A presentation I created when working for BookPros, a small publisher, on book marketing basics for authors.

1. Intro to Book Marketing

2. Overview Marketing, Advertising & Publicity Author Web Sites Blogging Book Signings Developing a Marketing Plan

3. Marketing, Advertising & Publicity Marketing: Everything that goes into getting your book in readers’ hands. Advertising: Paid-for placement in mass media. A form of marketing. Publicity: Earned (unpaid) media coverage. Another form of marketing.

4. Advertising Paid-for placement in mass media Not recommended (costly & untrusted) Best Practices: Highly targeted Quality design Include: book cover, full title & author name, ISBN-13, purchase information

5. Publicity Earned (unpaid) media coverage Third-party credibility A publicist’s tasks: Before publication Create publicity strategy Host Media Training Develop book message with author Create press materials Send book to reviewers During and after publication Contact media to book interviews, appearances, mentions, etc. Create new press materials as needed

6. Author Web Sites When to start: ASAP Domain: title, series name, author name Design: professional, match book Important pages: Blog Book excerpt About author Purchase page Event list Media page

7. Blogging When to start: ASAP Where: On web site or separate site Best Practices: Consistent posts Informal, personable writing Not too long or too short Relevant information Add photos & video Enable comments & respond to them

8. Blogging What to write about: Process of writing/publishing book Blog as a character from your book Current events (when relevant) Relevant tips/knowledge Your book events Fun facts Quizzes/contests

9. Book Signings

10. Book Signings When: Couple months before goal event date Who: Event Coordinator or Store Manager Where: Start local; Independent stores, chains, non-bookstores How to contact: Drop by in person or call Bring Sell sheet Book Marketing materials Marketing plans List of past & future signings

11. Book Signings Make them unique Dress as characters Props for table Contest with prizes Talk about experience of writing Joint signing with other authors Partner with local groups Teach class/host workshop Publicity stunt

12. Book Signings Important Notes: Start local Find indies: http://www.indiebound.org/indie-store-finder Tell publicist & publishing coordinator once event is booked Check in with store 2 wks before to ensure they ordered books & run your plans by them Crowds draw crowds: invite friends & family 1/3 rule: about 1/3 of attendees will buy a book Typically, selling 10 books is great Non-bookstore signings work too Don’t need an event to sign books More information: http://bookpros.blogspot.com/2009/08/booksigning-tips-expanded.html

13. Developing a Marketing Plan Start local At least a year plan Begin 5+ months before publication date Spread out events Keep it flexible when possible

14. Sample Marketing Plan 5-6 monthsbefore publication Start social networking (Facebook, Twitter, blogging) Start author web site 2-4 months before publication Contact local bookstores about signings Plan a launch party & other events 1 month before publication Follow up with signing stores Publication month Have launch party Other publication promotions Remaining months Repeat!