Effective tactics have evolved during my more than 36 years in marketing. Book marketing has gone from lunch with reporters and phone calls, to direct mail, faxes, and email. Now it’s social media, including Twitter, Facebook, etc. Some tactics continue to be effective over time. I keep an eye out for the latest tips and techniques. Here’s a list of ‘effective’ ways authors can promote books:

1. TV News

Few mediums reach as many people as TV News. I’ve spent the better portion of my life placing clients on TV programs, commercials, and interview programs. It’s extremely effective in letting people know about your book. The easiest way to land a TV interview is to send your book with a personally addressed cover letter/pitch, photos, and press release about the book to the news director of the station or specific personality who reviews for them. If you don’t receive an answer, follow up. They will only be receptive if you can provide newsworthy information as you promote your book. Develop a relationship with the contacts you make. This can be effective for future releases. Do that for every TV station you want to appear on. Start local first then go after the big shows. It’s a little more involved than this. You must be persistent, businesslike, and provide value to viewers. It can take time, but it does work.

2. Talk Radio

Listeners turn to talk radio to be informed on topics not covered completely in newspapers or on TV and to have a real conversations with the host and you, the guest. Talk radio show hosts will in most cases ask you to share your website, e-mail address or toll-free phone number. Or they’ll mention it themselves. Use the same methods discussed to solicit TV News programs.

3. Goodreads

Fifty million+ readers find books on Goodreads. It makes sense for authors to learn how it can help sell books. Sign up and create your author page. List your books. Ask readers to post reviews on Goodreads. Also ask readers to add your book to Listopia lists where books are grouped together by genre and subject. For example, if you liked Tony Robbins you’ll like Dan Milstein. Actively connect with  readers and other authors on Goodreads. Write reviews of books you’ve read. Add books to your ‘Want to Read’ list. Buy an ad on Goodreads. Do a giveaway. Target your ad by genre, location, or age.

4. Amazon Author Page

Utilize your Amazon Author page. List your books. Add your author photo, bio, book trailer, blog, and tour schedule. Take advantage of tools like this that cost nothing!

5. Book Awards and Reader Reviews

You must enter to win. It’s worth your time and money. Awards provide you with media opportunities that distinguish you as ‘an award-winning author. When you win, put out a press release with real news. The media perks up when an author wins a prize. Reviews from readers make great quotes to use in advertising, and they move your book’s rating higher on the retailer’s site, especially Amazon. It indicates people are saying, “Hey this is a good book.”

Stay tuned to read the next 5 marketing tips in Part 2 of this article, which will be available on June 29 .

Lynda Rees, the Murder Guru, is a multi-award-winning storyteller and horse farmer born in Eastern Kentucky. This coal miner’s daughter, part-Cherokee Indian author’s writing is influenced by growing up in the area when Newport prospered as a mecca for gambling and sin. Her fascination with history’s effect on today’s lives works its way into her written pages. Having traveled the world working with heads of industries, foreign governments, and business leaders during a marketing and global transportation corporate career, this free-spirited adventurer turned her workaholic tendencies to following her passion for writing. She is published in mystery/suspense, historical romance, middle-grade/early reader, picture and learning and activity books, as well as non-fiction.

Lynda received accolades from KILLER NASHVILLE, SILVER FALCION READER’S CHOICE TOP PICK AWARD (2X), from PFTH; RITA, and Imaginarium.