Whether your book launched hot, and sales have since waned or it’s been a steady eddy that could use a boost, there are some fun and easy ways to engage and expand your audience. Buckle up! Here’s how to get out and meet the readers that want your book.
Find Your People
Whether you are an author in one or multiple genres, there is nothing better than going where your readers gather.
Speaking events are a great way to mingle with your people. What new information and insights can you offer them? Be sure to mention your book and, if possible, have it for sale at the back of the room.
Farmers markets offer so much more that fruits and veggies. They can also be an interesting place to find your book. Christmas (and other seasonal/holiday) festivals can help you gain a new audience.
Your local indy bookstore. If you’re independently published you may not be able to sell in the big box stores, but you can ask for space on the shelf of your friendly neighborhood shop.
Church (and other) groups can be a huge support. Just be sure your theme / genre is appropriate.
Check out the open-mic reading nights at your nearby coffee shop or bookstore. You can read (or act out) an excerpt from your book to lure new readers and enjoy the bonus of networking with other writers.
Get a sales table at book festivals and conferences. The options are vast. You can find smaller community college venues and large convention center venues. Try both and discover where you’re most comfortable.
I found out that my favorite readers are beer-drinking dog lovers. So, you’ll see me at events (like Pawtoberfest) that support local animal rescues.
Broaden Your Exposure
The more frequently your name is seen, the further ‘your reach’ in gaining new readers for your book(s).
Consider getting your name out there by participating in multi-author works like anthologies.
Share your knowledge and experience by contributing an article to a magazine or newspaper.
Blog interviews are an effective way to make connections and to introduce yourself to a new audience.
Utilize your newsletter. If you will be running a book special, be sure to promote it to your subscribers. Even better, tell them first and ask them to spread the word.
Get more reviews. Remember those subscribers who follow you? Ask them to provide a review on their favorite book platform. Reviews are an author’s best friend, and many readers will help if you ask. Remember to thank them when they do.
Video a short reading. There’s something special about hearing an author’s voice. Pick a chilling, pivotal, or emotional charged scene from your book and read it to your audience on FB Live or record it on Zoom and share on other SM platforms. It may hook a viewer into a sale.
Consider Your Budget
In all this, consider your budget. Some of these ideas cost nothing or are less expensive to do than others. You may not be able to tackle it all, but you can explore.
Enjoy!
Most of all, enjoy the journey. There’s nothing so special than being among your people, meeting readers, and sharing the experience of the event. Make it fun and SELL, SELL, SELL!
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Jean Alfieri is an author, speaker and dog fan. She finds hope and joy in both her work at the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region and in the lives of her adopted vintage puppies. Her newest book, Twisty and True Tales of a Shelter Dog Matchmaker is a collection of twelve short, inspiring stories about dogs that took the winding road instead of the straight path to happiness. (Available on Amazon.) She and her husband joke that although they pay the mortgage of their home in Colorado, it’s really the dogs’ house! Find out more at DogAuthor.com. Follow @ Jean Alfieri (@zuggythepug) • Instagram photos and videos and Pug_Zuggy Pug Channel Intro.