A simple search for how to market your book elicits the importance of tags, keywords, the pros and cons of blogging, ads, promotions, and the savvy use of social media. In addition to mastering standard marketing methods, here are a few unique marketing opportunities.

1. Charity Events

Charity events do not seem like a natural fit for book promotion, but charities have fundraisers that can provide opportunities to market your book and benefit others in the process.

For example, I was approached by a local Optimist club to donate my Mythikas Island series for their silent auction. I made up a basket of the four books, a themed book mark, a reading light, and a mug with tea bags. In addition, I left a stack of business cards next to the basket with my book information. My basket was a top earner and the cards were all taken. The next year, they asked me to bring additional books to sell and sign in addition to a basket. I donated the proceeds from the extra sales, but didn’t have to. Helping others is reward enough, but you can gain recognition along the way.

Look for local charities interested in accepting your books as donations and/or selling books at one of their events to raise money for them. If your book has a tie-in like cats or dogs, disease awareness, social topics, or specific locations, use that. For instance, a character coping with cancer would be suitable for a fundraising auction/event for a chapter of the Cancer Society. If your mysteries feature cats, consider a fundraiser for the Humane Society. I met one enterprising author who set up a table at a local cat show to sell her mysteries which featured a cat.

2. Craft Fairs

Most craft fairs feature jewelry, art, purses, even clothing. Why not books? The cost for a table at a local craft sale is a minimal investment. Grab some author friends and make a day of it. Make sure you have plenty of cards to pass out in case people don’t buy on the spot. I met a group of local writers at the local Home & Garden show. They set up tables at the entrance to the show every year, had a fun time, and sold some books. Why not?

3. Writing Conferences

Some writing conferences allow authors to sell books. Local conferences are easier to drag books to, but you could have them shipped to your hotel if the conference is remote or pack an extra suitcase and pay the luggage fee. There are many exciting conferences to attend and selling books can be a bonus.

4. Radio Podcasts

A writing group I belonged to broadcasted a radio show on Sunday mornings. I had the pleasure of being a featured reader. It was terrifying, but I am glad I did it. I was also asked to read a chapter from my Mythikas Island series on a Blog Talk Radio podcast.

Look for opportunities to appear on podcasts or participate in author interviews or panels. You could create your own audio or video. Have someone interview you or overlay your voice with images of your book cover or short video clip. With the plethora of stock images and video production software options, even beginners can achieve a short promo and upload it for free on YouTube. Gather your writer friends and do it together as a group project. Enterprising writers could create a genre-themed YouTube playlist or a YouTube “channel.”

5. Open Mic nights

Independent bookstores and local literary groups often have open reading nights. Sign up to read a chapter or a few pages (depending on their time requirements). Practice and remember to breathe. Most introverts are terrified of the spotlight, but give it a try. The audience is full of introverted book lovers. You don’t have to start with Chapter One. Pick a passage that is funny, or heart-warming, or poignant.

Take a look through your local paper or social media feeds for events. If you’ve had success with unusual venues, share them in the comments.