Introduction
Writing a book is a major accomplishment, but the work doesn’t end there. Once the book has been written, authors need to think about how they can get their book out into the world and make sure it reaches the right audience. This article will provide a comprehensive guide for authors on what to do after writing a book, including creating a book marketing plan, designing a book cover, publishing the book on multiple platforms, setting up an author website and building an author platform.
Create a Book Marketing Plan
The first step in promoting a book is to create a book marketing plan. This plan should be tailored to the particular book and its target audience. The following steps can help authors create a successful book marketing plan:
Research Your Audience
Before creating a book marketing plan, authors should take the time to research their target audience. This will allow them to better understand the needs and interests of their readers and tailor their marketing efforts accordingly. Researching the audience can also help authors identify potential partnerships that may be beneficial for promoting the book.
Analyze Competitors
In addition to researching the target audience, authors should also analyze competitors in the same genre or niche. This will give authors an idea of what other authors are doing to promote their books and what strategies may or may not be working. Analyzing competitors can also help authors identify potential opportunities for collaboration.
Set Goals
Once authors have researched their audience and analyzed their competitors, they should set specific goals for their book marketing plan. These goals should be measurable and achievable, so that authors can track their progress and ensure they are on track to meet their objectives.
Develop Strategies
Once authors have set their goals, they should develop strategies to achieve those goals. Strategies can include anything from launching a blog tour to running online promotions to participating in book events. Authors should also consider how they can use social media to reach their target audience.
Track Results
Finally, authors should track their results to measure the success of their book marketing plan. Tracking results can help authors determine which strategies are working and which ones need to be adjusted or replaced. This will also allow authors to adjust their goals as needed and ensure that their book marketing efforts are as effective as possible.
Design a Book Cover
A well-designed book cover is essential for attracting readers and making a good impression. When designing a book cover, authors should keep the following tips in mind:
Consider the Genre and Audience
Authors should consider the genre and audience when designing a book cover. For example, a fantasy novel will require a different design than a self-help book. Additionally, the design should appeal to the target audience and convey the tone and content of the book.
Hire a Professional Designer
While some authors may be able to design a book cover themselves, it’s usually best to hire a professional designer. A professional designer can create a high-quality book cover that stands out from the competition.
Choose Appropriate Fonts
When choosing fonts for the book cover, authors should keep in mind the genre and audience. For example, a children’s book will require different fonts than an adult thriller. Authors should also make sure that the font is easy to read and conveys the tone of the book.
Publish the Book on Multiple Platforms
Once the book is ready, authors should consider publishing it on multiple platforms. This will allow authors to reach a wider audience and increase their chances of success. Here are some tips for publishing a book on multiple platforms:
Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing
Authors should decide whether to self-publish or pursue traditional publishing. Self-publishing allows authors to retain more control over their book, but traditional publishing can provide access to a larger audience and more resources. Authors should research both options and decide which one is best for their book.
Identify Platforms
Once authors have decided which publishing route to pursue, they should identify the platforms where they will publish their book. Popular platforms for self-published books include Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing and Smashwords, while traditional publishers tend to distribute through major retailers such as Barnes & Noble and Apple Books.
Formatting for Different Platforms
Authors should also be aware that different platforms require different formatting for ebooks. For example, Amazon Kindle requires ebooks to be in MOBI format, while Apple Books requires ebooks to be in EPUB format. Authors should make sure their books are properly formatted for each platform before submitting them for publication.
Set Up an Author Website
Having an author website is an important part of any book marketing strategy. An author website can serve as a central hub for all the author’s promotional activities, as well as a place for readers to learn more about the author and their books. Here are some tips for setting up an author website:
Choose a Domain Name
When setting up an author website, authors should choose a domain name that reflects their brand. The domain name should be short, memorable and easy to spell. If possible, authors should also try to secure a .com domain, as this is the most popular and recognizable extension.
Select a Hosting Provider
Once authors have chosen a domain name, they should select a hosting provider. There are many hosting providers available, so authors should shop around to find the one that best meets their needs. Authors should also make sure the hosting provider offers reliable customer service and reasonable pricing.
Choose a Design Template
Finally, authors should choose a design template for their website. There are many templates available, so authors should choose one that is visually appealing and reflects their brand. Authors should also make sure the template is mobile-friendly and responsive, so that it looks great on all devices.
Build an Author Platform
An author platform is an online presence that authors can use to connect with readers and promote their books. Here are some tips for building an author platform:
Establish a Social Media Presence
Social media is a powerful tool for reaching readers and establishing an author platform. Authors should create accounts on the major social media platforms (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) and use them to post regularly about their books and engage with readers.
Participate in Online Communities
Authors should also participate in relevant online communities, such as Goodreads and Reddit. Participating in these communities can help authors build relationships with other authors and readers, as well as promote their books.
Utilize Email Lists
Finally, authors should utilize email lists to reach readers. Authors can collect emails by offering free content such as excerpts or bonus chapters. They can then use these emails to send updates about their books, launch promotions and offer special discounts.
Connect with Readers and Influencers
In addition to building an author platform, authors should also take the time to connect with readers and influencers. Here are some tips for connecting with readers and influencers:
Reach Out to Book Reviewers
Authors should reach out to book reviewers who specialize in their genre. Book reviewers can provide valuable feedback and help spread the word about the book. Authors should also consider offering review copies of their book to book reviewers.
Participate in Book Events
Authors should also consider participating in book events, such as book signings and readings. These events can help authors connect with readers and promote their books in person.
Connect with Other Authors
Finally, authors should connect with other authors in their genre or niche. Collaborating with other authors can help authors reach a wider audience and promote their books more effectively.
Conclusion
Writing a book is just the beginning of the journey. To ensure success, authors must take the time to create a book marketing plan, design a book cover, publish the book on multiple platforms, set up an author website and build an author platform. By taking these steps, authors can maximize their chances of success and make sure their books reach the right audience.
Summary of Steps
To promote a book successfully, authors should:
- Create a book marketing plan
- Design a book cover
- Publish the book on multiple platforms
- Set up an author website
- Build an author platform
- Connect with readers and influencers
Resources
Here are some helpful resources for authors:
- The Book Designer
- Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing
- Smashwords
- Goodreads
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