If you have reached the coveted contract stage of the book publishing process, then you now need book marketing help. Book marketing is one of the most important elements in writing a successful book. Without a book marketing plan you won't see many profits unless you are royalty or have a famous last name. Don't sit around waiting for an explosive marketing campaign masterminded by your agent and publisher. Take matters into your own hands.
Your book, your baby, your dream, is your responsibility. There is nothing wrong with acknowledging that you need help to accomplish your goals. Arming yourself with the right resources will ensure you have options in selling your book. Spread out your efforts to reach a broader audience. Are you concentrating on selling your book to friends and family? Or do you have bigger aspirations? Determine what your goals are and then seek out the ways in which you can accomplish them.
Once you have established the areas in which you need book marketing help, do some research to find resources that will bring you closer to your desired results. Talk to other writers, librarians, and bloggers. Find out what book marketing strategies they know have worked in the past. As you begin to compile this information, you will also formulate your own tailored ideas. Always be aware when you are out in public. Try to identify ways you can market your book through the elements around you. What images, sounds or influences catch your eye? Can you include music in your campaign? If so, what music appeals to your readers and how can you reach them through music?
Even though I am an advocate of making things happen for yourself, you can also enlist the assistance of book marketing agents and websites. Your literary agent and publisher will of course have some ideas for you, so focus on expanding their ideas. Be cooperative with those who can offer book marketing help. Proceed with caution when entertaining the idea of paying for a marketing service. Not only can this become quite expensive, but if you are not seeing a ROI (return on investment) then you have lost money. What's the point of that?
My final piece of advice to you when marketing your book is to be organized. Stay on top of your activities. Keep a folder-either physical or digital-with all your communications and efforts. Disorganization will only hinder your success. Keep track of what book marketing strategies work for you and which do not. Keep appointments, be prompt in your replies and be professional at all times. Keep an open mind when suggestions are made to help you.
Here is a freebie to help you when putting your book marketing plan together. After identifying you niche market or target audience create a list of where they shop, where they eat, what they listen to, what they wear and what interests them online. This will point you in the right direction as to where you should advertise your book.