Marketing methods - Any guarantees?

[Inez Laurie-Douglas]

Are traditional book marketing methods really out the window? I have not yet begun any major marketing of my book – still weighing the cost. But a marketing mind suggested to me that I concentrate primarily on the internet and some interviews. But are there any guarantees that internet marketing will get the job done?

[Dennis AuBuchon]

I do not believe traditional book marketing methods are out the window but there are many more now available with the Internet. You can reach more places more quickly using the available resources of the Internet. Some are better than others. Some cost money but many are free or low cost. My web site www.myqualitywriting.com has many ideas and resources from other writers and myself that offer suggestions on marketing opportunities for which to take advantage. I have found in my marketing efforts that there are constantly more resources available that I never new existed. I find new ones almost daily through newsletters and networking sites such as this. Marketing can also be involved in getting exposure for your writing by creating articles on your topic (s) of expertise for which you are enthusiastic. The more opportunities that you use to get recognition will help your marketing efforts.

[BiblioScribe]

With the Internet, the term "traditional" is being both challenged and changed. To expand on what Dennis AuBuchon metioned in his reply, articles are certainly one way to go in terme of promotion in multiple online venues. Your effort to write the article pays off when you submit that to multiple sites willing to publish your article. Of course, be sure that your article contains links back to your main marketing site. There is never any guarentee, except that if you do nothing, you will be guarenteed little or no exposure. See the recent Forum entry on "Do You Squidoo". Also look to publish on ArticleCity.com, here, and take a look at BiblioScribe.com to gain additional exposure.

[Peter N. Jones]

There are never any guarantees, rather it must be approached as a never ending process. Just like building one's website ranking, it just takes time and persistence and the pay off comes.

Cheers,

Peter

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Director and Editor: Bauu Institute and Press
Publisher: New Great Books
Editor: Indigenous Issues Today

[Kenneth McGhee]

You make a good point and I understand your concern. Having a quality website, letting family members and friends know about your book and obtaining book reviews are some of the standard pieces of book marketing advice.

From talking to bookstore managers and famous authors, it appears that creating a buzz for a book is the key. The majority of people who purchase books in bookstores appear to walk in with a book title or two in mind.

If you network and market your book to the audiences that have a natural interest this will provide good opportunities for sales without the expense of a major book advertising campaign. For example, certain holidays may fit in nicely with your book. One holiday that comes to mind in Valentine’s Day in February. A related idea is seeing if gift shops or flower shops will carry your book around this time. Another idea is creating gift baskets that include your book for Valentine’s Day.

I will share one of my experiences with you. At a local library they allowed me to have a book discussion and signing. The event was listed in the local newspaper for two days and on their website. Nobody except library employees showed up and I was very concerned. What I did not know was the employees who showed up were all library managers from numerous branches in town. They were not coming to see if the room and snacks were set up but to attend the discussion. I sold all my books and three additional people pre-paid me for copies. The event was held for no cost.

Kenneth McGhee – Author

Teamwork – Moving Beyond Teambuilding Exercises