Only the first of my twelve books out so far is self-published, with the others being brought out by five different publishers in Canada and the U.S.A. Working on discovery, marketing and sales is still a major part of what I do as an author. And, in some ways, it is not enough just to do the run of the mill things periodically – you have to be continually at it, trying new and different approaches, being creative and tireless.

What I’ve Learned

First, I recommend working locally – get your books into the local library and bookstores, offer to do to readings and signings at both, as well as at schools, book groups, senior centers and any other venues that might sell your books. Some of my volumes are in the local general store right next to homemade jams and baked goods and I just had discussions with a friend who runs a local distillery to feature my books beside his bottles.

Further afield, when you are doing car trips, take some of your books to the bookstores in the towns you pass through. It does not always work, but occasionally your books will strike a chord with the manager and she or he will take three books on consignment. Eventually you may get a check for ten or fifteen dollars, but if you have ten of these it is already over a hundred …

Also, sending emails to libraries around the country telling about yourself and your books will result in sales. In Canada this is even ore worthwhile since the Canada Council has a program which makes payments to Canadian authors for the books they have in certain libraries. The check I got this year was quite sizeable, and with five new books out since last year, it should even amount to more this year.

Book Events

My best sales though, occur at book events such as fairs and festivals, so I am always on the lookout for these. Local ones are easier to get into – for example, I sign up to read my poetry at the monthly Recite! events in Woodstock, VT whenever I am there. Certainly, the three times I have bought a table at Bookstock, the local book fair in Woodstock, I have made the cost back many times over. It helps if you can be a presenter at these fairs – that gives you visibility. Also, you will be included on the book fair’s website and this gives you stature and great publicity. Moreover, I find that reading at these events is a lot of fun and have made some good friendships this way.

Social Media and Web Presence

A website is a must, and marketing via social media – Facebook, Twitter, Linked In and Instagram — is something every author has to do these days, although it is difficult to assess how much they contribute to sales. Creating an event on Facebook for your book launches or signings, inviting your friends and relevant groups and disseminating this information via other social media is also a good tactic.

I use Mailchimp for a monthly Newsletter that recaps my recent publications, upcoming events, my book related activities, locates my reviews and occasionally offers one of my latest poems. Then I post the Newsletter on the “Blog” section of my website.

The point is that being an author these days is not just about writing, but also about putting yourself out there to get known and being creative about how to market your work. After all, as authors we want to be read and it is to maximize this half of the process that discovery, marketing and sales are so important.

Good luck!