talking with one participant later she started talking about her book, which had been recently published.  I asked why she had not promoted her book when given the opportunity.  She said she was shy, and didn’t like to brag.  OMG!

Advice: Either get over your fear or get someone else to do your marketing.  The Best Thing is for you to be organised and brave.  Gain some confidence!  Have your tools and get out there and just do it.  You will find it is not so scary after all!