Last month, I received a promotion to Sifu (or instructor) in Tai Chi Chuan. I’ve been practicing tai chi for over 5 years. It is a great stress reliever, as well as a health booster and an enjoyable activity. If you haven’t tried it yet, just know that it does take a couple months to feel comfortable doing it. It’s awkward and hard to begin with, but it gets easier and more fun once you know some of the basic moves.

As I’ve done in previous years, I will be taking the summer off from writing my newsletter and from producing my podcast. I’m not sure yet whether I’ll continue with it in September. If you are finding the newsletter and/or podcast worthwhile, let me know – email me at judy@skillbites.net. If I get enough people emailing me about them, I’ll consider resuming them.

I belong to an organization called Independent Book Publishers Association, that is offering its members the opportunity to have their clients’ books promoted to librarians. The IBPA sends out monthly eBlasts to over 5000 librarians, with only 15 books promoted in each eBlast. The July eBlasts are already sold out, but there are a few spaces left in the August eBlast to College and Academic Libraries, and the September eBlasts to Elementary School Libraries, Middle and High School Libraries and Public Libraries.

Last month, I delved into the fifth strategy for marketing and promoting your business book: utilizing content marketing. By utilizing content marketing strategies, you can effectively create awareness about your book and build a thriving community of loyal readers. If you missed reading about how to implement this strategy or any of the earlier marketing strategies, you can find the newsletters on the SkillBites website by clicking here or go to the Resources tab at www.skillbites.net and click on Newsletters.

This month looks at another key aspect of an author’s marketing strategy: leveraging book promotion sites and platforms. In today's competitive publishing landscape, authors need to be proactive in promoting their books to reach a wider audience. One effective way to achieve this is by leveraging book promotion sites and platforms. These platforms can help authors gain exposure, generate sales, and build a loyal fan base. In this article, I will share how authors can effectively utilize book promotion sites to maximize their book's reach.Book promotion sites and platforms are online platforms that are specifically designed to promote books to a targeted audience. These platforms have a wide user base of book lovers, avid readers, and potential customers who are actively searching for new books to read. By utilizing these platforms, authors can tap into this captive audience and increase their book's visibility. Here are some key strategies to leverage book promotion sites effectively:

• Choose the Right Platform: There are various book promotion sites available, each with its own unique features, audience, and pricing plans. Authors need to research and select the platforms that align with their book's genre, target audience, and budget. Some popular book promotion sites include BookBub, Goodreads, Kindle Nation Daily, and Ereader News Today. It is crucial to consider reader demographics, the platform's reach, and user engagement when making a decision.

• Plan Ahead: To effectively leverage book promotion sites, authors should plan their promotion strategy well in advance. Many sites have limited spots and require bookings weeks or even months ahead of time. It is important to carefully read submission guidelines, understand the platform's requirements, and submit the book for consideration within the specified timeframe.

• Utilize Discounts and Deals: Book promotion sites often offer discounted or free promotions for a limited time. Authors can take advantage of these promotional options to attract more readers and potential buyers. Offering a discounted eBook version for a limited time can entice readers to try out a new author and potentially lead to more positive reviews, increased visibility, and long-term success.

• Maximize Visibility with Eye-catching Cover Art and Compelling Blurbs: First impressions matter, particularly when it comes to books. Having an eye-catching book cover that stands out among other promotional listings is key to capturing readers' attention. Additionally, a well-crafted and compelling blurb that accurately reflects the book's content can help generate interest and entice potential readers to click through and learn more.

• Encourage Reader Engagement and Reviews: Positive reviews significantly impact a book's success. Authors should encourage readers to leave reviews on book promotion sites, as well as on other popular platforms like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Goodreads. Engaging with readers by responding to comments and building relationships can lead to loyal fans who are more likely to recommend the book to others.

Apart from book promotion sites, authors should explore other marketing opportunities to widen their audience. These may include author interviews, guest blog posts, social media campaigns, virtual author events, newsletters, and collaborations with influencers or other authors in the same genre. A comprehensive marketing strategy that incorporates book promotion sites alongside other marketing initiatives can help authors reach a larger pool of potential readers.

In sum, book promotion sites and platforms can be powerful tools for authors to reach a wider audience, increase sales, and build a strong author brand. By carefully selecting the right platforms, planning ahead, utilizing discounts, maximizing visibility, encouraging reader engagement, and exploring additional marketing opportunities, authors can effectively leverage book promotion sites and platforms to boost their book's visibility and success.