Vulnerable Writer Seeks Successful Promotions

Our guest writer today is Kat Smith, author of I'm Tall You're Not – So That Makes us Even and The Naked Author. She is a former model and host of a nationally syndicated radio morning show with ABC Radio Networks, Inc. She is currently a conference speaker and seminar leader. Kat is also a media consultant for authors. It is my pleasure today to invite her to be the inaugural guest writer for Marketing Tips for Authors.

***

New authors are very vulnerable. This industry is challenging and most of us find ourselves going in circles to find what works best in book marketing and promoting. I learned so much from publishing my first book and I am still learning with my fifth. With today's technology changes, naturally the publishing industry has changed too. The hard part of being an author is just beginning, but with the right match, it can be a loving experience.

Where to begin?

First, secure a few basics; Website or web presence of some kind (i.e. blog, page or social networking site, etc.), marketing materials (business cards, book marks, flyer, mail piece), patience, sticktoitiveness and an eye for marketing opportunities. Think out of the box.

There are many routes you can take to begin promoting and marketing yourself as a new author. You are expected to be an expert on your topic. After all, you are the authority on what you have written about. Whether you like it or not.

Carry your book with you everywhere you go. It is a great conversation piece and you may end up selling a few a day or referring sales to online sales sites or a bookstore near you. Offer a personalized autograph. The conversation may lead to referral sales and a loyal reader. Talk to people about your product. This is business. If you want to be successful with this new venture, you can't be shy about it.

Do more than a book event or signing. Develop yourself as a public speaker. Bring your book to life by adapting interesting speeches that inspire your audience and encourage sales. At first, you may not have the name recognition to charge fees, but you can sure build up to a sizeable side business speaking to groups who find you and/or your topic interesting. This is also a great venue to sell books. As an independent publisher or an author represented by a publishing house, you can negotiate book sales prior to or after your event. The only difference is if they buy them directly from you or your distributor or retailer. Quantify your time and expertise with the number of books you would like to sell. Discuss this with the group's representative and ask for their support. When you are a paid speaker, this may become routine negotiating.

Write an e-book and give it away. Internet marketing consists of three basic steps; 1) Build a list 2) Build a relationship with that list and 3) Market to that list. With value added information, an e-book is a great way to build an Internet marketing database. Create a seamless transition with either your topic or expertise to assist in developing your brand. Create a lead capture page that collects each prospects' contact information and an Opt In (agreement) to receive messages from you. Once you have their information, they will be allowed to download the e-book for free. Promote your freebie with groups, associations and organizations, friends, family and your social networking groups and watch your contacts grow.

Set aside some time to market and promote yourself and your product. Dedication can equal dollars if you invest some time.


Kat Smith is formerly morning show host for a syndicated radio show with ABC Radio Networks, Inc. and the author of The Naked Author – Exposing the Myths of Publishing (Also available at Amazon.com)