Cynthia Toliver Author

When I published Crown's Jewel, I was simultaneously excited and subdued. I had the review copy of my first book in my hand. So much work had gone into that manuscript. So many hopes and dreams lay between the front and back covers. I was thrilled, but I knew my work had just begun.

I was among a small network of authors at similar junctures in our writing careers. We were ready to hit the road with our books, fully expecting the readers would follow. As we supported one another, sought and gave advice, shared leads and deadends and experiences, an idea came to me.

My book shelves are full of books on writing - the art of writing and the so-called business of writing. While the former offer a plethora of information, the latter fall short, taking the author through submission and rejections to acceptance by agents and/or publishers, barely touching contract negotiations and completely neglecting what comes after.

Whether you self-publish or take a more traditional route to publication, the business of writing - marketing your book is virtually the same. Your job doesn't end once your manuscript is accepted. It has only just begun. It takes creativity, leg work and capital. You need a plan.

The true business of writing is the stuff they don't tell you about - how to market and promote your book. In addition to traditional media, authors use professional and social networks to get the word out to prospective readers.

In today's high tech, high speed society - the landscape is changing daily. Facebook, trailers, blogs and twitter jam the information highway. To rise above the flotsam, you need a hook.

Frankly I can hardly keep up and admit to being less than comfortable with sharing my thoughts and my life online. After all I write fiction.

However I am determined to run the race. Follow my journey as I navigate the way.

Book Signings

You've heard the stories. Signings are far from glamorous. Unless you're a mega author, the lines may be short and the sales shorter. Nonetheless, when I'm at a signing, I'm in my element, talking about my book and the thrill of writing it. You need the exposure, so use every opportunity to get your book noticed.

Get Connected

Navigating today's social media is a must in today's high tech world. Learn the ins and outs of Amazon, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, blogging, video trailers, and online radio.

Not media savvy. Books Go Social can handle many of these services for you. Check out these book promotion packages:

• Silver Membership

• Gold Membership

• Platinum Membership

• Amazon Ads

• Facebook Ads

Get Reviews

Reviews help sell your book. After all, don't you check reviews before you make a purchase? Your readers will too.

You will have to expand your network to sell your book and to get reviews. Many reviewers write blogs and are looking for content. Don't be afraid to ask them to read and review your book. Look for bloggers who write about the kinds of books you like to write.

Here are a few resources to help you find reviewers.

• International Review of Books

• Net Galley

• Good Reads

Get Training

Take the time to get better at your craft. Find your local writer's group, link up with a critique group. Attend workshops. Study, practice and learn. Your local college or university may offer creative writing classes. I still remember lessons I learned years ago at a continuing education seminar on poetry at my alma mater.

• Books Go Social

• Writer's Digest University
• Write-Better-Fiction
• International Dublin Writer's Festival
• Media Angels

Keep Writing

Don't give up on your craft. Keep writing. Keep creating. Keep striving. The only failure is the failure to try.