Writers are often taken by surprise when they’re asked for a “detailed marketing plan” before a publisher has even taken them on.

It’s a skill worth developing – as many successful authors write their marketing plans before they even set pen to paper.

In Part 1 of my article, you learned how to get started with a marketing plan for your book. Today, you’ll be finding out how to complete it. Read the full story

Increasingly, agents and publishers are asking authors to help with the marketing of their books.

Many writers are taken by surprise when they receive a request for a “detailed marketing plan” – often before an agent has even taken them on.

Don’t be daunted. Treat this as an opportunity rather than a hurdle. Many successful authors draw up a marketing plan before they even start work on their book. Read the full story

Getting a celebrity endorsement for your book is one of the easiest ways to promote it.

Readers are much more likely to listen to a well-known expert or media personality saying they can’t put your book down. Not only this but a little ‘celebrity’ magic tends to rub off on you.

I’m not saying that you should write to every celebrity or expert you can think of willy-nilly. However, if there is a tie-in with your book, however tenuous, then go for it.

Many authors are reluctant to approach celebrities for testimonials. Don’t make the same mistake!

Celebrities have egos the same as everyone else. And if your book is getting publicity and media attention, this is also going to benefit them.

You may have to approach 100, even 500, celebrities. But you only need ONE to make a massive difference to your book sales. Does it really matter if 499 tell you to get lost, if you get the one testimonial you’re after? What do you stand to lose? Hurt pride and the time it took to write the letter or email!

It’s never been easier to access celebrities via the Internet. Not only can you use search engines like Google to track them down. Many of them also have Facebook and Twitter accounts. Make it easy for them by writing 5 of your own testimonials. When you contact them, point out that they can choose one of your templates if they wish. Anything that saves them time or having to wade through loads of material, will persuade them of your professionalism.

If you’re feeling daunted, then focus on the positive benefits for you and your book. Quotes will boost your book sales and credibility. And think how great you’ll feel when you see those endorsements printed on your book cover.

Writing a blog is one of the best ways to promote your book and get your message out to readers. But there’s a ‘right’ way and a ‘wrong’ way to do it.

Many authors make a fatal mistake when they write a blog… and don’t host their blog on their own website.

Here’s why it’s important for you to host your blog on your own website:

1. You Don’t Own Your Content

If you don’t have the blog on your own website, you don’t own the content. If you’re a writer, then your content is what you are selling and it’s important that it belongs to you and no one else!

(Read the terms of service with your provider! It’ll be there in the small print!)

2. You Can’t Sell Anything

You can’t sell anything. What’s more, if you do, you can be shut down without warning. So if you want to sell your book, or your workshops, coaching or talks, then you won’t be able to.

(Again, read the small print!)

The solution is to host your blog on your own site rather than the site of a blogging provider – or any other site that isn’t your own.

As a writer, you can’t afford to be shut down or to lose your content. Your words and message are valuable – so make sure you protect it.

This will give you complete control over your blog, and the freedom to sell whatever you want.

Remember also to use lots of ‘key words’ in your blog. Use the words that your readers are most likely to type into search engines – so that they can quickly and easily find you!