While one of the biggest advantages for most self-published authors is getting to keep all the profits their book makes, marketing the book to generate these profits often proves to be the most difficult aspect of the publishing experience.

Non-fiction books tend to be easier to market as most authors already have their target audience identified. Sending out fliers and order forms to these people is usually a very good place to start when it comes to selling your book.

Most publishers will tell you that the best person to sell a book is the author. So if you are giving talks, lectures or workshops make sure you have some books with you to sell at the event. Also take your fliers with you to hand out with the marketing material for those who may decide to buy your book at a later date.

Another effective technique is to send out a press release, both to local and specific-interest publications who may feature your story. Select a ‘hot-list’ of 10-20 of these contacts to chase up afterwards. Most magazines and newspapers receive hundreds of press releases every week so don’t expect them to come back to you straight away, it is up to you to remind them you have a great story to tell.

At Word4Word we run a one-day workshop to give self-published authors advice for marketing their books. For more information please click here or give Sara a call on 01386 760405.