Tips for Promoting Your First Book Online

Promote your latest project with a few simple ideas for drawing attention to your work through the internet. With vast resources and countless readers available, online promotions can help your project stand out in the crowd.

Book Trailers

In the modern age of internet promotions, many writers invest time in creating “book trailers” to promote their stories. First-time novelists and experience writers alike combine online resources like copyright free music and images or their own unique video and audio files to create short commercials or slideshows that entice readers with story details. Patterned after the traditional movie trailer, book trailers try to create a sense of suspense, excitement, or anticipation to draw their audience to learn more about the project.

Blogs

A personal blog that recounts your writing experiences is a great way to promote your latest project. Not only does it give readers a glimpse inside your personal world and everyday life, it can also put you in connection with a network of writers in the “blogosphere”, as well as serve as a home for many of your online promotions.

Giveaways

There’s no better way to encourage people to visit your writing website or blog than a giveaway. Once you’re established in the online world and have a few contacts or friends, try hosting a giveaway featuring one of your own projects or (if you don’t have one available to share) a novel by your favorite author or inspiration. Use creative audience participation methods like a “finish the story” contest or another writing-based idea to draw your readers into the plan. It’s a great way to promote your first “in print” work or your career as a whole.

Writer’s Groups

Being a member of a writer’s group is about more than just sharing ideas or showing off — it’s a chance to communicate with others who share similar struggles and find feedback and criticism that can help your work. Participate in critique groups and shared readings — even though some of the responses may be harsh, sharing your work with other writers regularly can spark interest in your project, improve your writing skills, and connect you to future readers through open writing forums or message boards.

Finding ways to promote your work may take some time, but online investments may boost your chances of finding an audience that will propel your project to success.