Blogger: Kathleen Y’Barbo, Publicist
Location: The Woodlands, TX Publicity Office
Weather: Sunny and 75 degrees
Finding the time and skills to market your books are essential, but what about the cost? Publicity, by definition, is free. A mention on a blog, in a review, or an interview in print or on air should never come with a price tag. But how do you as an author avail yourself of all that free publicity? How do members of media come calling if they don’t know where to find you?
There are many ways to get known, but at what cost? If you’re like most writers, you’re counting every penny. So with that in mind, here are a few low-cost ways to get out the word:
1. First and foremost, you must have a website. Though you can spend as little or as much as you want on this, a site can be useful even if it’s not filled with fancy flash and multiple pages. Costs for web hosting and domain names should be carefully shopped, for there are many different pricing structures available. Don’t skimp here, even if your budget isn’t high. A good site can be utilitarian in nature and yet still effective. Post your press kit along with your coming events. Don’t forget book covers, if you have them.
2. Along with #1, an online presence isn’t complete without considering Twitter (www.twitter.com), Facebook (www.facebook.com), and Shoutlife (www.shoutlife.com), to name the more popular venues. Cost is zero for these high-traffic sites, but the marketing potential is limited only by the enthusiasm with which you take to the endeavor.
3. Blog. As with the social networks I’ve already mentioned, cost for blogging is low or even free, depending on who hosts your blog. Keep content fresh, appropriate to the type of writing you publish, and above all, interesting. Better to resist the urge to blog than to do it halfway. On the other hand, blog tours, which include reviews and book mailings, are a handy way of getting information out. Your cost is limited to the postage it takes to send your books.
4. Bookmarks and other printed materials. Postcard mailings can be expensive, so consider a few other ways to use the printed materials your house provides. My favorite tip is to throw a bookmark into everything you mail. Everything. Including bills. Why not? There’s a live body on the receiving end of that envelope–perhaps one who will go out and purchase your book.
These are but a few of my favorite tips. What about yours? What do you do that’s inexpensive or, better yet, free?
Kathleen,
These are such great tips! I’m almost at the bookmarks in bills stage and find your post so timely. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and making marketing a little less daunting. Bless you!
I’m not published yet, but I’m trying to learn all of these things to be ready when the day comes. (I’m optimistic so I didn’t say “if”!)
I’m from a family of educators and teach creative writing to homeschoolers myself so I’d love to do some teaching even if it’s just on a blog and also use that for marketing. (In other words, offer sound writing tips or helps to attract folks to the blog.) Does that sound feasible?
Thanks for your tips. I’ve got them saved.
Teri
Great tips. I’ve also heard of putting business cards in with your bills, if you still pay them via snail mail/check. Also, asking if you can speak at library functions, or school creative writing classes help, so I’ve heard.
I’m not pubbed, but when and if it happens, I’d investigate these options as well.
You have such great tips, I’m tucking them away for the if and when…. **smile**
Get the word out to family. They are so enthusiastic and help spread the news!
One of my writer friends on FB goes to the library and puts his bookmarks in other books of the genre he writes.
I thought the idea brilliant. Now if I can just remember this if I ever get published. Husband loves to travel, I’ll be hitting the libraries in every town we stop in. = )