How to Market Your Latest eBook
Traditional print publishing deals are hard to come by, and today’s reading public are as comfortable with tablets and smartphones as they are with paperbacks. So many independent authors are taking the self-publishing route and releasing their work as eBooks.
Independent or not, authors still have to eat – and that means making money. From eBook sales, preferably. Getting a book out there is only the beginning of the story; you have to let people know about it. But fear not, we’ve put together this handy little guide to help you get started.
Finish The Book.
It sounds obvious, but the first part of your journey hinges on a complete work. Even with the things you’ll be doing before releasing your book into the wild (see below), your marketing process will kick off when you fulfil the promise you’ve made to your (hopefully millions of) readers: that you’ve got something interesting to say and that you’ll deliver the goods in the form of a book they can treasure and keep.
Which requires you to write the damn thing. It could take a week, a month, or longer. You’ll have to put in the work to finish it, regardless. But while you’re writing it, there are other things you can do to pave the way.
Before You Publish…
It’s an eBook, so you’ll be looking to sell it, online. And that’s what you’ll have to do, beforehand. If you haven’t already, set up an author profile on social media outlets like Facebook and Twitter. Link to this in your email signatures, and via Share buttons on blog sites where you do guest posts, and the like.
You should have a website or blog set up already. Use this as a platform to discuss issues relating to the book you’re writing. Engage with your prospective readers and post examples of your work.
Interact.
Here’s an approach that combines elements of all these approaches – and one that can help you finish your book:
As you develop the material, post sample chapters on your blog or website. Invite readers to review and comment on what they’ve read, and to make suggestions on how you can improve the content, or what direction you should take your story in next. Be sure to respond (politely, even if they don’t like it) to each comment you receive.
Keep a Conversation Going.
You can go further, by adding incentives. Ask anyone who comments to leave their email address so they can receive follow-up messages and updates as your writing progresses. Offer each reader who gives a review a discounted or early edition of your book once it’s finished. And ask them to spread the word to their friends.
Signpost It.
If your blog has a moderate following, you’ll already have the makings of a decent mailing list. Add to this the reviewers of the teasers that you’ll post, and you’ll build up a pre-launch readership. The next thing to do is set up some pages that will generate heat, for the book to come.
For instance, you might include email sign-up links that lead to pages where readers can help you choose between different book cover designs by casting votes. Or you could host a sweepstake, with the winner receiving a free copy of the book.
Post status updates on your blog and social media, as your work gets closer and closer to completion.
When It’s Ready…
You’ll need to polish up your work before it goes out, officially. Spend some time to get your packaging right.
Your book cover is what will draw people in initially. Make sure it’s appropriate to your subject matter, visually appealing, and at a high enough resolution to be easily seen. You’ll be tempted to make it yourself, but unless you have design experience, don’t. Save up a little money to hire a professional.
Seek outside help for editing your text, as well. You’ll no doubt have been editing as you write, and will also be very familiar with the words you’ve written. Too familiar. A fresh set of eyes will throw up issues you might otherwise miss.
You can hire an editor, or if you belong to a writers’ or critique group, ask your fellow members. And remember to look over some of their work in return.
You can also call on your network of contacts for advance reviews of the book. Approach fellow writers in your genre or niche – especially those who blog about your subject and have a good following. Their reviews will expose your eBook to their audience as well. Offer to review their work, in kind.
Once It’s Out There…
Make some noise! Put out a press release. Post a blog announcing publication and extolling the virtues of your book. And include links to your eBook’s landing page.
Go On The Road With It.
From the contacts you’ve made in the pre-publication, editing and review stages, you should have people to call on to grant interviews plugging the book. Such as influential bloggers in your area of interest. Approach some of them and offer to do a guest post on their blog, review some work, or perhaps interview them on your on site.
Book several interviews in a short time-frame (e.g. a week), and do a “virtual book tour“. Let your readers and followers know about it, on your blog and social media.
Keep Pushing It.
Marketing is a continuous process. For every person who knows about your eBook, there are a million other potential readers/buyers who don’t. You’ll have to keep putting yourself out there and devising new ways to promote your material.
In addition to the methods we’ve already discussed, consider options like:
- Publish sections of your book as online newsletters, with a small monthly subscription fee for readers.
- Repackage your eBook for offline consumption as podcasts, video excerpts, etc.
- Offer excerpts from your book to blogs and magazines in your niche to be published with your by-line – and link to your landing pages.
- Give stuff away that’s related to your eBook as a reward for purchasing it.
Work, Ongoing…
Unless you’re really, really lucky, you won’t make millions on your first eBook. Or your second. But if you keep publishing, you’ll build on your success. Which means actually putting in the work, and writing new books.
If you’re a novelist, consider sequels. You’ll already know the characters from the first book, and be able to develop them further. And don’t forget to include sample chapters from the next instalment as a promotional extra at the end of the previous story.
If you write non-fiction, think of developments in related areas of your field and build up a library of topics to cover in new publications.
Keep promoting your existing work. And keep writing. Hope to see your next eBook out there soon.
Continue reading here: The markITwrite Guide To Getting You Started On Twitter
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