In all the years I’ve been an author and involved in the publishing business, I’ve tried just about every form of marketing. I’ve done online marketing through Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, Google+, Pinterest and more. I’ve done virtual blog tours and launch parties. I’ve paid for advertising and a few times I’ve paid for a review (I do not recommend this). I’ve also done live events at libraries, conventions, and set up my own book signings. Below, I’ve summarized what I believe to be the effectiveness of each method.

Twitter: Great for getting your name out as an author. It is a great way to connect with readers and other authors (who are also readers). Can also set up TWEETS ahead of time through various online sites. More effective if you interact at least once a day. Thank people for following, engage in a conversation about books, etc.

Facebook: Gives your readers a place where they can interact with you. Don’t use it as a sales vehicle but as a hang out for your readers to visit. Post interesting things about you as an author…how you choose your character’s names, tidbits about your work in progress, what you feel you can safely share about what you do when you aren’t writing. NOT effective as a sales vehicle.

Online Promotions such as Launch Parties, Cover Reveals, Etc.: Not effective for me, but I know others would disagree. It is an effective way to reach out to new readers. Be prepared to have giveaways available. People love free stuff.

Pinterest: A great way to reach a new audience. Post pictures and teasers here. Make sure you include your buy link on each post.

Paid Advertising: Never found this to be effective unless you can afford to take out ads in magazines that readers read for book reviews. Very Pricey.

Personal Appearances such as Book Signings, Conventions, Book Clubs, etc: This has been the most effective method for me. There is nothing better than getting face to face with your readers. My book sales jump each time I do a personal appearance. It is expensive so you’ll need to budget and pick and choose what will be the most effective for you and the genre you write.

Marketing can be time consuming and frustrating. My recommendation is:

• Have a well done website and keep it updated
• ALWAYS have bookmarks or business cards with you WHEREVER you go and tell people that you’re an author (If you need these items visit http://www.selectografix.com. They can help)
• Create a Facebook Page and use it to interact with readers – not spam about your book
• Have a Twitter account and stay active with following and interacting with your followers
• Do at least one personal appearance per month – libraries, independent book stores, book clubs, author/reader conventions, craft fairs
• WRITE WELL, WRITE CLEAN, WRITE OFTEN – put out great quality writing whether you are an Indie or seeking an agent/publisher; Continuously improve your craft; Write as often as you can, and do so not for the money, but because you love it.

Would love to have you share what works best for you!

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Copyright 2015 by Kelly Abell