Win Over Book Clubs to Promote Your Book

If you're an author whose work becomes popular with book clubs, you can count on the extra sales their interest will generate. Therefore, as you decide how to market your book, you may want to take some steps to encourage clubs. Three of the most popular are posting a website page for clubs with suggested discussion questions, including the questions at the end of your book, and appearing for a Q&A. Virtual appearances make it easier to communicate with clubs and turn their members into even more loyal fans. As you become more popular, you'll receive more requests.

Book club members love books and are voracious readers. They likely talk to friends and family about titles they like outside their clubs. Therefore, the orbit of target readers reached through a club may extend well beyond its membership. When you demonstrate that you value club readers and their discussion of your book, it further encourages them. If you plan to write more books, you may pick up things from your virtual appearances that are idea starters for new stories. Inspiration comes in many ways, and picking it up from people already reading your work makes it better informed.

Most sales promotion campaigns target individual readers, and when you promote to groups, you can increase the efficiency of your program. If you know of competing authors who are already a hit with clubs, you can check what they have done to stay top of mind. You can also begin locally with clubs in your area and branch out to others as you gain insight. The most significant push for sales often occurs as your book is launched, but club readership (and corresponding book sales) may occur months or years afterward. Often, clubs allow their members to select titles for the group to read, so there can be a lag.

When you plan your broader marketing campaign, you can include book club outreach as a tactic. There are no drawbacks, and it doesn't add significant cost to your budget. When you engage with book clubs, it's also wise to attempt to gather their email addresses so you can keep in touch. Sending periodic newsletters to your email list is an excellent way to stay in touch with fans. You can also launch a blog and post routinely. People today expect communication, and while social media is effective when used wisely, other, more direct methods also work well. Book club members can become allies.