Pre-Release Marketing

Today's topic came by request. (This one's for you, Taurean!) A big question that comes up when you finally get that book contract is what should you do to market a book that isn't out yet. You don't have a cover to display or an official blurb to share yet. In some cases, you may not even have a set release date. So what do you do?

Make connections. Get out there in the online community and meet people. Let them know you're a writer. Share books you love. Yes, you can mention you have a book under contract. Share your excitement and celebrate with others who are in similar situations or who already have books published.

Be yourself. Let people get to know the real you. I've said so many times that I'm not afraid to embarrass myself. See my YouTube videos if you don't believe me. I cry. A lot. I cry tears of joy, and I cry when I try to express gratitude. That's me. I'm also very quirky. I have weird habits and I'm not afraid to share them. I know it's a terrible pun, but I like to be an open book on my blog.

Share tips. This is a tough industry. Your story about how you came to get a book contract might help others. Share things you learned along the way, both good things to do and things to avoid. Others will thank you for it.

Make yourself available. Find some online media that you are comfortable with and be present. I love Twitter. It's fun and quick. But find something you love and be available for people to talk to you.

Promote others. It's a two-way street. If you want bloggers and writers to help you promote your book, you need to be willing to do the same for them. Remember we are all in this together. Help as many people as you can because you're also helping the industry in the process.

Don't be shy about your book, but don't spam people either. Find a healthy balance between talking about your book and talking about everything else. Yes, you're excited and we expect you to share that excitement. But if it's all you talk about, you'll lose potential fans.

Share the good news and give back at the same time. Once you get your cover image and other things to share, do something to give back to the people who support you and help you promote. Giveaways are a great way to say thank you. And if you are on a tight budget, you can giveaway chapter or query critiques instead of gift cards or SWAG you have to mail.

I think that's a good start, but please feel free to add to my list with what you think you should do during pre-release marketing.