How to Pre-Market Your Book

One of the biggest mistakes that you can make as an author is to forget about your marketing plan until your book is actually printed. You need to step onto the marketing platform early in the process. Even if you get published traditionally, you must have a marketing platform built, and you’re the one to build it. Marketing your work before it has been published is called pre-marketing, and it’s a great way to ensure that you will sell a lot of copies.

It might be difficult to think of your own pre-marketing plan, so here are a few first steps to get you started.

Step 1: Set up a simple blog or website
The internet is a wonderful way to get the word out about your new book. Start creating interest by publishing a preview of your book on a web site or blog. Then, periodically update the site or blog to keep the content fresh. You can set up a blog for free at www.WordPress.com.

Step 2: Utilize the power of social media
As soon as you can, get your website or blog out in front of people’s eyes using social media sites like Facebook and Twitter, and social bookmarking sites like www.digg.com and www.reddit.com . This will give you a good start to get people to visit your website. Remember that social media begins with building relationships, so don’t make the mistake of simply speaking about your book. Build the relationships first and the book sales will follow.

Step 3: Remember the power of word-of-mouth
Always keep in mind that word-of-mouth is the best form of marketing. Someone may catch wind that you are publishing a book and invite you to come speak at an event or even on the radio. If you have completed the previous two steps, you will be able to share your website address and how people can connect to you so they can get more information about you and your upcoming book.

Step 4: Write a press release
A great way to spread the word is to write a press release and submit it to media outlets. Study the format of a standard press release until you are comfortable enough to write your own. Then contact local news agencies, press release websites, national publishing services, and any other outlets that you can think of. Send them a nice message explaining who you are and what you’re doing and give them your press release.

The biggest thing to remember is that you have to start marketing your book before it goes to print. Use pre-marketing to create the buzz and watch the sales roll in!

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