If you're a reader looking for something to read, skip down to the list of reviewers! This stuff up here is some advice for authors.
The Internet will not replace traditional promotional efforts, but it can enhance them. Before I go into the Internet, I want to talk about the old-fashioned marketing methods, because they're still your best source of readers.
BOOKSTORES
Map out all bookstores within 20, 50, even 100 miles of where you live. Call and see who has local or regional authors section. Most do. See if they'll buy a few copies. I did this in 1994 and had a lot of fun with it. I sold some books, too!
See if they'll schedule a book signing. If they do, you have to advertise it, but some newspapers and radio stations do these as free public service announcements. I never did this as an author -- my mistake.
http://www.bookweb.org/bd-bin/browse_bd?Country=usa&State_Name=YOURSTATE will help you find the bookstores in your state. So will the Yellow Pages in your home, and the online version at http://www.yellowpages.com/.
Alternately, you can find the bookstores by doing a web search for Bookstores+YourState. This will take longer, but it can work. You can narrow down your search by using key words like Independent, Christian, wholesale... whatever you are trying to find.
LIBRARIES
Since I've never done this myself, I'm repeating what I've heard elsewhere. Apologies if it contradicts itself in a few spots, but it'll give you some ideas.
To find a list of libraries in your state, you can use a search engine, or you can call your local library and ask how to get a listing of all the libraries in your state. They will usually give you the link.
Many libraries have a budget to buy books and will gladly purchase from local authors.
Libraries won't let you sell your book inside the building, but they will let you talk about it. Talk with the "Friends of the Library" chapter. Also, donate a book to your local library. It's good publicity, especially if you get a newspaper to pick up the story, and it's a good way to give back to your community.
You can also donate an autographed copy of your book to the library where it is set. If possible, do this in person. Many times the library will set up a book signing for you at one (or more) of the book stores in the area. Again, contact the "Friends of the Library" group.
PRESS RELEASES
Send press releases to every newspaper in your state and the state where your book is set. Also look for local radio stations who will interview you. Kidon Media (http://www.kidon.com/media-link/index.shtml) will help you find them. Stick to places who would be genuinely interested in you, as opposed to spamming everybody. If the URLs are stale, you can look up the names at Google.
BOOK REVIEWS
Walk into any bookstore, log onto any e-publisher site, or visit Amazon or Barnes & Noble. Guess what you'll see? A whole lot of books. If one of them happens to be yours, how will people notice it?
I've gone into a bookshop more than once to buy something based on a review I've read. There are print reviews and there are electronic reviews. As a writer, you want to be reviewed as much as possible.
Your publisher will market your book, of course, but they market all their titles equally. What you want is for a potential reader to walk into that shop or log onto that site with your name and title already in his or her head.
Your publisher will submit your book to reviewers. I don't know about the quantity, but reviews (even negative ones) generate sales. Work with your publisher to ensure everyone on the list below is covered. Also make sure you don't both send the same book to the same place because that's just plain embarrassing.
When you are marketing, don't think like a writer. Think like a reader. Of course you can think like another person... that's part of what makes you a great writer.
How do you chooose what to read? I go by what my friends recommend, book reviews, and author loyalty. This isn't the end-all and be-all of marketing efforts, but it's a good starting place. (Word-of-mouth is the end-all and be-all.)
Here are some sources that readers use. Some will review your books, some will let you review other people's books, and some are just plain useful for getting the word out.
Before you start submitting your masterpiece, you should read How The Book Review System Works (http://www.bookzonepro.com/insights/article-110.html), by Jim Cox of Midwest Book Review. It'll stop you from sending hard copies to people who won't help your sales.
Feel free to drop me a line at laroccamichael@hotmail.com.
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