How do you decide if your book is worth the time and money?

[John M. H. Pratt]

I'm struggling with issues regarding my book...How do you, or I, decide if it's worth spending the time and money to promote it? Yes, I put a lot of time and heart into it but... Do I rely on the "for hire" reviewers, do I believe the people around me? Should I believe the publishers who want up front money (thousands $) for promoting it? I can promote it myself, to some extent, but am I doing it right?

[Irina Shapiro]

HI, John.  There are lots of free or less expensive ways to promote your book.  You can sign up for Amazon's KDP.  They give you 5 free promotion days.  You don't get paid for those days, but it does put you book on the map.  You can advertise on Facebook and Goodreads.com.  Their prices are very reasonable.  I would be very careful about paying someone thousands to promote my book.  If you decide to go that route, make sure that they are reputable and aren't just looking for guillable authors who are willing to do anything to get their work out there.  I hope that helps.

Irina Shapiro

www.irinashapiro.com

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Irina-Shapiro/307374895948375

[John M. H. Pratt]

Thanks Irina, I've already signed up with KDP but I'm not sure when to do the promotion days. Any suggestions?

[Irina Shapiro]

I have run my promotions during the week.  I think Mon-Wed are the best days.  You want to promote your book on the days that people are sitting in front of their computers or are commuting and looking for something to read.  Thursday nights are big for going out and most people have plans for the weekend, so they are not on amazon looking for books to read.  I would avoid holidays as well.  Most people are out and about. 

[Marie-Anne Mancio]

Here's what I think: you have spent time writing it and put a lot of effort into it and it's perfectly normal to feel quite deflated once it's finished and out there. And also to start having doubts about whether it was any good anyway etc. But I agree with the others. Don't spend huge amounts of money but do spend lots of time. I am really enjoying the blog scene - have already virtually met some lovely people. It is time consuming; it is slow, but don't lose heart. Look at it like a challenge and be very organised about it. Label your emails or keep a list of everyone you write to. And Good Luck!

[John M. H. Pratt]

Thank you Marie-Anne!

[ManOfLaBook.com]

Obviously you want to promote you book to people who might buy it.

You have to find out where those people are, find bloggers who you think would like your book and give away free copies, start a Facebook author page and interact with your past, present and future readers.

Make the book available for free on Amazon for a few days, that way you'll get reviews. Those are just some tips I picked up even though I don't have a book to promote (but book promotions interest me).

<a href=http://www.ManOfLaBook.com>http://www.ManOfLaBook.com</a>;

[John M. H. Pratt]

Good advice, thanks Mano.

[Eunice Nisbett]

Hi John

If you have put your time and heart into it, then it must have been worth it. Take some time to consider what your book is about. What would be your target market, who would be interested in it? then visualize where you would like to see it in a year's time. 

And, yes, a website for your book is very important. Your author's or book blog will be your online home and where you will connect with your readers and grow your audience. You would also want to consider a Facebook Page for you or your book. Do not think of marketing as something you do after it is published, by blogging on your site about the book you will generate interest in it. Continue to share with your friends and family, word of mouth goes a long way. 

There are so many possibilities. I invite you to listen to this free teleseminar on 10 Things Authors do to Sabotage their Books' Success which I hope will bring you some clarity. Feel free to leave a comment once you have listened to it

http://theselfpublishingcenter.com/registration/

Best wishes.

[John M. H. Pratt]

Thank you Eunice!