by Teneka Adams

Created on: September 05, 2008

Promoting and marketing your writing can be a long and hard road. Not bad to travel, just a lot of work. But every bit of it is worth it because in the end, you get yourself out there and you get your writing out there. Plus, all the hard work is done for when your next writing comes out. All you have to do is use the contacts you've already made and you're on your way.

My first suggestion would be to make a list of marketing tools for your book. Most people use book marks, business cards, and web pages. Some of these things you can actually do yourself. Not only is it cheaper to do it yourself, but you learn a lot when you have to do things yourself. Remember, just because you do something yourself does not mean that you want it to be any less professional. A lot of times, you get what you pay for, so don't half step if you're going to do it yourself.

By all means don't forget to send out a mass email to all of your family and friends that your writing is out and ready for them to purchase. Don't be afraid to solicit their support in buying your work. Don't be surprised either at the amount of friends and family that want you to give it to them for free. Giving away your work that you took your time to put together and paid to have published, and paid for how ever many copies you wanted, would not be a wise decision. Control the amount of books that you give away, unless you really don't need any of that money back.

A great way to promote yourself and your work is to attend plenty of writers conferences, book festivals, and author showcases. At these places you can be around other people like yourself, learn a lot, network, and get your works sold to some of your peers as well as the public.

Promoting and marketing your writing is an ongoing thing. You want to be at as many events as you can. Use the resources that you already have, such as your coworkers, family and friends, your church, and your neighbors.

Getting your writing in the bookstores and on the shelves of other major stores that happen to sell books should always be at the top of your list. Send out a few copies here and there for the different stores to review. Keep track of who you sent your book to and how many you have out. Always follow up with calls or emails if you cannot go in person to give your book to someone for review. Book clubs are also a way to get your book out there. So send it to a few book clubs, and even radio and talk show hosts. Think big and dream big. Like I said, it is a lot of work to promote and market your own work yourself, but it's YOURS! It's your baby, be proud and yet professional. Be confident and yet teachable. There will be more seasoned veterans around some of the corners you turn. Listen and learn. The next thing you know, you'll eventually have others promoting and marketing your writing too!

Learn more about this author, Teneka Adams.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.