Marketing Works!

I never put much thought into marketing a product until I held my product in my hand. That's when I realized I better start getting the word out about myself and my product.

And so far it's working!


Marketing Works!

First, you have to have a quality product that you believe in. You cannot sell what you don't believe in. I believe in my story, The Dragon Forest. I know my writing isn't the best ever, but I know the story is a good one. 

So, what did I do to get my book out there?

I began to give it away.

I visited four different schools last year and earlier this year. During those speaking engagements, I donated my book to the school libraries and to the classroom libraries. 

Then, I waited. 

And before I knew it, the libraries were asking for more copies...this time I was able to sell them my books!

Putting Yourself Out There

Be different!

That's what the social media folks say.

I am an introvert who prefers to stay home and read a book, draw a picture,  or play the piano, so putting myself out there is tough for me. 

However, when I have put myself out there, it has worked in my favor. I held two workshops at a public library last year: one for writing and one for art. 

I sold my books at these events. 

It isn't easy to get up in front of strangers and talk, but I knew I had to do it to get my name and product out there. 

What can you do to put your product out there? 

You may have to donate some copies of your book, give some away as contest prizes, take a few with you to meetings and talk about your story. You may even have to volunteer to speak to your target audience for free.

I have done all of these so far and have sold books as a result.

Literary Agent Chip MacGregor recently blogged about word-of-mouth marketing. I highly agree with this strategy. Get the word out with social media: Facebook, Twitter, and Linked-in in addition to Goodreads and many others. 

Go For It!

I sold three books this weekend alone, two last weekend, and another two this week. Woo hoo! I know that doesn't sound like much, but for an unagented author published by a smaller publishing house, I feel accomplished since now I have sold books pretty much every month this year all with the help of the Lord. 

So, try marketing YOUR product. Get your name out there. Believe in your story and never pass on a chance to talk it up...not with arrogance, but with confidence. 

God gave you your story for a reason!



Your turn: How have your marketed your book? How have you taken advantage certain marketing strategies?



Blessings,
Ruth

For my book and other great stories of all genres, visit my publisher at:  www.oaktara.com