Find Some Readers! by Michael LaRocca

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Find Some Readers!
by Michael LaRocca

The Internet will not replace traditional promotional efforts, but it can enhance them. Before I go into the Internet, I want to talk about the old-fashioned marketing methods, because they're still your best source of readers.

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BOOKSTORES

Map out all bookstores within 20, 50, even 100 miles of where you live. Call or visit and see who has a local or regional authors section. Most do. See if they'll buy a few copies. I did this in 1994 and had a lot of fun with it.

See if they'll schedule a book signing. If they do, some newspapers and radio stations will advertize them as free public service announcements. I never did this -- my mistake.

http://www.bookweb.org/bd-bin/browse_bd?Country=usa&State_Name=YOURSTATE will help you find the bookstores in your state. So will the Yellow Pages in your home, and the online version at http://www.yellowpages.com/.

Alternately, you can find the bookstores by doing a web search for Bookstores+YourState. This will take longer, but it can work. You can narrow down your search by using key words like Independent, Christian, wholesale... whatever you're trying to find.

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LIBRARIES

Since I've never done this myself, I'm repeating what I've heard. It contradicts itself in a few spots, but it'll give you some ideas.

To find a list of libraries in your state, you can use a search engine, or you can call your local library and ask how to get a listing of all the libraries in your state. They'll usually give you the link.

Many libraries have a budget to buy books and will gladly purchase from local authors.

Libraries won't let you sell your book inside the building, but they will let you talk about it. Talk with the

Author's Biography:

Posted on: November 26,2006

Email: larocca.michael@gmail.com
Website: http://www.chinarice.org