Alternative book publishing options like indie and self-published have allowed many more people to become authors. The opportunity side of the equation is tremendous, but the flip side is wildly increased competition. As a result, book publicity and marketing programs are essential for authors trying to be noticed and sell books – or promote themselves and their businesses. A thoughtfully developed PR plan nearly always drives effective book promotion. An organized approach always produces better results and makes it possible to achieve the results you need based on goals.
Many new authors today wonder about an online-only PR plan. Specifically, they consider their websites, social media, blogs, and podcasts. Experience shows that all are effective if you have a well-developed following interested in you and your work. If you need to get people more interested in you, extending your promotional program to the media can help. You're introduced to an entirely new audience when you're interviewed or mentioned in an article. They can become interested in your book if you make a good impression, share helpful information, or entertain them. Building audience rapport is always wise.
It's useful for self-published authors to remember that they need to replace the services provided by traditional publishers. They include content preparation like editing, proofreading, cover design, publicity, and promotion. Your book will compete against titles from the big guys and needs to measure up in quality. As stigmas about alternatively published books fade away, the expectations for quality remain. You'll be positioned for success if you've produced a book that holds up well against its competitors. Authors who write one successful book often do well with future ones.
How you produce your book also matters; if you're considering print on demand, you may want to think twice. When you go into the on-demand printing system, you often limit places to sell books to one or two spots online, which means giving up brick-and-mortar stores. Printing traditionally also allows you to have books to give away more quickly. Having a supply can be vital if you're using your book to thank clients or send to client prospects. Selling in all channels, including retail stores, is the formula for increasing sales. Online booksellers are indeed influential, but they aren't the only way.
