Market My Novel

For many, 2010 should be about streamlining.

When it comes to online marketing, less is more – and much better for your sanity. Here are a few tips to get you started:

• Eliminate unnecessary social networks. Choose only those with broad appeal to readers in your genre. Remember, writing networks have fellow writers who don’t necessarily buy your books, even if they do provide solid feedback or encouragement.
• Streamline blogging. Instead of logging in to several different accounts, you can easily manage blogs via one-stop sites like Ping.fm. It allows posts to microblogs like Twitter and FriendFeed, as well as posts WordPress, Blogger and Typepad. Also, many blog platforms – including Ning.com – give you an e-mail address where you can send posts. Also, consider using a third-party client like Tweetdeck, Seesmic or Twhite to update multiple social networks with just one click.
• Update your Web site. Every author needs a Web site. Every author Web site needs a media center that includes a short and long biography, author photographs, book cover photos, book lists and more. If you want to be interviewed, you must have some information to give bloggers and traditional media. If you don’t have a Web site, get one – even if it is on a free service like http://www.Moonfruit.com. If you already have a site, review all the information there to be sure it is current. Sending reporters and bloggers one link with all the information they need will save you a lot of time – and they will love you for it.
• Use editorial calendars. Blogging is a necessity for many authors. Set up an editorial calendar to make it easier to know what to post when. Know the number of posts you can create each week. Be sure to remember that each post must not only be written, but edited, formatted and illustrated with photos whenever possible. Calendars also help you stay organized if you invite guest bloggers to your site. Also, try to stay ahead of the game by posting a week or two in advance. You can use a paper calendar to a program like Google calendar, which will also allow you to share your updates via social networks.
• Be adaptable. If you aren’t seeing results, then adjust your marketing plan. Drop items that aren’t working and build up venues that are. Add new social networks or traditional marketing tactics that are promising when you can.
• Work smart, not hard. Don’t try to do everything at once. Sit down and map out your current family and writing obligations, then work marketing in around them. When your book is in print, then you will need to put marketing before writing to promote it. Promotional times vary by author and genre. It could be anywhere from four weeks to three months.

What ways do you plan to streamline in 2010?