12 APRIL 2020 http://www.writers-online.co.uk
Unorthodox approaches can be very effective in getting the word out about
your book, says Simon Hall in the second instalment of his two-parter on promotionBut don’t forget to include the right
hashtags to help with your promotion
work, tag in your friends and publisher, and
anyone else who might share your post.
In my experience, the writing
community is wonderfully kind and
supportive, so make the most of that.4 Adapt your book
You’ve written a cracking story, which
you’re very proud of, so why confine it
just to print?
Why not adapt it to become a play, a
radio drama, or even a TV or film script?
I know it might sound far-fetched, but
it can make an impact and really help to
raise your profile as a writer.
I adapted my first novel, The TV Detective,
into a play to raise money for a local charity,
and it was an incredible experience.
I learnt so much about theatre and
acting, which enhanced my understanding
of characterisation, and so improved my
writing as well.
The play attracted media coverage, and
lots of feedback on social media, which
helped with sales of the
original book.
We also raised
thousands of pounds
for the hospice
movement, an
incredibly good cause.
It was a real win-
win adventure, one of the highlights of my
writing career.5 Your secret ingredients
This is another idea which is made for
social media.2 Writing windows
Everybody has a favourite shop, pub or café
where they’re well-known to the owners.
Why not get some posters printed and
ask them to advertise your book?
Modern printing technology means it’s
not particularly expensive, but it can be an
effective trick.
You could also pop a copy of your latest
book in the shop’s window.
I did this with my barber, and they were
very happy to help.
They liked the idea of having an author
who was a loyal customer, and it became a
talking point as the staff often mentioned
it to other people who came in.
You could even ask your
friends to put up a small poster
in the windows of their homes,
along with a copy of your book.
It doesn’t take much effort,
and might just get people
noticing and talking.3 Become a broadcaster
These days, with smart phones, it’s
incredibly easy to become a broadcaster.
I know it might sound daunting, but
look up how to use your phone to record
a podcast, or video.
It didn’t take me long at all to master the
basics, and I’m no whizz with technology.
You could just talk about your book
to start with, but when you’re confident
enough try interviewing someone who
has read it.
It’s a fun way of promoting your
work, and the statistics tell us that
videos always tend to attract more
attention on social media.Spreading word of your book is
critical in securing sales.
The media, as I discussed in my previous
article, are the conventional way of raising
awareness of your work.
But there are other methods, and
happily these are only as limited as
your creativity.
Many revolve around social media,
as that can be a powerful platform for
promoting yourself.
But there are other ways as well, and the
good news is that most of them don’t have
to cost you a penny.
So to get you thinking how you might
lure in more readers, here
are ten creative tips for
promoting your book,
many of which have
worked for me.1 Guerrilla
appearances
Going on holiday? Heading out for a day
trip? Or away for work?
Take your book with you, and
photograph it in interesting locations,
then post the pictures on social media.
I did this when I took my latest novel,
The Editor, on a business trip to London,
and it worked a treat.
Lots of people commented, some
offered their own photos, and I noticed a
spike in sales.
Photographs, particularly fun ones, can
really increase engagement and interest on
social media.
But don’t forget to include a link to
your book in all your posts.
It’s a missed opportunity otherwise.it to other people who came in.friends to put up a small poster
in the windows of their homes,
along with a copy of your book.and might just get people
noticing and talking.lots of feedback on social media, which
helped with sales of theThink
outside
the box