Watch Other Authors
There is a good chance that your genre of choice has more than one author who self-publishes their book. They’re in the same position as everyone else in that they need to promote their self-published book. Make note of their promotion methods. Follow them to see where you find ads, links, mentions, etc.
Add the Book to Your Profiles
Most social media platforms allow you a great deal of freedom in creating your profile description. Add a link to your book, or the title of your book to inform others that might see your profile.
Add the Book to Your Email Signature
Add your book title and a link to your email signature. Anyone who receives an email from you will see that you have a book available.
Ask for Reviews from Influencers
Just about every genre has influencers who talk about products in that genre. Research the influencers you’d like to connect with and send an email asking them to review your book. This includes bloggers, YouTubers, the top reviewers on Amazon, etc. Be sure to connect with those in your genre.
Send the book in the same format that readers can purchase. In other words, don’t send a Word document if the book is only available as a paperback. They might want to show the product. If it’s available in multiple formats, ask the influencer about their preference. The influencers would provide an honest review to their audiences. You could then link to those reviews in your promotional efforts such as blog posts, social media posts, your email list, etc.
Ask for Interviews
Many influencers interview authors for their platforms. You could provide the influencer with a copy of your book and offer suggested topics or questions for discussion during the interview. You could also offer a special discount for the influencer’s audience.
Ask for Reviews from Buyers
Ask those who purchase your book to write a review on the sales platform. For example, if you sell your book through Amazon, ask them to post a review on Amazon. One issue to be aware of is you can’t offer them an incentive. There are sellers on Amazon that offer a discount if the buyer posts a review. This is illegal in certain parts of the world.
Host a Training Webinar
A webinar that provides useful information, rather than a commercial, is a great way to promote your book. You could provide free information on the topic of your book, and then offer your book as a call to action.
Host a Giveaway
Hosting a giveaway is one of the best ways to raise awareness of your book. There are several ways to run the giveaway (just be sure to follow the laws in your area). One possibility is to have those entering the giveaway share about your giveaway on their social media, blogs, etc. This would raise awareness of your book to their followers.
For more information on hosting a giveaway, see the article How to Run a Giveaway Without Getting in Trouble.
Certain platforms, such as Amazon, will allow you to give your book away. This depends on the options you’ve selected for selling your book on the platform. The advantage of giving your book away is that it can gain attention. This could get readers to review it, recommend it, etc.
Hold a Book Signing
Lots of bookstores allow authors to hold a book signing to promote their books. Set up a table with a few stacks of books, place a sign in the window and on the table, and sign books for buyers as they come to see you in person. Be sure to promote the book signing in the local area.
Present Your Book at Trade Shows
Almost every genre has a trade show that you can attend and present your products. These trade shows can attract potential buyers from all over the world. This opens lots of opportunities to meet new people and show your book.
Join Goodreads
Goodreads is a large platform with over 140 million members. Create a Goodreads profile and include information about your book. You can add it to your list, ask for reviews, host discussions about your book, host giveaways, and add your book to Listopia.
