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I've got 1000 books, now what?

Like any business venture, publishing a book requires a lot of up-front planning - editorial, design, printers. Once your book is finished and you receive that shipment of boxes at your home or office, what do you do with all those books? How do you get them out of the spare room and into people's hands? That's where a sound marketing plan comes in - hopefully one that you have written up before starting your book development process.

If, like most authors, you haven't had the time or the means to put together a marketing plan or hire someone to put one together for you, there are several places that you can look into to market your book and get it selling:

Bookstore Readings

As an independent author, it is very difficult to get your book into bookstores without a distributor. One way that you can sell in a bookstore is through author readings and signings.

These events can be set up through the bookstore with the manager, and can include advertising of your event (usually provided by you), chairs for the attendees (provided), and a table to display your book and for signing copies after the event.

Although small, these events are a great way to spread information about your book through word-of-mouth. If you are a good speaker, attendees may buy 2 or 3 copies for friends, or tell friends about your book. As well, other people in the store may come by to listen and buy a book - depending on when your event is.

Sponsorship Door Prize

Many authors are members of networking groups or writer's groups. At many meetings there is the opportunity to sponsor or provide a door prize for the event. Although you are giving your book away for free, this is a great opportunity to spread the information about your new book as you traditionally give a 30-second speech about yourself and your book at the meeting.

Networking Event Tables

If you are a member of any networking groups and a larger event comes up, take the opportunity to book a table to display your book and information about yourself. As you are already familiar with the members of the group, you will find it easier to speak to them about your book.

Trade Shows

Trade shows can be expensive, depending on how popular they are and the cost of the booth, but they can be a great way to sell your book if you pick the right venue. Make sure to pick the right trade show to sell at - if you have a book about the history of the canoe, then perhaps you should target sports shows, hobby shows, and antique shows.

Book Festivals

From spring to summer, book festivals about throughout the country. These give authors the chance to showcase and sell their book at booths, do readings (better for fiction), and do demonstrations. Check with your local book festivals to see what their entry requirements are.

Website

Few independent authors today publish a book without selling it on a promotional website. If you don't have your own website yet, see if your publisher offers to promote your book on their website and make sure to refer people to the URL on your business card, flyers, and anywhere you mention your book. The site doesn't have to be complex but should allow users to buy your book directly from you. For ideas on what should go on your site, see our article entitled Promoting Your Book on the Web: Your 6 Key Pages.

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