How to publicize a self-published book?

[Fifi]

[Shannon Petruchio]

I never self published a book. I don't know the specifics or the resources available to you. But I work with a Stage Company and have produced a lot of plays. Sometimes we manage a workable budget that includes promotions. But, sometimes we barely have a budget at all and the show must go on. When we don't have a budget for publicity we try to create a buzz. We'll do free promo events, this would be a lot more difficult with a book than a play, but look at the event listings for you public library, they may have literary fairs, or reading nights, that you could take part in. Also you should try to find other aspiring writers in your community and brainstorm about ways to promote yourselves. Find small, locally run businesses, they're usually willing to support local arts, they may promote your book or, perhaps a small printing company will give you a discount, save your costs and you can sell the book for less, maybe a small coffee house will work with you to host a literary event, it's worth trying. Social networks are your friend. Nothing irritates me more than when we sink hundreds off dollars into ads and posters then our audience surveys come back that 80% of people heard about the event on facebook. Create a blog, join online communities, the more the better, (a little tip: never post your whole book if your trying to sell it, post other stories and maybe an exert), tweet about your book, post about it on face book, create or join a group for writers on face book, reach out as far as you can, once you have a solid group take turns using your status to promote each other. Just a few ideas, these are the sorts of things we do when we can't afford expensive news paper and radio ads. They may not be what your looking for and if so, hopefully someone who has self-published has some better advice for you. Best of luck!