Use Time Banking to Help Promote Your Book
Even independent authors who are used to running their own careers can’t do everything themselves. You've got a life, a family, other hobbies, a grocery list, and episodes of United States of Tara to catch up on. Every once in a while, you need some assistance.
When it comes to the less-than-glamourous aspects of a writing life (sending submissions to publications, assembling a list of press contacts, putting together a few hundred press kits with review copies of your book, putting up posters for your book launch or reading, etc.), get some help! Just mozie on down to your local time bank and make a withdrawal.
What is Time Banking?
Wikipedia says it best:Time banking is a pattern of reciprocal service exchange that uses units of time as currency. It is an example of an alternative monetary system.
How An Author Platform Helps Promote Your Work
Wondering what an author platform is (and why you need one)? This post answers some basic questions to get you thinking about how to grow your platform before you publish your book.
Social Media Tips for Authors, Part 1: Promoting Your Book with Twitter
Though it's been around for more than 6 years (a lifetime for an internet company) — and gained more than half a billion users — Twitter is still a big mystery for many authors.
In an effort to de-mystify the social network which most baffles new users, we've compiled a list of our favorite articles about how authors can use Twitter to:
* promote books
* expand upon existing narratives
* network with other writers and publishing industry professionals
* build a readership
* and more
So, here we go... Top 4 Articles About QR Codes for Authors
How to use QR codes to engage your readers
QR codes. You've seen 'em. Perhaps you've even scanned one on your smartphone. But as an author, you've probably never thought about using them to promote your writing career or to provide your readers with a more compelling experience.
QR codes are a great way to share exclusive content (new short stories, videos or audio that accompany your novel, a free writing tutorial), build interactivity into your eBook, and promote your work (on book jackets, bookmarks, posters, etc.).
Here are our 4 favorite articles for authors on how to use QR codes:
1. Reader Engagement With Transmedia: How To Use QR Codes
Book Publicity Tips From An Industry Veteran
What are the basics of book publicity? What do you do on a day-to-day basis? Generally, I tell my clients I prefer to start working on a book five months before publication. There are many media outlets that not only require working that far ahead – mainly magazines and venues that have authors as speakers – but sometimes it just takes a long time to work with some media outlets and convince them that this is a book and an author that they should pay attention to.
How to Use StumbleUpon to Get More Exposure for Your Writing
Full Disclosure: I’m a stumbler. I’m a stumble addict. I’ve got a stumble habit. I’m a stumbleholic, stumblelover, and a stumblemaniac. I can’t help it.
It all started about four years ago when a friend of...
Promote Your Book on a Budget: 20 Thrifty Ways to Get Your Writing Out...
Some folks say that the success of a book is 10% quality and 90% marketing. As an independent author you're probably not working with a big promotional budget. You've already paid for pro editing, pro book design, book printing, and more, and the funds for anything AFTER the book has been made may have dwindled.
I've got good news, though: while it wouldn't hurt to have some serious cash to throw behind your promotional efforts, nowadays savvy and motivated authors can spread the word about their books in really effective ways for cheap, or even free!
