The Bookmark - Learning about Advertising at the Beginner's Level

A little behind the eight ball, but with any possible success comes a time to buckle down and push the marketing. Most people start months before the book is release. Those "shout outs" are a big important step. Whether it's your first self-published book, or an article you are about to submit to a magazine, writing demands a lot of dedication and a whole bunch of luck.

What does the novice writer do if the money is not there? Marketing costs can add up to big bucks. If you don't mind a post of the blind leading the blind, I can only share the little I have learned.

Bookmarks or business cards, some people have both. Personally, I think having at least one of them is a must. Making copies online or in an office supply store can save money once the image is made. Bookmarks are handy, who doesn't read a print book once in a while? Business cards are easy to carry with the small size, but they can get lost or thrown away.

Some like postcards, but mailing cost can certainly add too. With the internet so widely used, very few businesses are not online. Displaying my book cover and selling information, I have created my own ad to email to libraries and independent book sellers. Creating a contact list can be very helpful. For self-publishers, contacting potential buyers in each state can be a huge undertaking. It may be best to put aside some time and dabble with it as you can.

Many authors do pay for sponsor ads. I occasionally count up the unspent pennies and run a weekend advertisement on Facebook. Other online sites do this too. Joining sites like Twitter, Pinterest, Google+ and LinkedIn can give you a big boost when used regularly. Choosing groups to follow on Facebook can be very beneficial for any writer. It is a place to learn from more experience writers and share your thoughts.

Let's discuss book reviews, which is nearly as painful as a tooth extraction. Talking from experience, this comes from the suffering of not receiving them. How do you know if a book is good or bad? Commenting on a book gives great insight into the material. On the other hand, before the book is published, a good editor or proof reader can spot those small errors a author can read over and not see. Regardless, we all need book review to help advertise our book. From what I am picking up through the grapevine, joining a group of book reviewers may be an inexpensive way to go. Comments should always be honest, but never hurtful in any way. Some writers participate in contests and book give-a-ways, but I haven't crossed that bridge yet.
 
When building a following, don't forget to create a blog or website to display your work. You deserve it! We as writers pour our sweat into a project, now don't be shy and not show it to the world! Sometimes, we must hire someone to assist us in reaching our goals. I am still learning myself. If possible, try to join a local writing group in your area. Multiple, live feedback can be priceless.

As long as your feet as moving forward, a new writer may discover that path to success.