Sure some publishers assist in this process but the more you do it yourself, the better sales you will see. You can't just sit back and expect a check to come to your mail. It doesn't happen that way, even for the big names like Stephen King. Even he has done some marketing. When you do become that big, all you will need is your name but until then, you must promote your books.

Here's some tips that may help. Use what you feel comfortable with, financially and mentally (physically as well).

Do the research, find what you can afford or can't afford to go from there. Take into note what you want for the money as well. Some website providers give limited pages, some don't. Some have better features than others. Its a good idea to have a website before your first book is published too. Get your name out there so when that book does come out, sales are already growing!

If you have a website, you need business cards lol. Include the URL so people can find you on the web, title of book with price, and a pic. You are limited on space but remember, there are both sides--use them if you have to. You can order them or make them yourself--its up to you and your wallet!

Gimmicks

Using "props" always help. Do what works best for you and your book. Remember, always find help in areas that fit your genre and always use friends and family whenever possible (if possible).

• Hats and other clothing such as T-shirts (pictured above)
• Stickers
• Magnets
• Flyers
• Business cards
• Candies (M & Ms acutally can put things directly on the candy!)
• Things for around the house

Items like T-shirts and hats can be worn in public places and do get attention. You can use pictures and/or your website URL to grab new readers. These can be worn by friends and family too and can be used as gifts! Mugs, bags, clocks, and more can also be used for gifts. When you have a booksigning, these gifts can be passed around to potential readers and the owner of the store where you're having the signing or reading. These gifts can also be given if you have a contest or two!

Book Signings and Readings

This is something that every writer should do if you can afford it. Some book stores ask that you bring in your own books so check this out first. Always bring a gift or a card for the owner and managers (if they aren't the same person) for allowing you to be there. This also requires advertising. Do not expect a good turn out for any event that you may have. By not expecting anything, you don't get your hopes up and then let down when the turn out is poor. Remember, you don't have a "big" name just yet. You're starting out and it does require time for your readership to grow.

Having eye catchers like cookies and punch may help and you can also have "gifts" for your potential readers. Don't sit unless you are signing a book. Walk around the store and talk to people with book in hand. Tell them why they should buy your book and not the others in the store. Be polite!

Public Relations

Hiring a PR is always a possibility. This is someone who's job is spreading the word about someone else. If you can't afford to hire one, its always possible to go through colleges. Speak to someone in the department to see if it is allowed in that school. The students have to learn somehow. Doing the job in real life is a good way for these students to get on-hand experience which may help them learn even faster.

Other Tools

The sky is the limit to ways to market your book(s). Pay attention to the genre and the audience of your book. Go where your readers are more likely to be. If they read a certain magazine, get your reviews in that magazine. Talk to the editor about getting an interview. Local newspaper is a good place for this as well. If you wrote a cookbook, have a booksigning in a restaurant.

Send out newsletters. You have the option of a weekly or monthly issue. Monthly usually works best but you may decide what works best for your genre. Make it fit what you write and you can make it match your website for a more personal touch. That's up to you. What you put in your newsletter is also up to you and your genre. Don't get too personal but add a little about you, something you don't have on your website to intice the readers. Mention your working projects to intice them even more. When that book is released, they'll be ready to buy a copy! Also talk about any reviews you've had, releases you're getting close to having, and more! You are building a relationship with your readers so little things like that can be important!

Remember, use all tools available to you. If you're a good driver, ad magnetic signs to your car with your website information and your books. Leave your business cards where people can stumble accross them with permission from the owners of establishments. Add a bookmark and business card when sending payments for electric, gas, water, rent, ect. When standing in line, talk to others about your books. Have special gifts on hand with your book cover like a bookbag, clothing, mug, magnets/stickers, and more! The sky is the limit! Use the Internet at your disposal. If chatting on messenger or in a chat room, talk about your books! Get friends and family to pitch in when they can and offer gifts to them for doing so.

More coming soon!