So your manuscript is at the publisher being transformed into your book. There’s nothing for you to do right? Wrong!
There’s plenty. I was very surprised to find out I needed to write the promotional copy for my book. The promotional copy is the stuff that appears on the back cover. I was surprised because I thought the editors or marketers at the publishers would do it. I reasoned they had more experience than me at penning “razzle-dazzle, you gotta have this” words that would make people drive through fire to buy a book. Thank goodness I had 10 days to submit something. After stepping away for a couple of days, I wrote the copy. I also realized an author knows the need the book is meeting, as well as its target audience so an author can write or, at the least, contribute to the promotional copy. And yes, I also sent a new photograph of me, professionally taken because it will be following me for a long time, for the back cover.
Tate Publishing also let me know I should begin publicizing my book now to stir up interest and drive sales before the book is available. Here are some of the suggestions:
1) Use social media. Set up a Facebook fanpage for your book. Open a LinkedIn account and join author groups. Open a Twitter account. Use as much social media (Instagram. Google+, Pinterest, etc) as you can. Not only is it free advertising but you’ll also connect with new people.
2) Book speaking engagements that relate to the topic of your book. Those attending will now see you as an expert and will want your book.
3) Get a website. Put a chapter on the website. Get a the word out about your book.
4) Send emails to your family, friends and other people in your email address book letting them know about your book.
If you think of other things you can do that don’t cost you a lot of money, do them! The bottom line is you wrote a book! Be proud of your accomplishment and let the world know!
My Journey to Me - The Discovery 