So you've written a great book and had it published. But now, stacks of books are sitting in your hall closet, and you can't figure out how to get them into the hands of interested buyers. Why aren't they selling? Does anyone know they are there? Of course, you could hire a publicist and plunk down thousands of dollars per month. I was lucky to find a friend who knew a few tricks of the trade. I was able to get booked on several local talk shows and I brought together a group of authors for a joint book tour at colleges and universities.
The assumption by some that traditional publishers have rejected all self-published authors, is WRONG. Some authors choose to self-publish to retain control of their product. Even Stephen King self-published some of his books. With any venture that requires you to sell yourself or your product, you need direction from someone who knows the industry. They can help you design a plan for developing a powerful marketing strategy or direct you to resources that can.
In June, "The Author Desk" on my website, www.theauthorlist.com, will go live. We will bring you helpful information about resources right on the internet, to assist you with writing, publishing and promoting your book. The site and the accompanying e-zine, will help promote and support self-published authors, who are trying to "do it themselves". TAL will offer networking, live book signings via web cam, flash ads, a community blog, writer's tips, promotional tools and helpful links.
Membership is FREE! As a member, you can create YOUR book listing with an author's profile & photo, book summary, and links. Even more, as a quick advertisement, you can print out a copy of YOUR page to use as a marketing tool in stores, restaurants, and other local establishments.
I believe that the best resource for self-published writers who cannot afford to pay thousands each months to a publicist, is a unified effort. The Author List content management site, allows author to easily update, link their information and distribute it as they please. Later in the year, we will also be adding a shopping cart, so that authors can sell their books.
For more updates and information about Author List and The Self-Published Author Magazine, follow my blog
