Great advice. Marketing is something that has to be planned in advance before a book goes to print. A writer has to know what source audience they're targeting and what other external audiences they're going to appeal to.

An author also has to do the legwork of networking with small bookstores and vendors getting the word out about their titles. The author also has to take into consideration what types of discounts they're willing to offer small retailers and if they're willing to offer a return policy. Oftentimes, an author has  to give away copies or offer to be available for a book signing or other event to get the word out. 

Also, the author no longer has the luxury of Kirkus or other book reviews in trades like Publishers Weekly when it comes to self-publishing because they won't have access to bound galleys or other pre-publishing materials publishers submit to reivewers. (Most publications like PW and Kirkus require materials be submitted 90 days before publication)  Authors who self publish will have to target book clubs and other authors for blurbs, and reviews that could be used in promoting the title.
 
I've had to develop plans to publish on my first two books and right now I'm working on two more. It's true that it takes three years to market a title; books from non-best selling authors don't usually start building momentum in sales until the about a year and a half after they're in print.

 

Thanks Shawn.   This is all true and I'm so glad you wrote, because I'm finding out what you wrote here.  My plans for several books are for 5 years.  I will be doing more on the internet than anywhere else.  For l8 years I was wrapped in the loving arms of 3 good publishers until I finally agreed to disagreed with one over creative control.  I got little response on this, and I hope we all know that marketing is everything.  If we don't. we'd better learn.

Best,

Francine
 

I put this note on to thank Felecia for her support.  I really appreciate it.  However, MySpace didn't notify me, nor print the blog, but it did show up on my inbox.  Peeps (to use Twitter's terminology), you're neglecting your old friends in order to get new ones.

Francine
 

I am sure your marketing strategies will be right up there with the best of them.  Keep up the good work.

 

I try, because so many people helped me get started over such a long time.  If I can help one person, it matters.

Best - Francine