This article focuses on the promotion of non-fiction books.

The success of a book depends on two factors: Its content and its promotion.

A good book is one that has a unique message that people want to read.  Unless your book   offers something new you’ll have a hard time convincing people to read it, let alone pay for it.

However, writing a good book is only half of the challenge. The other half is selling it. You may have written a great book, but without promotion it won’t sell.  This is as true for a book published by a traditional publisher as it is for a self published one.  But when you are your own publisher, you have to promote your book yourself.

Books do not sell on their own, even if they are available all over the world.  Felibri will make your book available to thousands of booksellers – both online and brick and mortar, but if you don’t promote your book, chances are that you won’t sell any. The availability of a book does not necessarily translate into sale.

Here are things you should do to promote your book.

Sell Yourself

While writing your book, you put on your writer hat. You researched, spent months or even years writing, and editing it. Now that the book is printed it is time to put on your salesman hat and sell it.

To sell your book, you must first sell yourself. You must establish yourself as an authority on the subject. If you are an incognito, don’t expect a lot of sales. Will you buy a book written by someone you never heard his or her name?  Why would anyone want to buy yours if they have never heard of you?  If you want to sell books you must make yourself known.  But how?

Write Articles

To be recognized as an authority you should write articles on the subject and send them to as many newspapers, websites and blogs that cater to the same audience for whom you have written the book. Many blogs are hungry for content and they will gladly publish your articles, provided they are insightful and informative.  Don’t promote yourself directly, or you’d be digging your own grave. Apart from your mother no one cares to know how wonderful you are and how the world cannot do without you. In fact that is quite a put off. People will know how great you are once they see the depth of your knowledge and that you know about the subject you want to tell them about.

Write dozens of articles and have them ready. You can use excerpts from your book and adapt them to articles. Through your articles your readers should be able to see that you have a unique and important message/ information/ know how that they cannot get from anywhere else, except from your book.

Your articles should be like windows to your book. Retailers decorate their windows and show the best of their products to lure the customers inside the store. Likewise, the articles that you write must be your masterpieces so your readers reach for their valet and order your book.

Promote Your Book in Your Articles

Your articles should not be about your book but use them to arouse interest and curiosity and whet the interest of your reader to buy your book. Occasionally mention, “As I have explained this point in my book…” or “a more detailed discussion of this subject can be found in my book…”

In your signature, write, (your name) is a (your expertise) and the author of (the tile of your book).

Be Persistent

Have you noticed how advertisers repeat the same ad over and over, not just on the same TV or radio show, but sometimes in the same ad?  People remember things through repetition.

Don’t expect result overnight. It takes more than a handful of articles for you to become famous. Make sure to write a short article every week or so and send them to as many editors as you can. It won’t take long for people to notice you, quote you and acknowledge you as an authority in your field.

Don’t be afraid of rejections. It is normal that nine out of ten editors may not find your column suitable for their publication. The more queries you send out the better will be your chances to expand your readership.

Create Your Own Blog

You should have your own blog where your readers can find all your articles. A blog will also allow your readers to comment and provide valuable feedback. Don’t get offended when people criticize your work. They may have a point. You can learn more from those who criticize your work than those who praise it.

Start a blog with Felibri. It is free. You don't need to publish your book with Felibir to start a blog. Invite your readers to comment on your articles. Answer their questions and take part in the discussions. Make your blog a lively and dynamic place.  Build an online community around the topic of your expertise and help those who seek your advice. You don't want to just become famous, but also respected and liked.

If you have not written your book a blog is an excellent way to start. You can share your thoughst with your readers and receie feedback.

Radio and TV interviews

Once your name becomes known, it won’t take long before the producers of radio and television shows to notice you and invite you for an interview.

Make a list of shows that discuss your topic, send them links to some of your published articles, introduce yourself and announce your availability for an interview.  Just like bloggers and the written media, talk shows are on the lookout for expert guests.

Some authors want to send a copy of their book to every radio producer in the hope that they will be called for an interview. This is costly and most likely your book will not be read.  Email them your published articles regularly. If your articles interest them they will call you.

YouTube and MySpace

Make short video clips, using either images or simply stand in front of the camera and deliver an impelling and powerful speech. Always remember that the idea is to sell yourself. You want to appear professional and someone with mastery over the subject.  If you have written a "how to" book, be helpful and give good advices to your readers.

Word of Mouth

The best advertising is the word of mouth.  People always want to know what those who already have read the book say about it.  Amazon.com allows readers to post their reviews.  This is the litmus test for your book. Felibri store also allows people to review your book.

Get Feedback

Before publishing your book send copies of your manuscript to several people and ask them for their feedback.  This feedback is invaluable. The first step in selling is writing a book that people want to read.

Masterpieces are created when they are polished over and over again. Send your manuscript to people you know and ask them to critic it. Ask them to find its faults and try to address their concerns.

One good idea is that before publishing your book, publish it as eBook. You can even sell your eBook on Felibri. Ask your readers to comment on it. As an author it is difficult for you to see the shortcomings of your book. Others can see what you can’t and every criticism is an opportunity to improve your book.

Conclusion

Promoting a book has very little to do with whom you know. It depends on how many people know YOU. Fame does not come overnight. You have to earn it. You have to convince the world that you are an expert and they have to listen to you if they want to get the facts. This requires work and a lot of it.  With each article that you write and get it published, with each interview that you give, with each talk that you deliver, more people will come to know you and if you can impress them you are on your way to celebrity and a bestselling author.  I am afraid there are no shortcuts. It's all hard work and true scholarship. 1- Know your subject 2- Sell yourself. These two are the keys to your success.

To become a bestselling author, you don’t need to spend money, but you need to spend time and effort.

You have spent a lot of time writing your book. Now it is time to reap the reward, but this is also hard work.

Good luck and wish you success.