sell many books for publishers and are often a waste of time; better to spend it elsewhere. I’ve seen publishers lose a lot of money paying for expensive display ads, so beware if you do this; I don’t advise it in the beginning — get your feet wet first so you know what you’re doing. Find a non-exclusive distributor with a good reputation to carry your book for the book store trade, as well as for other retailers.
Print and online publications provide longevity to your marketing campaign in terms of having something tangible for people to reference ongoing. It’s important to publish a website that focuses on your title; you’ll be able to refer editors and customers and all interested parties to your book information with the click of a mouse. When you get a nice write up or feature about you and/or your book, have it laminated and set it up on an easel at trade shows.
Build a web site that provides another avenue for ordering, a virtual online press kit and link exchanges with sites that relate to your topic. Be your own publicist and send a press release along with a review copy of your book to publications in your book’s genre and to book review magazines. Make sure to promote and market your book each and every day, both online and offline.
Local radio shows and television appearances are good but are often forgotten within hours of the broadcast; make sure to make or get a copy of any television broadcast for future promotions. If your book fits a specialty market, find a store that fits the genre and offer to leave books on consignment; many publishers have sold thousands of books this way. Create an online contest and list it in online contest directories to drive traffic to your