When you are writing your LNC book, you naturally focus on making it a quality book. My books written about medical legal issues were phenomenally successful in helping attorneys find my LNC business and services. Your book can demonstrate your expertise about medical issues and bring attorneys to your door.
Most books LNCs would write would be geared to attracting attorney clients, right? It is unlikely a big publishing house would pick up such a niche market book.
If a big publishing company worked with an author, it would schedule book tours, television interviews, and radio spots. The author sat back, expecting the publishing company to do the work.
That model no longer works in today’s world. Publishing companies make exceptions for big-name authors, of course, but most authors are responsible for their own marketing plans, and having a plan in advance may even assist in winning a publishing contract. The next step is selling it.
Now that we know you’ll be publishing your book and not relying on the help of a big publishing company, let’s focus on how you can promote a book.
5 Ways to Promote Your Book
1. Put yourself in the spotlight
No more hiding behind the keyboard if you want to make book sales! Be proud of what you’ve produced and tell the world. No one will know about your book unless YOU tell them about it, via social media, press releases, and virtual events.
Remember, keep your target audience in mind. Don’t listen to people who have never written a book, let alone know how to market it. Pay attention to the reaction of your fans.
2. Perfect writing press releases and newsworthy pitches
What better way to tell the world about your new book than to write a press release. But to keep your press release from getting hidden at the bottom of the pile, learn how to write it so your book is seen as newsworthy.
In media pitches, mention how you are also different from the competition and why you’re the best choice for interview guests. Yes, you want the publicity, but word your releases and pitches so it comes across as a win-win relationship.
Get even more tips on press releases and public relations by hearing Jill Lublin speak at the March 2022 LNC Virtual Conference Barbara Levin and I are planning.
3. Practice your scheduling acumen
Scheduling podcast interviews, your book virtual launch party, and social media promotions take lots of planning and a calm, patient personality. Consider hiring an assistant to help you with your book launch. Always have a backup plan in case your podcast or interviews are canceled.
4. Continue connecting with your social media followers
Consistency is the name of the game when it comes to connecting with your followers online. It’s all about building a trust relationship so your fans know without a doubt that you are credible.
Build those relationships, share parts of your life and/or business, be silly, and of course talk about your book. Just don’t hit them over the proverbial head with sales posts consistently. Show them that you’re a real person who cares about helping them more than about selling your book.
5. Start planning early and use a mind map to guide your marketing plan
Nothing says unprofessional quicker than a half-baked marketing plan or, even worse, no plan at all.
If you want to sell books and expand your reach, planning is vitally important. Start early by brainstorming your ideas and then decide which of these ideas you can pull off based on the date of your book launch. Consider outsourcing any tasks you don’t know how to accomplish so you can move forward with your marketing methods. Save those tasks that you love or at least know how to finish for yourself.
If you’re apprehensive about this solo marketing approach, consider hiring help, either an assistant with marketing and publicity experience or a PR/marketing firm. Keep your budget in mind but also weigh the benefits of each and decide which option will provide a bigger ROI. Writing your LNC book is a great way to get your name known.
This course starts soon. Get the details here.
Pat Iyer is president of The Pat Iyer Group, which develops resources to assist LNCs to obtain more clients, make more money, and achieve their business goals and dreams.
Pat’s related websites include the continuing education provided on LNCEU.com, the podcasts broadcast at podcast.legalnursebusiness.com, and writing tips supplied at patiyer.com.