How to sell your books without feeling like trash

I don't know about you, but I don't like cold calls or high-pressure tactics. An author who sends me a message to my Twitter inbox to buy their book leads to an instant block.

But then how is a poor writer supposed to sell their book? Here are five links to guide you towards conscientious marketing.

1. For Derek Sivers, "Marketing" just means being considerate. "Don’t confuse the word “marketing” with advertising, announcing, spamming, or giving away branded crap. Really, “marketing” just means being considerate."
2. I also appreciate Rob Hardy's Golden Rule approach: "If another marketer used this tactic on you, would you appreciate it? Would it improve your relationship with them? Would it make you a true fan? If the answer is no, don’t do it to your own fans. It’s that simple."
3. Although this article from Paul Jarvis was written in 2014, it still offers some great thoughts on the marketing tools any self-published author needs. "If there was a silver bullet, everyone would be doing that one thing, and it would get so watered down that it would become completely ineffective."
4. Want something more concrete? Diana Urban shares how authors can promote their novels in 2021. "While this is by no means an exhaustive list of book promotion tactics, we hope it helps give you some ideas for strategies to consider as you create your next marketing plan."
5. Lastly, there is Marketing Examples. If you haven't looked at the website, it’s a goldmine of advice. "I'll leave you with my real marketing manifesto: Real people. Real words. Real customers. Anything else goes."

Not every tactic will work for you, nor will you have time to do it all. However, marketing to people as you'd wish to be marketed to is a great first step.

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Have a great day.