Question about advertising your book/etc.

[Rrty]

Just curious if anyone here pays to promote their self-published works. I am going through the proofing process on my book and hopefully it will be up soon. I don't really want to tell my friends or associates about it because I don't want them to buy it -- I would just give it to them for free. Likewise, I don't have a social media presence (although I write some freelance articles every so often and mention my work on my info page).

What I've been thinking about doing is placing classified ads in my local paper (the book is local-themed) and placing a classified ad in a magazine like Fangoria. Has anyone gone the classified-ad route? If so, how much have you invested in it? I remember years ago my friend and I put out a fanzine-type publication and there was a lot of response from the Fangoria classified. However, I'm not sure how well those ads work in today's digital age.

Another thing I plan on doing is donating copies of my book to local libraries. Has anyone had any positive experience with that? I also was thinking about placing the book in the yard sales of friends -- anyone done that?

 

[FlakeNoir]

Some very interesting ideas, Rrty. I don't have experience with this but am looking forward to reading responses from people in the business.

 

[stevegane]

My novels are based in Bristol (UK) I placed an ad in a local Bristol newspaper and sold maybe 10 or 12 copies so that just about paid for the ad. I will be trying some paid ads in the next few weeks and will let you know how I get on if you like... The first book in my series is free on Amazon Kindle it has been free for just under a week and so far about 1000 downloads. I am hoping it will generate sales for the second and third in the series... Good Luck with your book....

 

[Rrty]

Thanks Steve for the reply. Yes, let me know how that works out if you can. Also, how do you set something for free? I have a couple short stories on Kindle now but cannot figure out how to make them free. Can a zero-price point only be used for books?

 

[stevegane]

There are two ways to get your book free on kindle one is with KDP Select then you get 5 days free every ninety days but you can only sell your book exclusively on kindle. The other way is through Amazon price match. You novel must be free somewhere else, I use Smashwords they distribute the novel to Barns and Nobel, Kobo, iTunes, Nook, you can also use Draft2Digital they do the same thing. Then when the book is free you email Amazon support and tell them your book is free and add the links, they should then price match your book on Kindle it will then be permanently free. Get back to me if you need any help I can send you links if you need them...

 

[Rrty]

That's interesting, I remember seeing something about starting on Amazon and then getting those other distribution channels. Do you find iTunes and Nook do well for you?

 

[Jaime_Home]

I write, only for fun though (put proof readers love them. They're a mix of Stephen King, James Patterson, bit of Tom Clanecy and Terry Pratchett in there too.

 

[stevegane]

That's interesting, I remember seeing something about starting on Amazon and then getting those other distribution channels. Do you find iTunes and Nook do well for you?

Amazon is best, then Smashwords, Nook, then iTunes, it just depends what you want to get out of your writing....

 

[stevegane]

I write, only for fun though (put proof readers love them. They're a mix of Stephen King, James Patterson, bit of Tom Clanecy and Terry Pratchett in there too.

Hi, Why not try publishing, it's quite easy and you never know you might make a few bucks....

 

[Jaime_Home]

Considering it.