Once you publish a book, any book, the promotion game gets harder after release day. While pre-release sales and launch day will build momentum, it’s really up to you to keep that momentum going … for the next 365 days. And then the year after that.
So, here are some resources I wish I’d known about at the start of my journey, that might help you find and build momentum.
1. The Indie Author Project: This group vets indie books of all genres and makes them accessible to libraries across the US and Canada. If approved, your book will be available through BiblioBoard Library in your state/province’s collection. However, your book’s journey doesn’t stop there. It is then eligible to be entered into larger collections, at IAP’s discretion, and may be eligible to enter collections that receive royalties. They say the first leg of approvals takes 3-4 weeks. In my experience, it took closer to 6-8 weeks. So, don’t be discouraged if it takes longer than you think.
2. The Midwest Book Review: This is a great resource for a legitimate editorial book review that doesn’t break the bank. I recommend reading through their submission guidelines thoroughly and spending time on your press release and cover letter, as those are the two biggest reasons they reject books. I submitted Nella Lace through their free option and heard back before the expected 10 weeks (though it was a slow mid-summer when I applied). If you want to read the review they gave Nella Lace, you can do so here. (They accept indie and small press.)
3. The Indie Book Fair: This is a free-to-be-included catalogue reminiscent of the Scholastic Book Fair catalogue but this time designed for all readers young and old. I’m proud to be a Founding Author! Submission forms are currently down while they sort through the backlog of submissions, but I strongly encourage you to follow them, subscribe to the catalogue, and submit when the forms reopen.
4. The Indie Book Database: It will take a while to get approved as they do vet everything, however, here is a place to list your book where readers and Indie Bookstores can find your books. If you’re selling wholesale, you can also list it there too. It’s a great place to let your book get noticed without a ton of work or thinking about it later.
5. Authors in Grocery Stores: I have not done this one personally, and it isn’t available in every state, (US specific) however, the person who recommended it to me had made back the $100 annual fee + $25 one-time IBSN added to the system fee. If you’re looking for a way to do some events where people are already shopping, this might be for you! You can do as many signings as you want to sign up for at as many of your local (or not local, if you’re up for doing a little work while you travel) grocery stores that are in the program. Like with any “at store” events, you’ll receive a 60% commission of any sales made. (They do let you have a QR code for any ebooks you might wish to advertise which doesn’t run on their point-of-sale system.)
Keeping momentum strong is tough, and finding the next actionable step can be overwhelming. I hope this helps you find one thing you can do TODAY to keep your book moving forward.
Getting Your Book Out There Starter Kit
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