Have you considered partnering with libraries to market your book? Just like businesses, libraries have been trying some innovative ways to service their patrons. Enter, online events with authors. Some authors discount the idea of partnering with a library because they lend books as opposed to selling them but an online author event hosted by a library can be an untapped resource you can add to your book marketing plans.
Libraries usually have large email lists and active social media accounts that can give you exposure to a group of potential readers who may not have heard of you and your book. Those readers may go on to purchase your book for themselves or for a gift as well as recommend it to others. When you set it up properly, you have the ability to add event attendees to your mailing list.
You’ll need to check with the individual library for specifics on how they like to run their events but here are some ideas for planning:
- If your book isn’t already on the library shelf, donate a few copies. That way patrons who sign up for the event can borrow your book before or after the event. Make sure the library contact has an autographed copy.
- When you propose the event, focus on what the library patrons will get out of it. Pick an interesting learning point and develop a catchy title. The event needs to be more than a traditional author reading with Q&A. Those don’t do well in virtual environments. Check to see if the library already has a book club that focuses on books like yours as that will be a natural fit.
- Your book title will be mentioned but most libraries won’t allow you to sell books outright as part of the event. I recommend offering a free resource that attendees can download from your website after providing their email address.
Think about donating a few books to be used as giveaways during the event. If a physical giveaway isn’t feasible, give away the eBook version. Look beyond making a book sale and focus on making new connections who can become clients and customers of your coaching, consulting, and speaking business down the road.
