Excerpted from Release Your Writing, by Helen Gallagher.
Now that you’ve got plenty of ideas for marketing strength, let’s look at what the publishing industry calls a “platform.” Start by speaking at your local chamber of commerce, attend an expo, and get a booth or table at community events.
Whether you self-publish or go the longer route with an agent and publisher, book marketing is up to you. Having a platform is critical to your visibility and success in book promotion.
Your platform combines your credentials and your outreach:
• Audience
• Experience
• Mailing list
• Website
• Blog exposure
• Book tour availability
• Media and public speaking.
All of these components are essential to promoting your work at the highest level or attracting a publisher, by illustrating your ability to sell books. Your tasks, whether published by a POD service or traditionally, will be to market the book, do author signing events at bookstores, and get your book reviewed. Be creative in exploring free ways to gain visibility.
Pajama Marketing 