Author Spotlight: 8 Tips on Promoting Your Book
This month, we wanted to feature an author who’s been actively promoting his book.
James Publishing is revving up its book marketing, and we’ve seen remarkable results over the past two months. In addition to increased sales, we’re also experiencing increased excitement at the possibilities opened up by your ideas!
Your input is invaluable to us, and we hope that this spotlight will inspire you to continue to join us in this collaborative effort.
How to Promote Your Book: Tips From Patrick Barone
Patrick is the author of Defending Drinking Drivers. With a new supplement coming out this month, Patrick has been busy marketing his book, and keeping us busy helping him!
On top of being active on his website and social media, he has also provided us with some great suggestions, which we were more than happy to help implement.
Here are some of his tips on how to promote yourself as an author:
Tip #1: Link to Your Book Wherever Possible
You’ve spent months writing, editing, and polishing your book. Your work is important, so make sure that those who can benefit from it can find it!
Patrick’s website pages and blog bios each display our “JP Author Badge” linking to his book’s JP product page. If you don’t already have a JP Author Badge—or an image of your book—let us know and we’ll be happy to provide you with whatever you need.
Don’t have a website? Take advantage of our James Local program, which offers the basics of digital marketing, including a social media package, at an affordable price (with a special 15% discount for JP authors).
Tip #2: Establish Your Voice on Blogs and Social Media
After posting a blog on your website, leverage it further by posting a link from your Facebook page, LinkedIn or Twitter.
Blogs and social media are a great way to establish and expand your platform as an author. If you know of a widely-circulated news story or update to the law, be a part of the conversation! Check out Patrick’s latest Facebook post on the Kerry Kennedy DWI case, linked from his blog post.
Have a Facebook page or Twitter but aren’t quite sure what to post? We can provide you with sample posts for you to share as you build your audience.
Tip #3: Always Be Looking for Places to Speak
If you can’t find a seminar, set up your own event. Then plug your book, and have flyers available. Also, get permission to reprint sections of the book and offer these to attendees as your course materials.
Do you have a seminar or conference coming up? Let us know and we can create a full-color, modern-looking book flyer for you, like the one we made for Patrick’s NCDD seminar.
Tip #4: Write for Other Publications
Find another publication or publications for which to write, such as your state bar journal or a “local” bar journal. In your bio, indicate that you are a JP author. You can use these articles to “try out” new sections in your book.
Patrick has written extensively for a variety of publications, including the Michigan Bar Journal and nacdl.org. Click the links to read his articles!
Tip #5: Run a Print Ad for Your Book
Consider running a print ad for your book in a state or local bar journal. While this may not sell many books, it will be a great way to demonstrate your expertise to your peers.
We revamped the design for Patrick’s print ad in the Michigan Bar Journal, as well as inserted a unique coupon code to track its success.
Tip #6: Donate a Copy of Your Book for a Silent or Charity Auction
Bar organizations often have auctions to raise money. This is another great way to get your name out, and to market your book.
Upon Patrick’s request, we provided him with a free copy of his book to donate to the CDAM auction.
Tip #7: Teach a Law Course
Offer to teach a law course at your local community college. Use your book as the course textbook.
Patrick is an adjunct professor at the Thomas M. Cooley Law School where he teaches Drunk Driving Law and Practice. He is also on the faculty of the Michigan Trial Practice College.
Spread the word! Check out our Law School Pricing page featuring a 20% discount for students and faculty.
Tip #8: Take Advantage of Listservs
Become active on listservs such as (for criminal lawyers) NCDD, NACDL and/or any “local” bar associations or organizations. Whenever possible, answer a question by posting a part of or full section from your book.
Tell Us Your Ideas
Our most powerful marketing tool is you—our authors. Let us know how we can help you! We look forward to working more closely with each of you to develop a unique marketing strategy for you and your book. Thank you all for contributing to the success of our team.
Special thanks to Patrick Barone for his enthusiasm and willingness, and for allowing us to feature his tips here.
