So you finally finished writing your book. First off, congratulations! After much preparation and labor, you’ve accomplished something big. But after you finish celebrating, what comes next? If you have decided to publish a book yourself instead of traditional publishing, you may be wondering how to tell the world about your newest project. The truth is, your hard work didn’t end when you put the final period in your manuscript; that was only the beginning. In our last blog, we mentioned that a lack of marketing is a common mistake self-published authors make. Here are some tips to keep in mind as you start your journey.
Know your book’s purpose.
Think about why you sat down to write your book in the first place. Was it simply to share your personal story? To teach others about a specific topic? To make someone smile? Keep that reason—or reasons—in mind as you consider what you want audiences to gain from your book. It will come in handy as you begin spreading the word. Which brings us to the next tip …
Connect with your target audience.
Living in the digital age is a major perk when it comes to marketing self-published books. Social media platforms such as TikTok, LinkedIn, Instagram, and many others are key to connecting with the people you picture reading your book. Whether it’s a specific age group or industry you’re trying to reach, creating a profile and putting your book out there goes a long way. Being vocal about your project will attract followers who will want to follow your story. You could even reach out to other bloggers or podcasters in your field who might help spread the word for you. So don’t be shy!
Be active and consistent.
In addition to finding a way to connect, it’s also important to stay on top of the platforms you choose. Visit your profiles often. Get creative with their design and how you introduce yourself. Make a schedule for book posts during the week, and maintain it. Engage with followers. Maybe even collaborate with someone in your field to create content about your project. As long as you remain present and persistent, your book will gradually get more attention.
Choose a service to help.
This may sound like a lot of heavy lifting to do on your own, and it absolutely can be. There is also the task of editing your manuscript. While you can begin promoting your book on top of self-editing it, the labor can build up over time. This is especially true if you set a deadline for your project. To make things a little easier, consider hiring a book editor to lend a hand. Bringing an editor onboard not only lifts some weight off your shoulders, but it also allows you to put more focus on successfully marketing your project. If you’re interested, book a free call with Aha! Editorial today to learn and discuss more!
