Promoting authors to the media, reviewers, and readers a crucial part of book promotion. Even authors who prefer to shun the spotlight need to have some visibility to sell books. Frequently used promotional methods include a range of media coverage -- magazines and newspapers, interviews on radio shows, and appearances on TV – combined with good visibility online. The more an author is seen and heard by the book-buying public, the more likely a book will be discovered by interested readers. The internet offers authors even more options for promotion and book advertising. So which ones are best?
Time-honored (and successful) promotion methods continue to be cost-effective book and author promotion methods. They include press releases, bylines articles written by the author, and talk radio campaigns. Given the importance of the internet today, it's also crucial to fully engage the online world. It means having a website is a requirement; it's no longer optional. For example, when book publicists send a press release or pitch a talk-radio interview, producers go first to an author's website to find out more. Sites are also the most common research starting point for readers, agents, and publishers.
A website reinforces the author's brand and communicates directly to everyone who visits. Optimal author sites include an author's bio, sample book chapters, links to media coverage, and are connected to author social media pages. They need to be well designed and user friendly with an attached blog that has news and updates. The more content-rich the site is, the more likely it will show up in organic search results. Through a blog, an author can post about relevant topics, promote appearances, and update fans with new information. Blog posts can be added to social media, expanding their visibility.
Along with the necessity of having a website, active participation in social media is also a requirement for success today. Social media posts offer opportunities to discuss topics related to a book and connect with fans and prospective readers to answer questions and build relationships. It also helps authors connect with other writers and people in the media. Some may ever repost an author's comments in their blogs and personal pages. Fan pages in social media can include author website links and other content the author may have developed. Images and videos also do well online and are often shared.