A few days ago, I posted some articles and websites to help you make it through your self-publishing venture. The path is not the same for everyone, and there are many ways out there to accomplish your goals. The links I posted cover some but not all of the resources available to self-publishers.
Today, I’m moving on to that lovely aspect of self-publishing that I believe scares off a lot of writers: marketing. The fact I think many haven’t realized is, even if you get a traditional publishing deal, you’re still going to be responsible for the majority of the marketing of your book. So, if you decide not to self-publish, it shouldn’t be because you don’t want to do the marketing. Because, guess what? You’re going to end up doing it anyway.
The links below lead to sites where you can see what others have done before. You don’t have to start from scratch – learn from others’ mistakes! And their successes, as well. On the other hand, there are marketing services that will take much of the burden on for you, if that’s what you choose to do.
Marketing Tools
Articles
The Pricing of ebooks and Perceived Value This article should help you in deciding how to price your ebook.
How To Self-Publish (And Seem Like You’re Not) The author outlines her marketing process.
As the Self-Pub World Turns: Unique Book Promo Ideas Edition Tired of the usual marketing strategies? Try these.
The New World of Publishing: Pricing Indie Books…Some 2012 Thoughts More to consider when pricing your book.
So how much is a fair price to pay for an ebook? And even more help. Everyone’s got an opinion.
Sites
NovelRank This site is one I expect to use once I publish. It seems a no-brainer. As the website says, it provides “free Amazon Sales Rank tracking of book sales on Amazon, including Kindle Edition ebooks and printed editions.” Worth bookmarking if you’re not ready to use it now.
Metric Junkie is another Sales and Rank tracking site, also free. Try out both, see which you like. Metric Junkie boasts that it presents its info in meaningful charts and graphs.
Sales Rank Express seems to be a pared down, simpler tracking site. It lets you quickly check your ranks – and that’s about it. If you’re looking for simple, this may be the way to go.
Indie Reader Find book reviews on Indie books here.
Free Publicity Resources at PR/PR. For general marketing, but it can’t hurt.
The Publicity Hound Tips and free articles on self-promotion.
Find author book-signing tips at Build Book Buzz.
The Savvy Book Marketer Resources, marketing tips, and articles on publishing.
iSelfPub.com A promotional service site where you can arrange for advertising your book.
Self-Publishing Review Book reviews, publisher reviews, interviews, and articles.
The Book Marketing Network A community of over 7000 people involved in indie publishing.
Book Marketing and Book Promotion Marketing tips, podcasts and videos, publishing and marketing resources.
Independent Book Publishers Association Marketing programs for self-publishers, resources, awards, and articles.
So, have I left anything out? What resources have you used to self-publish? Please add them in the comments!
flickr credit: BlueRobot
