4) Keep yourself updated and look to the future. Many writers are aware of the importance of staying updated. This is what keeps them in the game, as they understand industry demands and who’s who in the publishing business. What are people reading nowadays? Why do people’s reading preferences tend to change from time to time? How do political, social, and economic conditions affect people’s reading tastes? On account of these conditions, what will be the next hot topic in the publishing world? You don’t have to research meticulously. Media social channels like Reddit can be a great source of information on what topics people are talking about. You can also look through survey and research channels to see statistical data on publishing trends.

5) Join writers' groups. This is a given for any writer. Writers' groups provide both tangible and intangible benefits. Many local writers groups have affiliations with national groups or associations. In the United States, they vary and cater to different genres. You can choose to join Romance Writers of America if you write in the romance genre, for example. There are also groups for journalists and nonfiction authors as well. Given that writing is a solitary profession, a writer's group can give you that much-needed support.

6) Reach out by teaching. This is one of the best ways to connect with your audience. In traditional publishing, part of the marketing strategy is for an author to attend book signings and appear on talk shows. Other authors go on a speaking engagement in libraries and schools, and you can tap this to promote without coming out as a hard sell. Talk or teach about a topic that angles on your work. For example, if you write fantasy, you can lecture about the legacy of J.R.R. Tolkien and how it has affected contemporary fantasy. You can then zoom in on the things you learned from reading Tolkien and how it shaped your own craft. Many famous authors continue to go on book signings and speaking engagements. Some of them, when taken out of their writing time to give a talk, even charge a handsome fee.

7) Timing and positioning must go side by side. When are you planning to release your book, and what are your expectations? Many writers often do the promotion of their book on their own, especially those who work with medium and small presses, and even more if you’re self-published. You can take advantage of special holidays and events. But here’s a caveat: More books are being published every day, which means that you have more competition releasing your book during special holidays. So think critically, and find other exact times to release your tome. You can consult book marketing experts for this.

8) Create an online presence. Build a website. As more and more people are spending more time online than watching television, your presence in cyberspace is important. Many authors have successfully marketed their books and established their reputations through their websites or blogs. Moreover, they consistently connect with people through forums and through newsletters for their subscribers. Your website is an ideal place where you can showcase your work and introduce yourself. If you don’t know how to start, you can always ask people who have done it.