Ever wondered how to advertise your book with no budget? Recently, I attended an Author’s Book Fair at the Hudson Library & Historical Society in Hudson, Ohio. I had the privilege of meeting some very talented Ohio Authors and one of the most interesting insights they shared with me was that Word of Mouth had been the most instrumental tool in promoting their work.
Although “word of mouth” certainly doesn’t have the fleeting viral impact of a successful internet campaign, I agree with these authors in terms of it not underestimating it’s power. In order for it to work, however, I believe when you’re discussing you’re book with someone there must be passion and conviction in your voice. These qualities must be genuine or your discussion will not radiate. Remember what Maya Angelou said: “People will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Being the book’s author, you are definitely the SME (Subject Matter Expert) of its contents. However, are you prepared to summarize your book during an on the spot discussion with a stranger? A good way to equip yourself for this more finite discussion is by composing an elevator speech. This is a quick synopsis used to communicate some of the key highlights of your book. I have heard some incredibly impactful elevator speeches as well as some real doozies. For example, a smart elevator speech could simply be a paraphrased version of the summary that’s printed on the back or inside jacket of your book. It might also include a snapshot of what inspired you to tell the story. Make it clear, concise and most importantly, interesting. You want your elevator speech to beg more questions of the listener.
Remember THREE THINGS:
1. ‘Practice Makes Perfect’
2. Allow yourself to be flexible. The first elevator speech you create doesn’t have to remain set in stone. As you use it throughout your encounters with people, if something doesn’t feel right our sounds awkward, revisit it and revise. The more fluently-sounding your speech becomes will enhance the passion and conviction in your voice. This will make people feel excited to read your book and it’s that feeling that will be their biggest take away – NOT the words you’ve chosen.
3. Have fun! This also ties directly into how you will make your listener feel. If the tone of your voice and the words you’ve chosen are dry and unexciting, you will elicit zero intrigue to run out and buy your book.
In closing today’s blog, I want to give credit to the three particular authors who clued me into this piece of advice:
Jody Casella: Author of ‘Thin Space‘
Mindy McGinnis: Author of ‘Not a Drop to Drink‘ (soon to be a movie)
Natalie D Richards: ‘Author of ‘Six Months Later‘
These books, along with my first novel Extra Innings: The Diamond Thieves, can be found online at Barnes & Noble and Amazon.com
Enjoy and PLEASE share your feedback on Goodreads and their individual Amazon page. Authors really need the review support from readers like you.