I am often asked if I have marketing ideas…

I have a few. Too many to list here. I am currently making a table of websites used for author/book marketing. It’s going to take me a while to fill out prices, requirements, and need to know information. I may post sections of it when it’s finished. If I am feeling magnanimous, I will post the whole thing.

What do you think? Are you interested in that? Comment below.

But I don’t want to leave you with nothing, either. Here is the list I use to get started. The last few are websites to check out. If you have more ideas to add, let me know below and I’ll include them in my future lists.

Things I can do as an author to promote my book(s):

1. Make a Facebook author page
2. Create a media kit with business cards, a headshot, and biography
3. Make a “one-sheet” with book cover, description, blurbs, and recommendations
4. Build a website with blog, sample chapters, Amazon link, media kit, book reviews, schedule of appearances, bio, and contact information
5. Get book reviews from: friends, ezines, magazines, Amazon, bloggers, beta readers, fellow authors, review sites that match readers with authors
6. Get a quote from a “comp” author to put on your cover
7. Link the book to my email signature
8. Write articles on writing, research, or subjects in your story
9. Make and post online videos where you talk about your writing process and your books
10. Make a Goodreads author page
11. Register as an author on Amazon
12. Create a book trailer (or hire someone)
13. Create a hashtag for your book
14. Create a fan page for my main character
15. Make a Pinterest folder about my book with quotes, ads, character photos, maps, etc.
16. Make a newsletter to send your mailing list
17. Join BookSweeps multi-author giveaway to get a mailing list of people who choose you
18. Get an interview with local papers and radio
19. Partner with a band, local or otherwise
20. Sell themed merchandise- bookmarks, t-shirts, mugs, candles, tea or coffee, tote bags
21. Host a book release party at a bookstore, community center, and/or hold a virtual book release
22. Give book readings at: Starbuck’s, hospitals, local bookstores, library, community college, nursing homes
23. Donate books to: women’s shelter, retirement homes, libraries, prisons
24. Have a Goodreads giveaway- used to be free, now costs $100
25. Make YouTube videos about your subject matter
26. Have a book signing
27. Bribe a local book club with brownies- LOL
28. Have contests and challenges for something free
29. Use public relations and associate with a charity or other worthy cause
30. Build an Instagram platform
31. Learn to tweet/engage readers and authors on Twitter (Read my previous blog post on how:
    https://jenniferhaskin.com/2018/01/23/agent-questions-volume-three/ )
32. Start a blog or use the one on your website- post consistently/weekly
33. Make coupons (using Vistaprint) for book signings, launches, or established readers
34. Hold short term price reductions
35. Develop a brand
36. Offer free or trial-size sample chapter, or prequel, or short story
37. Have a giveaway contest: in your child’s school teacher’s lounge, in a local dorm (if your book is YA or older), in the grocery store breakroom, your spouse’s breakroom, if allowed.  Expand your thinking.
38. Hire a PR group
39. Request local libraries to carry your books/join any ReadLocal programs available
40. Interviews- get trusted blogs and magazines, ezines, and podcasts to interview you
41. Onlinebookclub.com ($97)
42. Ramp up social media – include: Tumblr, vine, snapchat, any places where you targeted audience hangs out
43. Connect with author groups- such as #supportindiewriters, #WritingCommunity, or Writer’s Unite on FB (There are lots of author groups to join on FB, Twitter, and Instagram. Search for them and join.)
44. Put book name in forum signatures with amazon link
45. Become an Amazon Affiliate and get a short link for your book to put everywhere and get paid when people click on it- look it up
46. Do guest blogs- advertise on social media
47. Become active in the reading community and/or writing community
48. Start a local book club – use websites: MeetUp or FBevents
49. Submit to national book clubs- write cover letter
50. Submit to subscription book club boxes
51. Contact book review bloggers for reviews and/or blog tours
52. Learn hashtags to optimize your posts
53. Clickfunnel.com
54. www.storygramtours.com
55. fantasticflyingbookclub.blogspot.co.uk/p/authors-publishers.html?m=1
56. www.booktrust.org.uk
57. www.bookmarket.com
58. https://twitter.com/supindiewriters
59. https://www.facebook.com/groups/supportindiewriters-8319275/about
60. forums.onlinebookclub

I hope you came across a few things that you hadn’t thought of and made you happy. Great. I have other articles on marketing. Would you rather have writing advice, publishing advice, or marketing advice? Or what combination of the above? Leave me some comments. And while you’re at it, give me some of your questions that I can answer in future blogs.

All my best,

~jenn