Learn how independent book publishers and marketing strategies can combine to give you loads of visibility!
Continuing in our series of “Top TEN questions you should ask a publisher before committing to one” that you can see here, today we will cover some ways that independent book publishers and marketing effectively can help with visibility for your brand (you as an author and your book!). This is why question number three in our list is something you will want to be sure to explore when choosing a publisher for your book.
What kinds of marketing services does your publishing company provide?
Here’s a list of some basic things that should go hand-in-hand when you publish through an indie publishing company. Although some of these seem like administrative and not so much marketing, they are critical for getting your book registered and announced to the trade, assisting you with exposure for your book.
The Library of Congress: It’s a good idea to register your title through the LOC and obtain an LCCN (Library of Congress Control Number). Also known as a PCN for smaller entities/single published authors But you’ll need an ISBN first in order to get one.
Bowker’s Books in Print: This is one of the biggest book/ebook database in the world. Those in the publishing and book selling industries access this database often, and having your title listed there and index under 2 or 3 categories is a smart way to get your book out there.
Nielsen Book Scan: Most of you will recognize Nielsen Ratings for television. This is the same company that obtains data for books. Much like Bowker’s this is another important database you will want your book to be registered with.
Online marketing through Amazon and BN.com: For both of these online retail giants, the publisher should invoke the Search Inside the Book program and the See Inside the Book programs. It allows views to electronically flip through a few pages of the book aside from the front and back covers: title page, copyright page, intro, the first few pages of the first chapter, and perhaps the about the author page. If your front cover is the only visible image on these bookstore websites and a consumer can’t flip through your book, this isn’t going to help with promotion.
Publisher online bookstore: It would be ideal if your book has an eCommerce page (aka bookstore) on the publisher’s website. If direct consumers purchase from there, you should make more of profit (author royalty) per book since this transaction doesn’t involve wholesalers and retailers.
Catalogs. Ask your publisher if your book will appear in any sales catalogs that will reach most book retailers and libraries.
Social Media Blasts: As if your publisher will announce your book on their social media outlets.
Author Website: This is something you’ll need to do on your own, or hire a professional website builder. Having an author website will help you with online exposure.
Press Release: Ask if your publisher will write and send out a press release. If not, you should consider hiring an e online marketing company that will create one and send it to either local outlets and/or over the national wire service.
Email Blasts: A marketing company can assist you with sending out an email blast to bookstores (brick and mortar stores), either locally or nationwide.
Bookmarks: Consider creating bookmarks displaying your book cover, and other information. These make for great handouts, with or without your physical book.
Book Review Companies and Book Award Organizations: Search for affordable but reputable book review companies, including book award organizations. Obtaining at least 2 or 3 positive reviews and/or award seals will certainly help with exposure for your book.
Happy Marketing and Good Luck!
independent book publishers and marketing
