Bragging or self-promoting - Marketing Your Book

All the talk these days surrounds the task of promoting and selling your own book. That is what writers hate to do. We don't feel comfortable singing our own praises. That is a tricky business any way you look at it. Blatant, in your face, bragging is just too much. But we are told in writing magazines, on the web and at conferences that to be successful, the author must promote her own book. Small presses don't have the funds to do it and large publishers only spend their money on those authors who are a sure thing. I read that when a publisher chooses ten books to publish, they put all the money behind one - the one they feel has the best chance of becoming a commercial success. So, even though the author has been through all the hoops, the agent, the editor, the rewrites, etc., he is not likely to get the help he needs. A plethora of information is being published on " how to get your name and your book out there."
I copied these tips from somewhere I can't remember now. I apologize and if these tips come from your blog, please let me know so I can give you credit.
This is just a few of the long list of tips for authors.


(4) Find Local Sponsors to Buy Case Quantities of Your Book
With the economy forcing so many businesses to tighten their belts, this is a great time to be resourceful with your book. The price of a book (usually under $35) makes it a great giveaway for a bank or a business organization.
Banks are eager to attract more small business owners, and business organizations are always looking for qualified speakers – with books.
(I can't see myself asking a bank to buy a box of my poetry chapbooks for give-aways, but a non-fiction book for business owners would probably be a sure thing.)

(5) Connect With Your Local News – Both TV and Radio
This form of marketing is not dead, as some would have you believe. The news editor is always looking for great stories about local people.
Send a letter, with an overview of your book and your press release, and a testimonial from someone of authority. Make it easy for the editor, tell her why covering your book will make a good noon news story. Take the 6 a.m. slot if that’s offered – a lot of people are up watching or listening to the news at 6 a.m.
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In my promotion of the anthology, Echoes Across the Blue Ridge, I contacted local TV stations and radio stations. We have interviews planned and hope to have more as soon as I can get myself recuperated from the Cruise from Hell. But that is another story.