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Maria Murnane
Marketing Tip: Offer to Send a Book

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Marketing Tip: Offer to Send a Book

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Written by

Maria Murnane

August 2015

Read more by Maria Murnane

I often say that it's important to make it easy for people to help you promote your book. One great way to do that is to offer to send them a free copy! I know that sounds obvious, but given how many emails I receive from authors asking me to review their books without offering to send me one, I think it is worth repeating. (I've also said many times here that I don't review books, so now I'm wondering if anyone is actually reading my blog. Hmm....)

Anyhow, when reaching out to people/organizations with news about your book, offering to send a copy isn't required, but I highly recommend it. You never know what might happen if the right person reads your book - and loves it!

Some examples:

Alumni magazine of your alma mater
Regional alumni clubs of your alma mater (and their newsletters and book clubs)
Fraternity/sorority national magazine
Fraternity/sorority regional alumni clubs (and their newsletters and book clubs)
Local newspapers
Other book club organizers (www.meetup.com is a great way to find them)

While "gifting" a book to an e-reader is possible, I much prefer sending a signed physical copy along with an old-fashioned note. This way the recipient's experience is much more personal. And who doesn't love receiving a package in the mail? Note: when sending books from the post office, be sure to request the book postage rate. It's much cheaper that way.

In my personal experience, it's much easier to ignore a book on my Kindle than one on my desk or nightstand. Plus, a signed book is special, period. So there's another reason to go the old-fashioned route if I hadn't already convinced you.

Now get signing - and sending!

-Maria

Maria Murnane is the best-selling author of the Waverly Bryson series, Cassidy Lane, Katwalk, and Wait for the Rain. She also provides consulting services to aspiring and published authors. Learn more at www.mariamurnane.com.