Indie Guest Post: From Author to Marketer – Four SIMPLE Ways to Promote Your Book By Susan Barton

Here I am, a bit late than I promised, with yet another useful post on my series of guest articles from indie authors.

And this week I have someone whom I met years ago on Google+ (remember that thing that was supposed to beat down Facebook?) book group and someone who knows what she talking about when it comes to book marketing.

So let me introduce you all to Susan Barton!

Say hi to Susan, people!

Susan is an avid reader, book reviewer and author with seven published non-fiction, children’s and YA books. She is also a marketer, copywriter and editor/proofreader with over three decades of professional experience.

From Author to Marketer

So you’ve published your first book. Congratulations! Sitting in front of your computer for several months or more, plugging away, planning, strategizing, editing and rewriting is A LOT of work. That’s a wonderful accomplishment and something to be proud of.

But guess what? Your work is just beginning. I can hear your groans already. I’m sorry… I really am, but I’m here to tell you that this is no time to relax. Instead, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and turn your attention to marketing your book.

Even if you are an introvert!

Many, MANY authors struggle with book marketing. After all, writing is often a solitary, isolating business. Writers enjoy an introverted life of quiet introspection. We’re often not comfortable tooting our own horns. Yet that’s exactly what book marketing is. It’s about letting potential readers know how much they need to read our books.

Like it or not, if you want to sell your book, you’re going to have to put yourself out there for all to see. Fear not, however, there are still some effective ways to quietly, subtly promote your book. The great thing is that these techniques are perfect for all of us introverts!

Here are four SUPER simple ways to do just that:

1. Schedule a Freebie

Promoting your eBook with a free download for one or two days is probably one of the best ways to get people to have a look at your book, and then download and review it.

Many authors are worried about giving away their books, but I’ve personally seen freebie downloads result in dozens of book reviews. This is a valuable book marketing technique that’s definitely worth doing.

Many authors are worried about giving away their books, but I’ve seen freebie downloads result in dozens of book reviews. – Susan (@ebookreviewgal) talks more on her guest post Share on X

2. Create a Newsletter

Add a newsletter signup form on your author website and send out a monthly (or quarterly, or whatever works best for you) newsletter to let readers know what you’ve been up to.

Add other book-related news and discounts for added value to your readers. Just remember, you can only add newsletter subscribers to your list if they’ve specifically signed up to receive your newsletter. Otherwise, it’s considered spam.

3. Create a Giveaway

Giveaways are excellent ways to generate book buzz. You can give away copies of your book, along with a curated book swag package. Most giveaway participants are excited to enter for a chance to receive these goodies.

Bookmarks, original book illustrations, novelty items and more can be included in your swag. Be original and creative! Add your giveaway to your website and share, share, share via social media.

Be original and creative (..with your swag)! Add your giveaway to your website and share, share, share via social media. Share on X

4. Update Your Email Signature

I told you these four tips would be super simple and I left the simplest technique of all for last. Your email signature should always include information about you and your book. That means adding the links to your book purchase page, your author website and your social media platforms at the end of your email signature.

Every time you email someone they’ll see your info and have the opportunity to click, click and click. Simple!

I hope you’ve enjoyed these four simple book marketing tips and use them soon. If you do, please let me know how they work for you.

If you’re overwhelmed with the idea of marketing your book contact me and I’ll be happy to help!

Thanks Susan!

I am back! I am just here to thank her for taking time off her busy schedule to write us a guest post. You can follow and contact her through these links.

If you have something to add to Susan’s story, drop a comment here or send her a word of thanks on the social media. Both of us would love that.

Also, if you are interested in writing a guest post for the independent publishing community, write to me right away. I am still accepting guest post submissions.

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Let us chat!

Do you ever find book marketing overwhelming as an independent author? What is your constant challenge? Is there something that we as book bloggers can do to help you? Let us chat.