Are you waiting too long to market your book?

guest post 

by 

Cindi Maciolek

Your fingers tingle as they touch the very first copy of your newly published book. Your heart races, your head spins. Excitement rushes through your body. 

“I’ve written a magnificent tome. It will go viral and sell itself!”

Really?

I’m amazed when I speak with authors awaiting the arrival of a new book. Some are lucky enough to not only have an agent, but a traditional publisher. Very often, the excitement wanes when they realize the book will be here shortly and their thoughts turn to marketing.

“I’m not quite sure what will happen once the books are out.”

Yikes!

Marketing is more than wishful thinking, tweeting or blogging. Fact is, it begins before you even write the first word. The characters, the location, the era, the breadth or depth of content, even the cover design play a role in attracting your target reader.

Here are a few thoughts to put you ahead of the game.

•  Market far in advance of the release. Many authors, including myself, don’t like to share too much about their work until the first draft is complete. However, there must be something you can promote at least six months to two years ahead. If you don’t care to divulge too much, think of interesting teasers to keep your audience attentive.

• Market to a broader audience. It’s possible to reach beyond your intended market simply by making a minor change to your book. Or, expand your thinking and recognize the book as-is will appeal to an additional market. When I wrote Divatiel: Reflections of a bird’s companion, most people assumed I was writing it for other bird lovers. In fact, I want everyone who loves animals to enjoy the read, a much broader market, and I adjusted the content accordingly.

• Expand your circle of early readers to market your book. The novel I’m currently writing is clearly aimed at a female audience. Yet, I have a male reader who has provided valuable feedback. Not only has he helped to make it a better book, he will no doubt tell everyone he knows just how much he enjoyed it.

• Utilize the book cover to your advantage. I had the cover of my book designed over a year before I held printed copies in my hand. It attracted a lot of attention. A cockatiel wearing a tiara certainly piques interest.

• Forage for media contacts. It can sometimes take months to reach an editor, a celebrity or a producer. If you wait until your book arrives, you’re practically old news. Put together your media list far in advance, and work it, work it, work it!

 We writers are a passionate lot, but early marketing can lead to even greater success.