Within one week, years ago, I self-published a nonfiction book on writing for children, “How to Write a Children’s Fiction Book,” and had a traditionally published picture book released, The Case of the Plastic Rings .
Dealing with one book being published is tough enough, two is a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re writing another story, or two, or three.
The purpose of this article is to emphasize how important it is to market your book. If you don’t, you won’t get any sales and just as bad, no one will read a story you’ve slaved over.
The other purpose is to explain the strategies I used, am using, and will use to promote my book.
STEPS I USED AND AM STILL USING TO PROMOTE MY BOOKS
- Your Website’s Book Page
As soon as my books were available for sale, I added them to my Books’ page on my website and included the links to the sales pages.
For the traditionally published book, I linked the books to my Publisher’s sales pages as well.
It’s important to note that you can and should do pre-publication promotion.
Let people know you have a book coming out. Give tidbits about the book to whet the reader’s appetite.
I didn’t do this as everything happened too fast and I had too much on my plate.
- Video / Book Trailer
I created a video for my nonfiction book. I had a paid subscription with Powtoon, which is how I made my videos. You can add music and/or a voice over.
They also have a free plan that gives you up to 60 seconds for your video.
I’ve since unsubscribed and am now using Loom.com. It doesn’t have the same features as Powtoon, but it is much more reasonable.
Although, I’ve been reconsidering signing up with Powtoon as their basic subscription price has come down.
- Author Interview
The publisher of my fantasy picture books did an author interview with me. I’ve since gotten my book rights back and self-published but they still have the it up if you’d like to check it out:
Interview with Karen Cioffi – The Case of the Plastic Rings
I promoted the interview through my social networks.
You can also ask peers or others who have a ‘relevant to your book genre’ website if they’d be willing to interview you.
- Reviews
Reviews help sell books.
I asked around for peers and others who would review my books and post their reviews to Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Goodreads.
You’ll need to send a PDF of the book or a print copy if the reviewer requests it.
You can also find people who review books online.
Ask the reviewer if you can post the review on your website also.
Again, reviews help sell books.
- A Press Release
I didn’t have the time to do this step, but writing a press release for each of your new books is still a valuable marketing tool. You should also ask fellow authors if they’ll publish it on their sites.
You should also post it to a press release distribution service. There are free press release sites that you can upload the release.
Here’s a a list of 60 free PR distribution sites. (As of this update, the link is still working.)
6. A Book Website
Once I revised and published my fantasy picture book series under my own publishing name, I thought about creating a separate website for each book, but decided against it.
Instead, I created one website for The Adventures of Planetman series, with individual pages for each book. And I just updated the Walking Through Walls site to input the new information and reflect the new cover colors.
While I have separate sites for my other two children’s fiction books, Walking Through Walls and Day’s End Lullaby, they’re different genres and it makes sense.
I also created a Book page on my writing site with the book covers, brief descriptions, and the sales links for all my books.
Keeping everything in one spot (on one website) has its advantages.
- Social Media
As soon as the books were available for sale, I posted about them to my social media accounts.
Currently, I’m using LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook. I also have an Instagram account, but don’t post to it frequently. I’m now considering getting a TikTok account.
I regularly promote my books through my social media networks.
- Encourage Affiliate Marketing
A writer friend has an affiliate account with Amazon and will be happy to promote my press release.
If a friend or peer has an affiliate account with Amazon, they have more incentive to help you by promoting your book on their site.
They get a small payment for every book sold from their Amazon affiliate link. It’s not much but can add up if you do volume.
I hope this gives you some ideas for your own book marketing journey.
I’m a working children’s ghostwriter, rewriter, and coach. I can help turn your story into a book you’ll be proud to be the author of, one that’s publishable and marketable.
OTHER HELP I OFFER:
HOW TO WRITE A CHILDREN'S FICTION BOOK
A DIY book to help you write your own children’s book.
FICTION WRITING FOR CHILDREN eCOURSE
4-Weeks / 8 Sections Guided Self-Study Mentoring Program
CREATING AN AUTHOR ONLINE PLATFORM
This 4-week interactive e-course is over 160-pages of all content, and includes videos. Or you can get the DIY ebook.
You can contact me at kcioffiventrice@gmail.com.
