Send press releases, connect with your fans through social media, hold a contest, become a source and share your expertise, pay others a commission to sell your book(s) through an affiliate program… These are just a few of the most common ways to build buzz for your book. Those marketing techniques are still great for getting the word out there about all your new book releases, but if you put your thinking cap on, you can come up with more unique book marketing ideas for your marketing plan that can be more effective.
To give you a better idea of what I mean, following are six book marketing techniques that you may not have thought of and should definitely consider implementing.
Unique Ways to Build Buzz for Your Book
- Share Your Story
What inspired the idea for your book? Tell this story in your press release. You can also publish it on your website or blog then link to it from your social network accounts. If your story is fascinating enough, it will draw attention that, of course, will build buzz for your book.
- Donate to a Worthy Cause
Give away your book to help charities. Not only will the organization appreciate your kindness, but most of the time they will mention you as a sponsor and say good things about you as well. Here are a few examples you can use as a starting point:
Books related to parenting can be donated to non-profit organizations for parents.
Give your nonfiction or fiction book about domestic violence to women in a non-profit group for survivors and victims. You could also offer to speak to the group on the topic or share your own personal story (if you’re a survivor).
If your book is for children, visit hospitals for children and foster homes. While there, hand out copies of your book to the kids. Also, visit with the children and offer to read your book to them.
- Offer Email Subscribers an Exclusive Sneak Peek of Upcoming Releases
Aside from the usual news, giveaways and discounts, share a sample chapter or two of upcoming book releases with your subscribers. Pick chapters with endings that you think will make your readers want to keep reading.
- Give Fans the Opportunity to Help You Write Upcoming Novels
Letting your social media followers help you write chapters and/or scenes is a great way to connect with them and build buzz for your books (current and upcoming). Here are a few examples of ways your fans can assist you:
- Tell your followers a little about your book and give them the opportunity to lend a hand with the character creation process. Have them describe the character’s appearance and personality.
- Welcome feedback regarding the cover design or even ideas for a dramatic scene that could take place in the novel you’re writing.
- Share an excerpt from a book you’re working on and let fans contribute by writing what happens next.
To make each of these ideas even more exciting, turn them into a contest. The prize could be a free copy of one of your current books, an advance copy of the book they are helping with or etc..
In addition to social media, you can use one of the ideas mentioned above or your own idea in your newsletters.
- Take Advantage of Halloween
Encourage fans to dress like a character from your book. Have them post their photo on social media stating which character they are, and have them use a hashtag you create. Make this a contest that you judge, or even better, you can let your followers vote on the costume they think is the best, closest to the character and most creative.
- Brainstorm a Scavenger Hunt Related to Your Book
This is a fun way to build buzz for your book on its release date! Author Will Maclean gained a lot of Twitter buzz with his scavenger hunt idea. You don’t have to copy Will’s idea, but you could come up with a creative plan of your own that could really boost your sales.
I hope these unique techniques help you build buzz for your book. If you have another unusual book marketing idea, I invite you to share it in the comments section below. Furthermore, if you utilize any of the ideas I shared and gain buzz for your book that leads to sales, please return here and leave a comment (or contact me privately) to let me know which ideas you used and what the results were. If all goes well for you and you are willing to share your success, I may contact you for an interview.