Most of a publishing house’s marketing budget goes to its most popular, A-list authors. You know: the ones least in need of the promotion. If you have found a mid-list or new author whose work you enjoy, you can become a crucial, and very appreciated, part of his/her success. What’s more, your enthusiasm may encourage him/her to keep writing! Here’s how.
1. Leave honestly positive reviews everywhere you can: Goodreads, Amazon, Kobo, your library, iBooks. Tell people what you really liked about the book’s characters, themes, setting, style, and the genre on your blog, Facebook, Twitter, and anywhere else you can think of. Reviews are key for a new reader to take a risk on an unknown author.
2. Tell your friends! If you have a friend who likes the genre, recommend the book. But, do the author a favour. If your friends read romance, don’t recommend a horror book, because it will probably lead to a one star review somewhere. Some people shouldn’t read the book. The more often someone sees a name, the more likely they are to eventually pick it up, so talk about the book on social media, and link to the author’s profile.
3. Submit a book acquisition request at your local library. This can often be done on your library’s website. When the book is in, take it out, and encourage your friends to take it out. Personally recommend the book to strangers in the library. If you see it hiding on the shelf, turn it facing out, or set it on a table where it will catch the eye of someone who might otherwise not notice it.
4. Offer to be part of the author’s street team or to be a beta reader for future projects. You may get early release copy of future books in exchange for your review. There may be other perks, like a mention in the acknowledgements of the author’s next book. If you’re doing the 5 things on this list, the author would love to know who you are, so be sure to introduce yourself on social media.
5. Give the book as a gift! Buy several copies of the book to share with people you think would love it like you do. If you know the author, get the book signed for your friends or relatives. Author signed books are cool birthday or Christmas gifts. If you are far away, some authors (like me!) will mail you signed book plates to put into your copy or are on Authorgraph so you can download a pdf.
It’s all about sharing the book love!
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Shawn L. Bird 