Time to get LinkedIn!

Contributed by Alanna Parke Kvale

So, you’ve written that book that’s been burning in your brain and you’ve actually published it. If you’re thinking that’s an end to your labor for this project, think again. Now, comes the real work…

MARKETING!!!

Before you panic thinking that this part of the job is beyond you, relax—this can actually be the beginning of the fun. It takes some time, some research, some creativity, but it’s so worth it!

Thanks to the Internet, you can now place your name and the name of your book all over the globe. You just need two little words---Social Media!

Never before in the history of publishing has it been so easy to let everyone on the planet know of your accomplishments. You can start with the big names in social media—Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter, but there are many others you can utilize as well.

For the purpose of this article, we’re going to concentrate on just one—LinkedIn. It’s not enough to just fill out a profile, then sit back and wait to be noticed. Proper utilization of this branch of social media is essential. You must interact with others of like mind and interests.

Find some groups that appeal to you and join them. Pay attention to the discussions going on and join in if possible. It’s okay to ask question; everyone is more than happy to answer and help you. And if you can answer someone else’s question or just want to put your two cents worth in, go for it. Introduce yourself, talk about your book, share interesting articles or events. Remember to be polite and respectful of others and keep in mind that no one likes a ‘know-it-all.’

Sometimes, an opportunity to promote your book suddenly appears serendipitously, as it did in my case. A very generous lady name Marilyn Meredith invited authors to do a guest post on her blog. I contacted her, and presto! I had stop #1 in my first virtual book tour! I made announcements everywhere I was a member, as well as to family, friends and colleagues. That announcement, made on one of my favorite forums, Boomerwomenspeak.com resulted in another invitation to guest post, on the blog of the new director, Anne Holmes. Thanks to a Q&A session of the group ‘Book Marketing Made Easy,’ founded by D’vorah Lansky and which I heartily recommend, I received yet another invitation from Lynnette Phillips to guest post on her blog.
Guest posting on other people’s blogs has turned out to be marvelous fun and a great marketing tool. Make the most of it! And the best part? Your posts are out there forever, constantly marketing for you and your book.

So, get out there, join some groups, make friends, and be helpful when and where you can. Talk about your book wherever it is appropriate and keep the title and your name where everyone can see it, all the time.

Alanna Parke Kvale is the author of Widowhood Is Not Funny. You can visit her blog at: http://widowhoodisnotfunny.blogspot.com and her Website at http://www.alannaparkekvale.weebly.com


Her book is available for all e-readers. Download & begin reading instantly at: Amazon.com
Barnes & Noble
Or Sony