Someone asked me how I go about promoting my books. I will explain as briefly as I can.
I don't particularly like doing social media and networking but I consider it a means to an end. I try to minimise the time I spend doing it. The reason I do it is to build an author platform; to get myself known as an author and introduce my books to potential readers.

The problem these days is that there are millions of books being written, so to be successful, unless one is fortunate and gets spotted early on by the right people who take the book forward. There is no short cut. It is plain hard slog and dogged determination that will get one noticed eventually.

I said there is no short cut, but that is not strictly true. If one has a wad of cash that can be used to promote a book, good, bad or indifferent, book sales and fame could be achieved quickly. I am sure that there are plenty of individuals who would step up to the mark and force a book's presence into the vision of the reading public. But here's another problem. Most authors do not have that sort of cash.

That leaves us in a position where we have to fend for ourselves. To do that I use four social media platforms; Goodreads, Twitter, Google Plus and LinkedIn. I also have a storyboard on Pinterest where I have selected a number of pictures, to which I have added captions highlighting features of my science fiction book series, The Grid Saga. I also have a website and links to these social media platforms are on the website.
Here in the UK we have public houses, 'pubs', which are a place to go for a drink or food, or both. They are part of social life in this country. Into a few of these pubs I have put A4 illustrated strut cards advertising my books. A few of the books are on hand in each pub for folks to buy if they wish.
Following, is a link to one of my Goodreads blog posts where I have written about this procedure.

https://bit.ly/2LdBOpz

I am interested in how other authors are dealing with book pomotion on a shoestring budget. Are you having success? If so, please share your methods.

Until next time,
Good reading and writing!
JJ

posted by J.J. Overton on September, 01