Low-Cost Effective Networking and Marketing

How do you become noticed?  What is going to set you apart from the thousands of others who are publishing in your genre?  Aside from paying hundreds of dollars for a publicist or an agent, which many 'starving artists' can nil afford, what can you do?

Let's look at the number of new and upcoming published authors, which are in the thousands. Years ago, becoming a published author meant delivering your most brilliant sales pitch to the big publishing houses in the hopes you would be discovered.  Thanks to the self-publishing industry, that has all changed.  Now, all you need is an idea, a storyline and a little creativity and you too can publish a book.

Networking with the Competition

Although many authors find this approach to be self-defeating, it has just the opposite effect.  If you have written the next bestselling thriller, offer to exchange your book with another bestselling thriller author to read and write reviews for each other.  This is a great, low-cost method of gaining exposure and becoming noticed.  Each of you write the review and post it on prominent book sites on the internet.  A well-written review will not only sell the competitor's book, but will also lead a prospective buyer to your book.

Exchange your book with an author of a different genre as well.  This is commonly done between authors of poetry and novelists, for instance.

When you have completed your next book, you can use the contacts in your network to review your manuscript prior to publishing.  This will make for great advertisement prior to print that you can also use as back cover text.  This benefits both you and your reviewer, as you will post the review with the name, title and name of book of your reviewer. They can also help point out any errors or make helpful suggestions. 

Advertise the Competitor's Book

If you have read a book from another author that you truly feel is a brilliant write, advertise the book on your website as a worthy read.  This will gain you further respect as an author, as readers will see that you truly adore well-written literature, just as they do. 

Comment Frequently

If you write poetry, read the poetry of others and comment on their work.  Offer praise and constructive criticism.  Teach others how to refine their craft while encouraging them to continue to write.  Aspiring authors need helpful criticism as well as praise for their labors.  In turn, they will remember you helped them to achieve their goals.

Print Business Cards

Use your computer to print business cards for yourself.  All you need is your name, the name of your book, email address, website address and any other contact information you so desire to include.  If when you are talking to strangers, the topic of your book comes up, hand them your business card.  Writing it down on a piece of paper and pen looks sloppy and does not give a professional appearance.  Make an impression.

Live Appearances

Make inquiries of your local bookstores.  For instance, are there any bookstores by you that host open mic nights?  Make a point of attending and reading a passage out of your book.  When people meet the author and listen to the author read passages from his/her own work, it makes an indelible impression.  Also, a great place to hand out your business cards.

Internet Advertising

Post your book ad at any and all websites that allow free posting.  You never know what traffic the site will draw in.

There are many other ways to effectively market and promote both your book and yourself as an author at little or no cost to you.  The most important step is to start building up your network contacts.  They will prove invaluable.