Re-Post: Thinking Outside the Box & Promotion

There are some really terrific publicity and promotion packages out there with time tested and valuable techniques and they are certainly worth considering whether you pay someone else to handle or do it yourself. While these methods will certainly help to get your name and your book title noticed, if you stick with doing the same thing as everyone else, you won’t stand out.

Blogging is a great way to spread your name out there and introduce yourself as a writer; if you have a published book then shameless self-promotion on your blog is perfectly acceptable so long as it is not merely an advertisement of your book. BUT… just about everyone has a blog these days. According to the Nielsen Norman Group "The average page visit lasts a little less than a minute" so you've got to work to grab the reader's attention.

Think headlines, titles, catchy phrases, eye-popping graphics and an attractive layout. For your blog to be successful you should be able to answer these questions: What does this blog offer my readers? Are my readers able to expect consistency (subject, frequency, style, etc)? Is there a way for my readers to interact (posted responses and/or emails) and do I respond quickly? If you need to perk it up a bit, check out other blogs and see what works – go “quirky” if that’s what it takes.

Virtual blog tours (guesting on other blogs) and in-person appearances will certainly help gain attention and possibly sales for your book, but again – what makes YOU different?

Mix up your guest posts with different content, if you are posting excerpts, choose different ones to tease. Let some of your characters write a posting, or choose an element of your book to expound on; if a character is a good cook offer some favorite recipes; let your character explain about his/her chosen career; interview your heroine and let her answer your questions in her own voice  – score on both counts, the blog owner AND the guests. Let readers ask your characters questions, name your next book title, win a cameo appearance in your next story, or anything that will help keep the excitement up and give the reader a stake in your writing.

In person appearances, although more limiting in response than blogs, are a terrific way for the author to meet the public. Try not to over-saturate an area though and again, mix-it-up – use book signings, discussions, other talks and presentations, appear as part of a theme with other authors, offer classes and more. If you can imagine it and someone is willing to host you, go for it.

Publicity, different from submitting press releases, should always be encouraged and there are many ways to get terrific exposure for little to no money. Does your book have a relevant topic which can be tied into some local events? Can you donate profits from your book to a related cause? My publisher offered profits from sales of Bartlett’s Rule to the National Domestic Violence Hotline since the subject matter dealt with domestic violence and rape – my book got great publicity and a worthy organization benefited.

Did research for your book make you an expert on a topic? Or did you use already owned knowledge and skills to write your story? Reporters and other authors look for experts to interview; register for sources like HelpAReporterOut.com and get your name out there time and time again.

Believe in yourself, in your book and in your writing. Understand what you are offering to the public and then show it to them. Don’t be shy. You might even find yourself having fun.

Writing Exercise: Open the nearest book to page 97 and read the top sentence ONLY. Write a paragraph using that sentence as your first. Do it again with at least two more books. Now, weave those three paragraphs into a short and cohesive story (you can change the wording a little but not the thoughts).

Writing prompt: Describe the taste difference between red and green M&M’s, or different colored Gummy Bears – Come on, you know they taste different.

Challenge Assignment: Write a press release tying your book (published, unpublished or just in process) to a significant Trending Topic (use the trending topics on Twitter if you need help)