After finishing a book, authors usually wonder if they should publish their own work or if they should go to traditional publishers. Publishing books is easier than it was years ago and more authors are self-publishing. The following are some of the ways that authors use to market their books.

Author events

Traditionally published authors used to be taken for multi-city book tours by their publishers. These tours no longer exist unless you are a New York Times best-selling author. Authors who still organize book tours usually do them as a favor for bookstores and to give back to the community. Getting people out of their houses is not an easy thing to do today because you will be competing with so many other things. However, people are more likely to attend if the event sounds like a party. It is harder to get people to come if you are just going to a bookstore to read your book.

Many bookstores now understand that the book readings that were organized in the past no longer appeal to readers. They therefore organize events at places other than bookstores and some of the places include clubs and bars. Other authors organize lunches at restaurants and include the book price in the tickets. Traditional book tours are almost over but they are being replaced by upscale events for authors to market their books.

Indie bookstores

Most authors who have at some point published their books have nothing but positive things to say about indie bookstores. These small bookstores are always glad to have an author over for book readings and other events to market their books. Many authors are glad to know that there are people out there who still love books and they are glad to go out and meet their readers at indie bookstores. Indie bookstores are great places for authors to launch their books and they also play an important role in authors’ marketing campaigns.

Owners of indie bookstores are happy when authors come by and sign a few books and meet readers. The fact that indie bookstores can organize for their customers to meet authors is still a competitive advantage that they have over online retailers.

Online events

Who said that marketing books online is only for eBook authors? The online platform can be used by any type of author to market his book. Authors can use the Internet to conduct book launches using live streaming. People are on their computers a lot and a live-streaming event is likely to be watched by many readers compared to conventional book launches at bookstores.

Traditional media

Traditional media, including radio and TV, has become so competitive that it is difficult to use it to market things unless you are willing to spend a lot of money. However, if an author manages to market his book in traditional media, it is more likely to stick than when he does it using other avenues.

The quality of an author’s sales pitch over traditional media has to be exceptionally good. It is a good idea to research media outlets to figure out which is the best one for marketing a book to readers.