5 Mistakes Authors Make When Promoting

Ok, let me break it down to you why this is SO wrong.

1.  The author did not even communicate with me. It’s like out of the blue, “Hey I got a new book.” I haven’t heard from this person in months – and frankly, why should I care they have a new book. I had a relationship with them but after so many months you just can’t pick up where we left off and say, “BUY MY BOOK.”

2. The author did not use an email marketing program like Constant Contact or Aweber.  He just hit “select all” in his email program and blind copied everyone. Thank goodness he did use the “bcc” and not show everyone’s email to each other, it said undisclosed recipients. Whew!

You may not know this but it is illegal according to FTC to “spam” people with marketing material if they have not requested it. The CAN-SPAM Act, a law that sets the rules for commercial email, establishes requirements for commercial messages, gives recipients the right to have you stop emailing them, and spells out tough penalties for violations.

3. They did not tell me what the book was about anyway. Just the title. No subtitle.  No book cover even!  And he didn’t even tell me if it has a foreword – and if so – what did they say.   It’s always better to have others speak well of you than you do all the talking yourself.   Getting advance reviews would have been smart too. Providing endorsements is a critical step in the book marketing process.

4. The author did not give me their website (so I can remember who they are and what they’re all about). People like to shop and lurk before they buy. Send me to a blog for more information – don’t just send me to the store. And don’t use the long, ugly link for the purchase button.  The least the author could of done is made a short link using bit.ly and using something like prettylink – it makes a difference how url’s look. If you use a “link shortner” like bit.ly, you can even get link metrics.

5. The author’s email subject line was too vain. It read, “My new book.” Seriously?  I don’t know about you -but I get over 300 emails a day – and opening an email that says, “My new book” from someone I haven’t heard from in a very long time gets pushed down the priority list. And when I do get around to opening it (though I guarantee most people won’t), he suggests I buy the book as a Christmas gift! What? Why?  I don’t even know if I like it – and he’s suggesting I buy and give it out. Oh my. That’s a great way to  get blocked.

1. Start at least 3 to 6 months BEFORE the book is published by identifying and “warming up” your target market with exciting information about the book. How?  By “teasing” with blog posts, articles, status updates, podcasts and videos online. Just like a movie does a “trailer” – create a quick “trailer” for your book and put on your blog. (You do have a blog, right?) The key is to build a platform, get to know your audience better. Build anticipation. Engage people in social media. Evoke curiosity. Provide good content!

2. At least 3 to 6 months BEFORE the book is out, concentrate on building a list of those who would be interested in buying the book. How? By giving away free chapters (as many as you can) to people in exchange for their email address.  Promise to keep them updated of the progress along the way. Survey this list, ask their opinion as you write your book and design the cover. Listen and incorporate their ideas in your book. The more “buy in”you have from your new friends – the more likely they will buy when the book is finally here.

3. Create a really good “media” list at least 3 to 6 months BEFORE the book is published.  By scoping out the ideal media for your book and getting the names, emails, faxes (yes faxes), addresses and (even birthdays if you can) – the more you’ll move with confidence once your book campaign starts.  Send the media some “teaser” info and be creative. If you book is about babies – send them a press release with a baby bib or powered formula.  If your book is about love – send them some chocolates.  Make yourself stand out.  Let them know you are PLANNING in advance.  Follow the media on Twitter and read their blogs/articles and make comments. Become friends with the media – be helpful – and offer to be a source for their stories or programs. Do this before your book is even finished! 

It’s all about relationships and growing a “fan” base – and raving fans are the best.  And you have to work at it – it takes time to cultivate a list of “fans.” You can’t be lazy and think you can just “select all” in your gmail or aol account and get sales.  And quit “eBLASTING” people!

The more intelligent and advance marketing you do before you “launch” the book campaign the better. There are no short cuts – and it’s best to get help if you need it.

Writing the book is only 5% of the work – marketing the book is the other 95%. But it doesn’t have to be  frustrating and expensive if you know what you’re doing – and give yourself at least 3 to 6 months lead time.

Watch this quick video below. It will take the “edge” off this post.

I know I sound harsh on this author – but I really want them to succeed. That’s why I do the PR 2.0 & Platform Building Bootcamp – to toughen up these authors to position them to be ‘best sellers.’

With over a half million new books a year coming out, you have to use all the tools available just to be heard.  It’s a noisy world – that’s why it’s critical to use social media to build your brand BEFORE YOUR BOOK IS EVEN FINISHED!