One of the things I’m learning is that it’s hard to learn everything I need to know to promote my book. It’s even harder to do all those things, especially if financial resources are a problem. Normally I wouldn’t discuss this sort of thing, but in the current economic times, I’m probably not the only author struggling to keep her head above water. Just so you know, my dear husband has been laid off for 16 months and I can only work part-time because of a disability. Yet I still need to do right by my marketing plan.
Although mine is somewhat laughable, I have a marketing plan. All the experts say have a marketing plan. I have about three bucks to spend on it, so a lot of what I plan to do falls under these two categories: completely free, or nearly free.

Nearly Free: I am going to invest in some inexpensive bookmarks to give away. One of my fellow Abingdon authors ordered 100 for under $30.00, including shipping. Other nearly free ideas I have include making DVDs of my book trailer to mail or hand out to potential reviewers or buyers and purchasing copies of my book to hand to reviewers who didn’t receive an ARC (advance reader copy). I can also visit in person as many bookstores, churches or book clubs as I can afford the gas to drive to. I’ve joined several writing organizations to broaden my database, and the dues are usually modest. One organization even offered me a scholarship because of our financial predicament. Other nearly free ideas include building a low-cost web site, offering to meet with book groups (for the cost of gas) and offering to speak to organizations that relate to your book’s subject.

I said I was going to pass along three ways, right? The third way I can implement my marketing plan is to believe in myself. I know–sounds obvious. Yet if deep down I don’t think I deserve attention for my work, or if I am so wounded by a negative comment that I can’t think of anything else, then I may not get around to contacting that newspaper, radio station or TV program about making an appearance. Every day I make the decision to write, and I must tell myself I have something worthwhile to say. When I write, I must truly believe I’ve been called to do it. Some days are better than others, but overall, your marketing plan (and mine) will be far more successful if you cultivate self-confidence.