How to Create a Marketing Plan

Creating a Marketing Plan isn’t difficult. One simply requires a bit of training.

Begin Local 

The community section of the local newspaper is the first place authors should begin. Here you will find postings of meeting, author readings and literary events in your area.  Given the trend to buy local, most community leaders support local artists and authors. Once you assemble a list of clubs and events, introduce yourself to the coordinator and ask to speak during a monthly meeting. This introduction may be by email,  in person, or telephone call.

If sending an email, provide a short summary (called a blurb) about your book.

After contacting the print edition of newspapers in your area, visit patch.com  and search this on-line news-print for coverage in your local area. Here you can also locate listings of groups and individuals interested in learning more about your work.

Support Authors and Bookstores

Unless you ePublish only, developing relationships with readers and booksellers is a necessity part of your marketing plan. Without this personal connection, you will be (classified as) another desperate author who hasn’t properly researched the business of writing prior to publication. News Flash!  Independent booksellers are NOT dead…nor will they be dying anytime soon. Their personal service and ability to manage inventory (and their funds) ensure they will be around for years.

Here is an example of why booksellers aren’t going anywhere. This Friday my daughter was assigned The Animal Farm. She needed the book by Monday. I could have gone to a Big Box store. However, with several used bookstores up the street, a quick call revealed they had the title in stock. Most used bookstores are now offering a limited number of new titles. Smart Indie Booksellers know the required school reading list months in advance. Comparatively, Big Box worries about the next “big” release.

Be a friend of the Indie Bookseller. Step One is to be a customer. Step Two: attend author events. Step Three: buy books.

Forgive me for coming to an abrupt end, but I’m out of time today. Remember to keep coming back to this blog.

If you would like an email once new information is added, please subscribe to the link. If you, or someone you know, is about to release a book, please forward them a link to this blog. I promise, I won’t post daily; I simply do not have the time.

My goal is to provide simple tips that work, not fill your inbox with useless information.

I love hearing from readers. Leave comments any time or post questions.

Blessings and Best-sellers to you!

Renea