How do you publicize your book???

[elleng]

Hi to all!
I have been an online reviewer for Amazon and other sites, and now I am a full fledged author of an illustrated children's book, Flutterby. It is wonderful and response has been good.
How do you folks publicize your work? Book fairs? Advertisement? I have mailed copies to folks that may talk about it, but wanted your opinions.
Shameless plug - if you want personalized or autographed copy of Flutterby, please send check or money order for $12.00 (to cover postage) to Ellen George PO Box 71361 Marietta GA 30007.
Thanks and please give any tips for getting your book OUT THERE!!!
ellen

[Gfilm]

Hi Ellen. Did you get a book agent or are you self published?

Either way you need to nail down the key points:

Target Demographics

Regions

If your book has not been sold in most bookstores, look at buyers for the bookstores and then ask when they have opening for a signing and reading.

This is where the book agent comes in handy heh. Usually a publisher will also handle the promotion, book tour, and Signings/Readings.

[Maud Fitch]

Gfilm always has such positive suggestions.
Ellen, I don't know what groundwork you've already done but would like to add three small ideas.

First, do you know any young school-age children? If so, ask their teachers if you could read to their classes. Also, approach the school librarian and volunteer to read during story time. Afterwards your book could be tied-in with art and craft activities. Maybe offer a copy of "Flutterby" for the best work of art. This has been successful for children's authors during Book Week. Build that fanbase, make sure a photo goes in the school newsletter!

Second, our local public library has many weekly activities for writers to showcase their work. Discussions, readings, workshops, storytelling and their books are displayed in a glass-fronted cabinet as suggested reading. Libraries have an extensive intranet system so get on first-name basis with the staff so they can recommend you.

Third, if your provincial newspaper or community magazine have a book review section, send (or preferably deliver) them a copy with a bio. Grandparents still read newspapers and favour local recommendations. Everything eventually goes online so word will slowly spread further afield.
Good luck!

[elleng]

Gfilm and Maud!

Many thanks for the suggestions - I have been asked to do a reading at the local library, and have donated books to schools, but will continue to do so - have sent free copies out to folks that might spread the word.

Sending regional/county newspapers copies for review is brilliant! We still have a county newspaper that sends out local news -

I self-published for this reason - I had complete control - my illustrations were to my specs and beautifully created by author/graphic artist Gary Val Tenuta. I got to be part of the process for the cover, and am my own agent, chief cook and bottle washer, which I have discovered is a full time job!!

I am going to be at the Decatur Book Festival, the largest book fair in the country, selling Flutterby, and will be selling my book at the Atlanta Greek Festival.

I will also be going to indie bookstores and selling my books - word of mouth is a great thing - was told of a wonderful bookstore that accepts indie authors and they have readings and book signings!!

I appreciate this so much and will keep you posted - thanks for taking time to answer my question -

Thanks!!!

Shameless plug - for an autographed and/or personalized copy of Flutterby please write to me sending a check or Money order for $12.00 covering postage to Ellen George PO Box 71361 Marietta GA 30007

Thanks and best of luck to us all!

ellen

[Josiewhitehead]

I think you are very wise to self-publish. I have had a terrible experience when I was published via an educational publisher last year. It has taken me a year to get my copyright back on my poems and I have said "Never again."

[Writer44]

I have found that blogging is very good publicity. A blog provides an avenue to reach a wide variety of people. It takes a while to build and audience, but if you generate interesting posts, eventually it takes hold. Plus, people "stay in touch" to see what's going on with the blog, which gives the opportunity to talk about the next book and so forth. Photos and videos are the most popular posts, by the way, and YouTube videos also generate interest in my novels.

[the tiger fights]

Put up a web site. You'll have complete control again for content and appearance. Plus you can build a contact list or take orders. Good luck !

[mouseofcards89]

I distribute free copies online.