Marketing

Guest post by Author Stephania Thompson

Literary Adventures:
5 Unique Places to Market Your Book

Are you an author looking for unique and inexpensive ways to market your book? I’ve got some great suggestions for you! My novel, Woven, debuted in June of 2022. Despite an amazing support team and substantial marketing efforts, the process felt a bit like shouting into the abyss.

 Maybe you can relate?

 It’s daunting, to say the least. There are literally thousands of books published every day. The question is, how are you going to get your book noticed in all that noise?
 I won’t pretend to have the answer, but I have a few suggestions if you’re willing to get creative. And the best part? Aside from the cost of your book itself, all these suggestions are entirely free!

 If you’re looking for unique and inexpensive ways to get your book noticed and read, maybe you’ll consider taking it on an adventure. And, no, I’m not talking about a safari, or fishing expedition (though, depending on your genre, those might work). I’m suggesting you take your book to a few unexpected places…and then, leave it there!
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 After comprehensive research (i.e., scouring social media to see what worked for other authors), I’ve put together a list of five creative locations you might want to consider. Leave a copy in all, or just one, and see what happens. You might be pleasantly surprised.

Location One: Your Local Library

A library might seem like the most obvious place to leave your book, but you’d be surprised how many authors discount it. Not only are libraries full of voracious readers, but they also have a captive audience that just might be interested in your book.

Consider donating a copy (instructions for submission are usually on the library’s website) or simply leave your book in a public area where it’s likely to be noticed. Additionally, most libraries have a generic form for readers to request books they’d like to read but the library doesn’t carry.
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Go ahead and request your book. Ask your loyal, local readers if they will, too. The more requests, the better!

Location Two: Coffee Shops

Coffee shops and cafes are fantastic places to leave your book…but be strategic.
Is there a couch where people lounge with their food or beverage? Leave a copy beside it, or on a table nearby. Some cafes already have bookcases in place for readers to swap. Take advantage of this space and leave your book for readers to discover. See someone reading a comparable book? Take the opportunity to make a recommendation and offer them a free copy. The possibilities are endless. You never know who you or your book might connect with! 

Location Three: Local/Independent Bookstores

Bookstores are another great place to leave your book. 

Try to find a spot that is heavily trafficked, such as a café table or a reading corner, or even the new release display. If you’re feeling especially adventurous, locate the section where your book would likely be shelved and place it there! 
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Additionally, don’t be afraid to approach local and/or national booksellers about stocking copies of your book. Many stores feature local or independently published authors, some exclusively so. It never hurts to ask.

Location Four: Airports

Airports are full of people looking for something to do while passing time, and many of them are readers. Leave your book in a highly visible spot, such as near a check-in desk or in the lounge area. If you can, try to leave multiple copies. Imagine all the places in the world your book might travel!

Location Five: Local Businesses

It’s likely you know some local businesses that would be interested in your book (hair salon, dentist, bank, etc.). Think of places where people tend to stand in line or wait for long periods of time. Leave a few copies of your book in an accessible area or ask the employees to spread the word. Perhaps they will become your next greatest fan. 
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These are just a few unique places to leave your book, but I’ll bet you’re already thinking of others. Want to up the ante? Sign the inside cover and leave a business card or bookmark. Write a brief note thanking the reader for their interest. Ask for a review or recommendation if they enjoyed it. There’s no telling what word of mouth can do!

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I hope these suggestions have your creative juices flowing. If you have another unique marketing ideas, be sure to drop a comment below. Do you have a book marketing success story? We’d love to celebrate with you and share our literary adventures together!
 Thanks for reading, and best of luck!
 Until next time…

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Stephania Thompson is an award-winning author, poet, and freelance writer. She published her first full length novel, Woven (Orange Blossom Publishing) in 2022, and is hard at work on book number two. When not writing, working, or running after kids, she enjoys hiking with her doodle pup and a good audiobook. Learn more about Stephania and connect with her online www.stephaniathompson.com