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Promote Yourself

Marketing Still Happens Offline.

Have a book reading. Make your first and main offline marketing move a reading. A live reading of your work is a great way to introduce it to new listeners, a wonderful opportunity to remarket your book if it was previously released, and a fun chance for your fans to ask you questions.

Your audiobook is always for sale and available, though not necessarily in the local bookstore. That said a bookstore is still a great place for a reading. After all, it’s where book lovers gather, and the store will usually advertise the event. They know how important it is to draw people into the store. When pitching the idea to the bookstore, include the number of people you think you and your book can draw. Be sure to talk about how you’ll use your social network to get the word out.

Get creative with your reading

  • Invite the narrator of your audiobook to do the reading with you and read passages together. You can discuss the process of creating an audiobook—many people consume them few understand what goes into making them.
  • Record and play an audio montage of quotes from your audiobook and comment or ask questions in between quotes.
  • Partner with other authors and moderate a panel discussion on a hot topic. A reading doesn’t have to focus solely your book, and, since the other panelists will invite their own fans, a panel is a great way to expand your audience. It’s also an effective way to establish yourself as a local expert, and someone who should be invited to other speaking engagements. (Every topic, no matter how specialized, needs a local expert).
  • Think about nontraditional places to have your reading. Does your book include a character that knits? If so, ask your local craft store if they will host a reading. If your book is a pirate story, hold your reading at the local naval museum. Are there religious themes in your book that would make for a good discussion at a local house of worship? Try them! Venues can be found everywhere.
  • Videotape your reading and put it on your Facebook page, your blog, or website. Upload it to YouTube, too.
  • Always collect email addresses at your reading.

Get the word out

Not everything happens on a computer or smartphone. Traditional, offline marketing is still full of good ideas.

  • Create and mail a postcard to promote your audiobook. Be sure to include your blog or website URL.
  • Mail a hard copy of your audiobook’s press release.
  • Submit your event info to local newspaper/magazine listings. Include a link to your audiobook’s webpage and blog.
  • As your event approaches, increase the conversation about your book. Send free copies of your audiobook to people you know will be attending. It will inspire them to comment on their social networks.
  • Join organizations. Check out the mystery writers’ association or the Horror Writers Association and attend their events. Connect and send invites to your contacts make in those organizations. Many organizations have communities and event calendars, which can be a great resource when looking for even more places to spread the word about your audiobook.