10 ways to support a friend’s book release

by

rsz_image1(1)

Because you rock I’ve received this comment/question a bunch lately:

I want to help with your book release, but I have no idea HOW. What can I do?

Because I always need everything laid out for me (tell me precisely what you need, please) I’ve decided to do that unto you.

Ten ways you can help promote a friend’s book release.

1. Pre-order.Ā  Simple, fast & easy–pre-ordering is far more important than people realize. Pre-orders show publishing houses an early return on investment and are tracked as an indication of how well the book will sell.

2. Share on social media.Ā  Everywhere.Ā  All the places.Ā  If the book has an accompanying hashtag (ala #wycwyc) use where appropriate. Find and “like” the book’s facebook page.

rsz_screen_shot_2015-03-27_at_12508_pm

3. Share the book trailer. See above.Ā  Share freely & with everyone. Book trailers resemble movie previews.Ā  Sharing these short promotional videos helps increase book recognition and sales.

4. Tell friends. Declare yourself a member of your friend’s book’s Street Team. Instigate conversations offline about the author(s) and the book.

rsz_photo277

Team Friend’s Book!

5. Suggest the title to book club. Or, if you’re feeling creative, fashion an entire club (online or off!) around working your way through the bookĀ together.

6. Review, review, review.Ā  Consumer opinion is a powerful thing. Positive reviews spark new sales. Review on Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes and Noble online, add to your shelf on Shelfari—everything!

7. Buy extra books and share creatively! Leave a copy anywhere people lingerĀ from airports to coffee shops (with a note clarifying it’s for taking). Perhaps jot down what you particularly enjoyed and suggest “finder” pass to others when finished.

8. Make it a go-to gift. Ā  I do this when I fall in love with a book.Ā  If writing resonates with me, I buy copies and gift them when I feel the book might resonate with others.Ā  Birthdays are the ‘traditional’ way to do this—I lean toward spontaneous gifting.

what you can when you can

9. Request in local bookstores. The power of: ā€œI can’t find it. Do you have a copy of ___?ā€ is immeasurable.Ā  If enough people request a title, bookstores take notice and may order a few to have on shelves!

10. Reserve copy at library. Here’s a tip a writer-friend shared with me: if all copies are reserved from library before title is released, the system notes popularity and marks book as “order more.”

rsz_1screen_shot_2015-03-29_at_50023_am
#wycwyc reader’s library request.
And there you go.

Ten ways to help.

Most easy, some free, all tremendously appreciated.

Now you.

  • Are you a writer-type or a writer-BFF? What tips or suggestions have I missed?

 

POSTS BY EMAIL

Never miss a post. Enter your email to get my latest posts delivered to your inbox.

Comments

  3. These are fantastic ideas, Carla.
    I will help you and also share with my writing group!!

  6. i think i am going to need the paper version AND the kindle version. cannot wait for the release. super excited for you and roni!

  9. I had no idea about the library thing, since I am not a library user anymore. I’ve pre-ordered, selected friends whom I will bestow it on, and promoted it to our office wellness committee. šŸ˜‰

  25. Not only are those fun ideas for supporting a book launch, there are a few great ideas for gift giving, how to support a friend’s fitness journey, and perhaps getting a few new twitter followers by suggesting a good read. I guess what goes around, comes around. Fun post and great book idea.

  26. great post! I have written several books and have been disappointed at family/friends support (and willingness to take a free author copy). I realized later I should have shown them how they could have helped, rather than expecting them to have the interest that I did in its success.

  31. This was a very creative way to show us how to help us help YOU (errr, did I say that too confusing?). I will be sharing links in my next Monday’s post! XO!

Trackbacks

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This