When It Comes To Marketing Your books, You GottA Do WhatCHA GottA Do

Marketing books is hard work. You try one thing, then you try another, and then you cross your fingers and pray that maybe, just maybe, all that effort, time, and money helped you to sell a book or two.

There is no for sure way in which to do it either, and often times, when you finally find something that may work, a kazillion other authors have jumped on board and end up nullifying the whole thing (Just look at KDP Select, for instance).

Marketing and promotion is a crap shoot at best. But the good news is that you can keep trying different things until you find that ONE thing that works for you.

Years ago when I was about to publish my first book, I made  a few jokes about the best methods for marketing. (See the post HERE). At the time, it was funny to poke fun at the whole process. Now that I'm fully immersed in it...it's not so funny anymore. I may have to resort to using the liquor or monkey idea (Read all about it HERE).

But I do think that I've hit on something that may not produce big sales, but has brought my name to the attention of people, who otherwise, may never have heard of me.

I put my info on my vehicle. --->

Why the heck not? I got the crazy idea from seeing other cars out on the road advertising their business and said, "Let's give it a try!"

I'm constantly in my car, driving all over the place. We go on several vacations a year, driving to and from our destinations. I mean, if The Pet Poop Patrol can drive around all day with THAT signage printed all over the cars and trucks, then why can't I advertise I'm an author?

Cheesy and rather dumb? Maybe...but let me tell you, I've had MANY people approach me and ask about the types of books I write just by seeing the sign. Did they go on to buy my books? I will never know, but I have a conversation starter and that's what counts.

Just this morning when I dropped my children off for school, a parent approached my van and asked me about being an author and about the books I write. We talked for a good five minutes or more (I was slightly embarrassed as I was wearing my PJ's...oh well) but I'd never met this father before. Now he knows about me and my books.

This cost me nothing to do. A friend printed it up for me on her machine and I slapped it on the back of my car. Most marketing costs a lot more than nothing, believe me, I know (been there and still doing that). So when it comes to marketing and promotion...you do what you gotta do and then hope for the best.

What crazy things have you done or seen when it comes to marketing your books? I'd love to hear all about it.

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