Build Book Marketing Tools

into Your Manuscript

Many authors forget to insert marketing tools into their actual book that helps promote their message and boost sales. Start brainstorming during the manuscript stage, and inject as many appropriate ideas as possible.

What makes a good book marketing tool?

• Something that offers immediate value, such as articles, tips, resources, how-to's, behind-the-scenes, etc.
• Something readers would want as-is. It provides standalone value.
• Something that's easy to pass-on to others. It's in a format that can be given to others, and that makes it easy for word-of-mouth to spread.

How to use your book marketing tool?

• Reference from the stage during a speaking engagement, and make it available afterwards.
• During a media interview, offer the tool as a giveaway on your website to draw listeners to you.
• Make the tool available on your website as a free pass-on resource for visitors to give to friends.

15 Non-fiction Book Marketing Tool Ideas:

1. Provide a unique list of helpful questions.
2. Develop a quiz, test, or assessment for the reader to take.
3. Include a special breakout section that explains how to do a particular task or function.
4. Add a special report, appendix, or bonus material to your book.
5. Create a study guide (personal and/or group discussion).
6. List important statistics / charts that relate to your subject matter.
7. Offer an exclusive Q&A section with the author.
8. Provide a relevant resource guide.
9. Create a humorous or interesting "Top 10" list.
10. Include a section of funny cartoons or jokes.
11. Show maps, drawings, or illustrations pertaining to subject matter.
12. Offer a "secret code" to access special "web-only" content.
13. Take a significant item or object within the book and turn it into a giveaway piece.
14. Offer money-saving coupons for the book or related products.
15. Giveaway an item from another author or company related to your book that reaches your same target audience (cross promote).

10 Fiction Book Marketing Tool Ideas:

1. Offer lost chapters, side stories, or alternate endings.
2. Create a special section called "What you could see in real life if you visited my story's locations."
3. Add travel advice, recipes, or fashion tips pertaining to your story.
4. Create a "secret code" for access to special "web-only" content from author.
5. Offer a discussion guide for reader groups or book clubs.
6. Giveaway a PDF file, CD, or DVD with behind-the-scenes info, book explainers, author's thoughts, etc.
7. Offer visual items that tie-in with your story (maps; building layouts; character details sheet; etc.)
8. Take a significant item, toy, or object within the book and turn it into a giveaway piece.
9. Provide recommended resources guide that deals with the subject matter in your book.
10. Include the first chapter of the next book in your series.

The best time to start marketing your book is before you finish the manuscript. As you focus on writing great content, put the same effort and detail into building nuggets of value that act as powerful standalone promotional items. These tools will make it easier to capture the attention of readers, influential bloggers, and media producers when your book launch actually occurs.

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