Marketing seems like a big scary world to a lot of us authors. Writing is the easy part. Once we get published the real hard work starts. Where does one even begin?  My publisher provided lots of ideas, but I still had to be creative.

The world of marketing our books is ever challenging and changing. We often find ourselves far down a rabbit hole sorting through what works and what doesn’t. We have to use every tool we can and also be creative. When I got published the first time, I was lucky enough to be connected to someone that was already on this journey who had a great work ethic. He taught me–I used my own instincts on this as well–to do as much local promotion starting out as you can. He and I have been on every radio, tv show, and library that we possibly could find. Most of these are free and every audience is an important one. I am always surprised by the people who come to my book events. Sometimes I sell the most books at the smallest events.

Be Creative

Being on local radio and TV, and in hometown bookstores, libraries, and restaurants is a great places to start. It is very important to be creative because there are so many books out there that we are competing against. So, one of your biggest assets is your imagination and connections. Think big, not in a box, or “I can only do a book event at a Barnes and Noble.” I had an event in a Pottery Barn for kids which led to meeting the editor of a paper in another state and him writing an article about me and my books. Every chance meeting or sale can lead to a great opportunity.

Call up local colleges and ask how to get in touch with their radio show director. Let them know you are a local author and would like to be on their show. Also, check with local towns near you. Call their City Hall and ask if they have a local radio station. Radio is awesome, especially if you have some stage fright or do not like being on camera. I have always had a lot of fun. My daughters sing so I have taken them several times with me. It has added to the content of the interview and they have gotten some exposure as well. Always leave the station a signed copy of your book and usually you can get a copy of your interview to share on social media channels and other outlets.

Support Each Other

I believe that it is important to support one another. We all want to be successful and that can happen faster if we share each other’s posts, interviews, and events on our social media. Free marketing is always wonderful. I am the co-founder of Writer’s Corner Live TV Show and author group on Facebook. I started this platform almost a year ago to support fellow authors. It is a half hour show where my co-host and co-founder and I interview an author, publisher, illustrator and in some cases, it might be a combination. We talk about their book/s, projects, journeys and advice for getting published. We have a lot of fun and after the show we all share the interview out on all of our social medias. It has been very beneficial because we are helping to expose books and authors to audiences that might not have found them.

Each week we get to meet new members of the writing community and talk about all things that have to do with writing. I get to chat for a second about my books and it is a win-win for all of us. It is growing and we are booked up till September at this point. I have enjoyed the journey so far and continue to search for ways to market my children’s books. Plus, I get to support other authors in their journey forward.