I was just asked how to promote topical books, and thought my answer on book promotion might have broader applicability. There are three steps to book promotion success that will really generate positive results:

First, I find all the Facebook groups that touch on the book’s topic and join them. Then I participate, generally inserting “words of wisdom” from the book I plan to promote (this can occur during the writing/editing phase). This builds name-recognition and teases the forthcoming book. Then, when the book is published, I announce this in each group, then keep posting words of wisdom from the book to keep this awareness current.

Next, when news breaks in the book’s topic area, I create a short blog (250 words will do) about what the author has to say about this breaking news. Then I contact the news media (talk show bookers, program producers, editors and other decision-maker/gatekeepers – you’ll need to create a list in advance, then keep it current), offering my author/client as a topical “expert” who can put the breaking news into perspective.  A link to that short blog will quickly make the case for what the author will say on the breaking-news topic.

Finally, well in advance, I seek out blogs that cover the topic; when breaking news hits, I post a reply comment in all the blogs I can find discussing the breaking news; then I offer basically that same 250-word blog, and note that it’s based on material from the ___ book. This works great – in fact, I’m still using it to drive sales of a topical book initially published in 2004, and keep racking up ebook sales.

BTW, practicing what I preach, these three steps to book promotion success are all found in my forthcoming book, Write Now! … Writing YOUR Book to Attract New Clients and Transform You Into a News Media Expert … which I plan to publish later this spring.  You can see other insights from this book at www.barnettmarcom.com – just click on the blog link to see the latest additions to this author-oriented blog.