Before publishing your book develop your platform, as it can be very helpful for selling your book.
I stand on my platform as I share my newly released debut novel.
The platform my feet are planted on has become a good vantage point for attracting a wider audience.
Because of my pre-existing platform marketing my self-published book (yes, I'm a POD) is do-able than those authors without one.
Authors, self-published or published by a publishing house, must be very active in marketing.
As I have heard, books don't sell books, people sell books -- authors must get out there all the time to book events.
And, if you have written something that can be linked to your, already established profession and/or reputation (famous or infamous) then you are ahead of the marketing game.
You are now a draw.
When I wrote my first fictional novel I developed a story around what I knew and had experienced such as being a Scottish immigrant, living in San Francisco and going to Catholic school with the nuns, the early days of the 1960's Haight Ashbury scene and also, my platform, psychic abilities.
That is the draw for book events.
People come to see me for that more than just for my book and this is my selling point to bookstore owners.
Because I am a POD (beginning to enjoy that title) I'm not acceptable to the bigger bookstores but small, independent ones are often willing to take a chance with me because of my platform.
The bookstores want me to bring in people.
When they want to know, who will come to see you? why? I tell them about my, already established clientele base.
I have chosen stores in areas where my clients are.
Here are some of my humble thoughts: before your book is at the publisher -- while you are still writing, develop and/or strengthen your platform.
Start a blog page to write about what you know.
Share your expertise on your subject.
Create a "ask me" column.
Maybe as you write you'll want to share some excerpts.
Invite people in your professional and personal life to your blog page.
Use your platform to find people willing to help you.
Get them as excited as you are.
I'm thankful that all my years as a professional psychic because it has allowed me access to a larger readership for my novel.
My client and student connections spread across the United States are as eager to read my novel as they are to get an appointment (well, maybe not that eager) or see what else I'm offering.
This fall when I go on a book tour to New York and Florida, I've already announced it.
Clients are already setting up private parties.
Some willing to do some contacts with radio shows they've worked out.
I use my Scottish immigrant experiences.
Since my story includes Scottish dialog I read it with a strong burr and the listeners love it.
My audience wants to know what it was like "back in the day" in San Francisco's Castro area - what was the early days in Haight/Ashbury like? All of this I bring to my book reads besides the psychic part.
Make your adventure with your audience at book readings interesting and unique.
Pump them up.
Give them more than just a read, give them a view of what you know and have experienced.
People want information, entertainment - do they want you? Blessed be.
So mote it be.