Ten Points To Successful Promotion

Ten Points To Successful Promotion

by Cheryl Ferguson

1. Start your promotion network long before you need it. By the time your book hits the shelves, you'll have your network calling YOU for signings, interviews, etc.

2. Concentrate on romance friendly chain and independent bookstores rather than every bookstore in the world. As much as you may hate it, Boat & Tackle, Inc., isn't interested in your novel -- not even if you're the CEO's daughter!

3. Set aside a certain percent of your advance (or income if you're not published) so that you'll be able to finance your promotion machine to include expenses such as bookmarks, promo items, transportation to and from signings, etc. Ten-percent is more than enough.

4. Get your Advance Reading Copies, galleys and unbound manuscripts to the reviewers early so your review can be scheduled in the reviewer's publication in a timely manner. They have deadlines to meet, too. Three month early is good; six months early is better.

5. Get the names and 800 telephone numbers for all the distributors in your area. Send them a press release of your book, then follow up with a phone call requesting, if possible, to be able to come in and autograph copies of your book.

6. Don't forget libraries, Romance Writers of America Chapters, The Romance Writers' Report magazine and other trade publications. Romance writers are avid romance readers. Translation: we spend BIG bucks on books!

7. Schedule signings well in advance to get choice dates during the period immediately after the release of your book. This strategy will help you and the bookseller avoid conflicts with other bookstore or community events.

8. Put together a professional, appealing press kit to include but not limited to:: **A 5 X 7 black and white photo of yourself. Make sure your name, address and telephone number are on the back of the photo as well as the title of your book. This is a precaution in case your photo gets separated from your press kit in the newsroom. Your press it passes through many hands.; **A short, but well written bio; **A press release (learn the correct format for press releases); **A copy of your book or a cover still of the book; **An excerpt from your book; **Two business cards--one for the file and one for the reporter, reviewer, etc.; **A "thank you" note for expressing your appreciation of the reporter, etc., taking the time to help promote your book.

9. Local radio and television shows are great ways to get the word out in the community, especially to commuters or business people who work out of their vehicles. Don't forget to send them press releases for the community announcement calendars, too.

10. Don't over promote your book, especially if it's a first book. You can create such a frenzy that the book will never be able to live up to the publicity generated. Many authors have found this out to their detriment and it's boded ill for their second books. Remember: the best promotion tool in the world is the actual book. A good book sells itself.

Page uploaded: May 30th, 2003

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