1.) www.Make-Sure-You-Have-A-Live-Website.com

Even though Strategic Book Publishing and Eloquent Books will create a one-page promotional link for you from which your book is sold, it is still a must to have your own personal, interactive website at your own domain. In fact, contemporary authors simply cannot make it big without one!

You can secure your ideal domain name through websites like Register.com, GoDaddy.com or ActiveDomain.com.

When deciding on your personal domain name, try to grab one with the title of your book or your pen name (your brand identity) to make it look more professional and easy to remember. (Ex. http://throughmymotherseyes.com/)

Many new authors choose to link their new domain name to a blog site such as Blogger.com or Wordpress.com. This is like having a free website. Having your domain name forwarded to your Blogger or Wordpress address means you won’t have to pay monthly hosting fees like you would for a regular website.

Also, a blog doesn’t require a web designer because the templates are already there to choose from. This is not to say that websites are bad – they are great marketing platforms that can bring in a great deal of income. But just to get started, a website-blog is a great, inexpensive way to offer an interactive experience with your web visitors and help you connect with your customers.

2.) Plan a Big Party/Event.

Whether you still use a phone book or do your research online, check the clubs, groups, etc. that you think may have an interest in your book topic. Bookstore signings are great and you can sell a lot of books at them (minus the commission that bookstores take back), but frankly you can do even better at non-bookstore events.

There is a website called www.Meetup.com where you can select your city and find out what groups are already meeting in your area. It can save you a lot of coordinating time to simply contact one or several Meetup group leaders about coordinating a book talk or book signing for their specific Meetup. Such groups might include book clubs, or groups that have to do with the subject matter of your book, like dating, pool, fitness, writing groups, marketing, etc. Be creative, flexible and personable when contacting the organizers. The organizers are typically very open and welcoming.

3.) Tip Off the Media About Your Book and Events.

Local radio stations, especially talk radio, love to know about local authors and will often want to have you talk about your book with them on the air. Local newspapers are definitely worth it, too. Why not make a call to one of your favorite local newspaper columnists? They are especially interested if you have an event planned that you will be speaking/doing book signings at. Don't be afraid to just pick up the phone and cold call the media and try. You might be pleasantly surprised!

After your radio appearances, and especially after your feature story in the newspaper, you will really begin meeting more people and suddenly your book sales will really begin taking off. It really creates a momentum that energizes both you (the author) and your growing readership base.

4.) Display and Sell Your Product Like the Pros Do.

When arriving at your event, it is good to have twice as many books as there are attendees. Having books on hand is to your advantage because you benefit from the discounted “advance copy” price that you can get from AEG Publishing. Then, you get to keep all the cash when you sell the books at your event! This is a way to get a higher royalty than you would through online book orders…and why not? You earned it!

Also try to have as many relevant promotional materials as you can to give out at your event, making sure that your website URL is on all of it. Talk to AEG Publishing or your local printer about creating a foam-backed poster of the cover of your book with a display stand to use at bookstores and events. This display, along with bookmarks and business cards, is a great way to make your book memorable to passers-by.

5.) Talk to Everyone.

Network, network, network. Never slow up, even when you are feeling frustrated. You're going to run into some walls with trying to promote your book, but persistence WILL pay off. That’s not so say that you should get pushy, or approach people just to try to get them to buy books. It just means, keep building relationships. You never know when the person you meet at that coffee shop down the street is going to be just the person you need to help you close a deal. If you make calls to the media, bookstores, etc. and someone doesn't get back to you or can't help you themselves, realize that is an expected part of the process and keep looking for someone who can. You must absolutely know beyond a shadow of a doubt that your book is a gem, a diamond. When you believe in your book strongly enough, others will be drawn to that. Passion is powerful. Live and breathe your book on a daily basis. And watch the results.

6.) Try the Easy Way.

Please, please, please take advantage of the coaching and resources that the team at Strategic Book Marketing offers. If you order 100 books in advance for your events, you get free coaching support for your events. SBM coaches have a wealth of experience and can save you a lot of time, money, and frustration. They know what works and what doesn't. Even if you can’t order 100 books up front, keep the SBM coaches posted on what you are doing, and let them know where you might need help. If they see you’re giving it your all, they will be encouraged to get behind you in support and guide you.

Getting your first 100 books sold doesn’t have to be hard or daunting. Think of it as a community process, where your passion will attract author coaching, your drive will build a promotional network, and your enthusiasm will bring in audiences who want to buy YOUR book. It’s a pretty amazing time for you. So take these steps that our most successful authors have used and enjoy watching your dream of sharing your written words come true.

Wishing you the best of success!

The staff at AEG Publishing Group