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How to Market a Book After Publication

After a book is published, it is important to market it for a general or niche reading audience. There are thousands of books published each year, so marketing enables a book to get noticed, bought and read. While most major publishing houses have marketing departments that work specifically on promoting titles, some houses, such as small-presses, can barely afford such departments. There is no guarantee that even a major publishing house will take the time to promote books, especially from first-time authors, and then there are some authors who self-publish. Therefore, it is important to know the various ways to promote and market a book before and after its publication.

Instructions

    • 1

      Network locally. Get involved with local reading groups, libraries, bookstores, schools, television and radio programs. These contacts provide opportunities to promote the book once it is published.

    • 2

      Get author blurbs. A blurb is a great way to promote new releases, especially from first-time or beginning writers. Send copies of the book to authors in the same field (to a novelist if the book is a novel, or experts in the field in which the book addresses, such as psychology or history). Use personal contacts for author blurbs. If there are none, then request blurbs, but be polite and respectful.

    • 3

      Write a press release. Press releases announce events that are of interest to groups. A press release will allow people to know about and to prepare for the publication of the book. Send the press releases to local newspapers or newsletters, both online and off, and local television and radio programs.

    • 4

      Promote the book to local bookstores or libraries. Most bookstores or libraries will have newsletters that feature or promote new releases. This is a great way to get further promotion. Promote the book on local television and radio programs. Local programs often promote authors from the area.

    • 5

      Create a website. Market the book online and link it to other websites related to books in general or to niche topics. For instance, if the book is about windsurfing, get the website linked to blogs and online stores that address the subject or sell surfboards and other related paraphernalia.

    • 6

      Get the book reviewed. There are various blogs now that offer book reviews. Traditional newspapers are still a great way to get books reviewed. Send press releases or packages, cover letters and other promotional materials to book reviewers and request that the book is reviewed.

    • 7

      Go on a reading tour. Generally, reading tours are set up by book publishers. Determine whether the publishing house is willing to fund a book tour and request one. If the book is self-published, establish beforehand whether or not a book tour can be organized and funded.

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