Let me say first off, yes marketing is an essential tool that needs to be used as an author, and as a businessman/women, it is the only way to gain any sort of following regards of the product, for Us, it is our words, our tales, our books. I have been doing everything in my power to get the word out about my novel “Bloom of the Desert Rose” wink wink.
What have I been doing you ask, a lot, since I do not have the budget to pay someone else to do it. So I have my own business cards, webpage, flyers and posters. I post on social media 50+ daily, I do my book signings all this spring and summer, and this blog. I have also been sure to mention my novel when and where I can, and even created a set of mini book earrings which I wear every time I step out of the house. Always be Advertising!
Starting out I would be bombarded by marketers, looking to offer help, seeking business, and starting an ‘honest’ conversation about my book, only to lead me into a discussion about how much their cost would be to make my book a best seller. After the 25th message like this one, I suspected not all were true to their word.
It was a wake-up call for sure and a harsh one. If half those people actually purchased my book, I would be that bestseller now. But it was not so, in the end after a tweak to my Facebook page and other Platforms, I was able to cut those messages by 90%, do research the topic if interested in achieving the same thing. But fare warning traffic will also lower greatly. Again, the true being they do look into you, but only for their gain.
Please, do not get me wrong, not all are scams and come with positive results. Not all are truthful and aren’t worth the time and money. Not all are the deceptive type, some may even become a distant friend. Not all are as good as they claim and can lead you on a long road of doubt.
It is a jungle out there, and it can be rather intimidating to navigate. But even then, I have never stopped answering those messages, and always try to respond to a comment, in the end, I will choose kindness, even if someone is pulling me along. I guess the point is, that I know so, and still will not yield to their expectations of what my book needs.
I am not a best seller, not even high on the list, but with time I know I will get to where I want to be, and it's not as glamorous as others wish for. At the end of the day, I have achieved my dream to publish my novel “Bloom of the Desert Rose” and I couldn’t be happier or prouder. From here whatever I gain from my true passion for writing is a plus. And I know my novel has much to gain.
So be your own best and strongest supported, if you have a small budget put it toward yourself, and whenever you are out of the house, make the most of it! For myself, these are the 3 best tips I have to offer. I do hope they help you too.
#1 A business card is probably the best way to spread the word about your work and yourself.
#2 Book Signings! Call those bookstores and inquire about your work being showcased! We are local, be local!
#3 Speak to every passing customer! Everyone you can, we are placed at the front door or check out for a reason, to greet and let them know who you are. Remember, people are doing their own thing, and have no idea why you are there or who you are. Let them Know! That is half the battle. And the probability is that 1 out of 10 will buy your book, so you best be talking to 100 people! Good Luck to You and your Work!
Thank you, Afton Feltham
“Bloom of the Desert Rose”
Available on Amazon Now
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