At this point, you probably know that I just released my first book. Titled Perseverance. Reinvention., this new book release tells my story of getting through a challenging divorce after 23 years of marriage, my emotional struggles with an early second-trimester miscarriage, and the near-loss of my son from a respiratory virus. The book is my story of survival. It talks about persevering through the most challenging of times and coming out better on the other side.
I have been overcome with emotion by the feedback I have received from family members and friends, both close and far away, related to my new book release. I have been surprised by some of the people who have decided to buy the book, not just to support me, but to try to give them some hope for a happier future. It’s been overwhelming to say the least.
Throughout these conversations, however, there has been a common theme. What can I do to help you promote your book? I’ve been asked this question almost daily since the book came out on June 18, 2024. And with the end of the first 30 days creeping up on us—book sales in the first 30 days are significant for a book’s future sales success—I decided to put out some specifics on how you can help not just promote my book, but help promote other authors that you might enjoy.
So, what can you do to help? Read on, and I’ll give you the specific details.
Books Don’t Always Sell Themselves
There are about four million new books released each year. That’s more books released in one year than even the most avid of readers can ever read in their lifetime. And it’s a lot of competition, especially for new writers trying to create a name for themselves or, in my case, tell their story and help others.
Books don’t always sell themselves. We’re not all masterminds like James Patterson, J.K. Rowling, or even Sandra Brown. We’re not always going to be the next Harlequin romance. However, every author has a story to tell, and every author wants help from family members and friends.
So, here is my shameless request to ask for your help. And if you are reading this, know that taking very similar steps can help other authors, too.
1. Buy the Book
Okay, so the most obvious thing you can do is buy the book. And, literally, buy the book. It’s super awesome for you to buy the book and share it with friends who pass it on and share it with someone else, but in those initial 30 days and the subsequent months, books need sales to keep that online algorithm working in their favor.
If you have the $19.99 available, buy the book. This is the number one thing you can do to support an author, especially a new one, vying for their space in the competitive writing market.
Here’s how and where you can buy my book:
- Amazon
- Barnes & Noble
- Walmart
- Ingramspark: This is a great option for bulk orders, bookstore owners, or those who do not wish to purchase from one of the large online retailers)
- Local bookstores: I’m working on making these relationships in Woodbury and Stillwater (possibly Lakeville) and will update this blog once I have more information. If you have any bookstore connections, I’d love some help!
Word of mouth can go a long way in helping an author sell their book. It’s a super powerful way for others to learn that there is a new book available to read, and one that they might not hear about in other ways.
2. Tell Others You Bought the Book
So, how and where do you tell others about my book?
- When talking to your family members and friends
- At your book club
- Online
Most people today spend 143 minutes each day on social media. That’s over two hours a day! And in about two minutes or less, you can share a quick post to help an author promote their book. Here’s how you can help.
- Share a photo of you holding the book (even if you haven’t read it yet), and tag the author in your post. I’ll share a link to my social channels at the end of this article. In fact, I’d love to see more photos of you all with my book. This is a great way to drum up interest.
- Share a passage from the book that resonated with you most.
For both of the above options, be sure to include a link of where to buy the book.
3. Leave Reviews for Any New Book Release
Reviews are gold mines for authors. A book review will help boost sales. But aside from that, it tells others that the book is worth reading (or not). But be authentic in your reviews. Most avid readers can distinguish between a real review and a fake one. So, be open and honest about your experience with the book. The reviews do matter, and they can help improve the algorithm to get the book in front of more buyers.
Of course, leaving a review on the site where you made the purchase is the obvious choice. And, like I said above, it is super helpful. But if time permits, why not leave your review in all four places?
And, if you are an avid reader and participate in online reading apps, those are also great places to leave a review. Here are two places that can really make a difference.
4. Make Retail Store Introductions to Promote a New Book Release
While this one might not be as easy, I am always surprised by people’s connections. Whether you are an avid reader or just happen to be well-connected, you might know a small business owner who would be happy to sell the book in their store.
This is a highlight for any author, especially those who want small bookstores and shop owners to survive. So, if you have any connections, please help bring us together. In return, I’ll surely give that bookseller some online love.
5. Host a Book Club or “Ask the Author” Session
Last, but certainly not least, if you are part of a book club, ask if the members would be open to reading the book as part of their next meeting. The difference here is that when promoting a new author, the book club members are encouraged to purchase their own copy of the book to help drum up those sales.
Or, see if the author would be willing to gift a copy of the book to the book club for a pass-around in exchange for reviews (see point three above). This can benefit the author and give your book club another title to talk about.
Thank You for Supporting My New Book
Supporting a new author and there new book release is a great way to help them collect feedback and grow sales for their new publication. Your $19.99 investment can go a long way in helping a story get in front of others, especially those who might be inspired or could find solace in the words on the page.
Whether you are here to support me in the sales and promotion of my book, you are a new author looking for help promoting your own book, or know of an up-and-coming author, I hope these tips are helpful.
Let’s connect on social media! Here’s where you can find me.
And for all of you reading, thanks for your support!
Also, a huge thank you to Suzy Simonson from Stroke2Success for her photos, which helped promote my new book release!
