How to Build a Market for Your Self-Published Book

Featured Article, Finance, Home & Family
on January 2, 2013
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Dear Dave,
My husband has written a historical novel, but we’re not sure how to obtain an agent or market the book. Right now, he’s self-published and has sold about 100 copies. What would you suggest to gain more exposure?
—Mary in New York, N.Y.

Dave Says: Having an agent isn’t a bad thing, but it can take time to find a good one who is willing to work with you. When I first wrote Financial Peace, I self-published the book and carried copies around in the trunk of my car. I’d talk about it to anyone who would listen, and I worked up speaking engagements with small groups. In the meantime, I’d suggest getting in touch with book clubs and libraries in your area. There are probably some historical groups nearby with interests unique to the period of history your husband has written about, and he could approach them about the possibilities of speaking and doing book signings. Make sure he’s got a Facebook page and Twitter presence to get the word out, as well. It might also be a good idea to read Mike Hyatt’s book “Platform.” It’s about launching and marketing things, and the processes of building and implementing a platform for your work. Good luck!