5 Ways to Promote Your Book that You May Not have Thought of

by

Kathryn Jones

When it comes to book marketing you may have heard the standard answers such as reviews, blogging and book signings; what is less spoken about, however, are those new answers that will make what you have to share stand out from the proverbial pack.

Here is a list to get you started:

Author Kathryn Jones

1. Video. When it comes to video, many authors put up a red flag because they believe they have to put their face on the video in live action. They worry about not sounding professional enough; i.e. making a mistake. But video doesn't have to include you: at least not in a real way. Animoto, for example, allows the user to add pictures, text, video and music. The good news about Animoto is that your video can look and sound professional without any stress. Just follow the step-by-step directions. As a step up, Windows Live Movie Maker allows the user even greater free reign on choices. Just be careful to remember the importance of following copyright laws. 
2. Blog radio. Get an interview with a blog radio personality by querying them about your book and expertise. If your book focuses on a common human dilemma or gives the reader a unique view on something or even causes them to laugh, you'll probably have a winner on blog radio. Even fiction writers do well here; what makes your book different from others out there? Express this in the short query you send off to get potential interviewers interested in your book.
3. Book signings NOT at a book store. Instead of offering the standard fare, get your readers interested in your offering by creating a book signing to be remembered. My most recent will be in my back yard. There will be a breakfast for friends and family to introduce my new book, "Scrambled." Yep, scrambled eggs will be the main course. Other ideas include a signing at a hair salon, a local fair, or a store (other than a book store) that relates well with the theme of your book. Some authors have tried grocery stores and even hospitals for book signings. 
4. Discover sites, like this one, that will advertise for free. It's amazing how many authors, reviewers and book lovers care about writers and will offer to post your book on their site along with links!
5. Postcards. We all know the value of business cards, but have you considered what it would mean to have a postcard to hand out and mail whenever you chose? Let's say you're eating dinner. You compliment the waitress on her service and hand her a post card. On the card is your book cover along with contact information and a synopsis of your book. How about starting a conversation by handing someone a card? Postcards allow you to place more information about who you are and what you've written. 

One thing about book marketing, it will continue to evolve. And that's the best news of all. For no writer has to settle for one or only two promotion ideas but can tack on new ideas as soon as they become available.
 Like the ones listed above.

Author  Kathryn Elizabeth Jones can be contacted via her website or in the comment section of this blog.

Scrambled

A Susan Sleuth Mystery

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What happens to an unhappy woman who leaves her husband only to discover that she may have just made a terrible mistake? So horrible, her choice threatens to end her very life?

I’m looking for reviewers for my 4^th book, “Scrambled,” a Susan Sleuth Cozy mystery (the first in a series) set on the east coast.  “Scrambled” will be ready for release in September and I am looking for reviewers who are willing to read and review my book before publication.

Susan believes that the grass is greener on the other side. Not that her current life is bad, necessarily; it’s just boring and lifeless, kind of like the old matted rug on her dining room floor. Susan thinks her marriage has just grown—well, old. Her husband, Bob, has gained tremendous weight and continues to gain, and his health suffers. She must work at a job she hates full-time to provide the little sustenance they have. He, on the other hand, works very little (because of his health) and prefers spending his days watching television or surfing the Internet. Besides, there’s her problem of not getting pregnant that can’t help but contribute to his unhappiness.

Can Susan continue to live her life at the hotel knowing that she might be killed herself or imprisoned for life? Will she be able to find the real murderer with the help of the eccentric Ms. Martha Boaz?