I have self published a book. I am an Indie (aka independent) Author and can take my book “Run For Your Life!” and hold it in my hand.  Now it is time to put on my marketing hat and learn how to sell books. Writing it was a breeze compared to marketing it. After a lot more research here is my plan of action. 

Start a web page. Search Author Linda Laughlin to see mine, although if you are reading this you have found my web page or my Facebook page. 

  Speaking of Facebook, set up an author page!

Learn to tweet. (I now have a twitter account.)

Print out business cards and posters! (I made bookmarks instead of business cards.)

If you have a friend that owns a business, get them to let you have a book signing. If there’s an  independent book store in your area, forge a relationship with them. Maybe they will put your book on their shelf and let you do a book signing in their store.

   Get on every web site you can think of to get your name out there in front of the public.

   Bribe, beg, do anything you can think of to get a review for your book.  This has been the hardest  thing for me. I gave away five books and the only thing I asked for was a book review on Amazon, I didn’t get a single one. (Amazon can tell by the IP address where the book review comes from, so don’t try to make up your own reviews!)

  I am still looking for ideas to promote my book. It isn’t easy. I have finished my second book and I am looking into a traditional publisher! I met a lady who spent a big portion of her career in New York and she is now working for a regional publishing house. I gave her a copy of “Run For Your Life!” and the first three chapters of my latest book! I have decided I am not made for marketing so I will feel blessed if she decides to represent me. My fondest wish is for her to ask me to take the first book so she can re-publish it. I still feel that it is a good book and I would like to see it get a chance at a bigger market. 

Happy reading, Linda