For over fifteen years I have worked within the publishing world as, a writer, cover artist, graphic designer, and now publisher. A topic keeps coming up, which surprises me. Writers spend months, sometimes years writing and editing their stories. Finally, they have a book. They get cover art, and it is all ready to go. Then they stop. Surely as I writer, I have done my bit at that point? And the books just sell themselves?
If only that was true. So many authors seem to consider that once the book is set for release their job is over, and it is time to start thinking about the next story.
The reality is the launch of the book is just the start of the next phase. Next comes the promotion that makes it worthwhile. Without the promotion the writing is pointless, a guy I worked with described it as masturbation, something ok to do for your own amusement.
So how and where to promote. The current strategy is to get involved with social media. The key is building up your community, work with your publisher and other authors. Start a blog and blog regularly, get people involved with that blog, push the blog on social media. Interact with those who comment. Advertise each day on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Tumblr. Use your website, newsletter, take-overs, giveaways, giving your information to other bloggers. Make sure you offer your book to reviewers, attend signings, etc. The book will only sell if people know that the book exists.
If you thought writing the book was hard work, promoting it will take your breath away.
A Woman’s Secret by C.L. Koch is now available, along with the new book from, Gabriella Hewitt Out of the Shadows
Check out our books at Black Velvet Seductions