We moved in December, and I finally got my new office set up, and my books organized onto freshly painted mint-green shelves. People often ask me what books to read about creativity – here’s a shot of one of my creatvity shelves. (Don’t worry that nail polish is not really spilled.)

Where do you hear about – and want to read – a new book? This is a great question for authors to pay attention to, especially self-published authors. If you don’t have a publicist (or even if you do) let’s talk about where eager readers find you.

The #1 way for readers to hear about and want to read your book is Word of Mouth. A friend tells them how great a read it was. WOM is seriously amplified by social media posts on FB, Twitter and Instagram. People tell their friends about a book they loved. But if it’s not directly from a friend (or friend of a friend) then where else do readers seek and trust advice about books they’d like to read.

  • Goodreads
  • NPR
  • The New Arrivals section at their favorite book store
  • Pinterest – especially publishers’ boards
  • Amazon’s “if you like…” recommendations
  • Book Clubs
  • Airports
  • Google search of topics relevant to book
  • Amazon Reviews
  • Radio
  • Book TV
  • References in other books (non-fiction)
  • Poets & Writers reviews
  • Literary Hub
  • Book Festivals
  • Book reviews (NYT, New Yorker, O Magazine, local paper, etc.)
  • Bookmark Magazine
  • Silent Book Clubs
  • Bookaholics
  • Morning talk shows
  • TED talks
  • Podcasts
  • Costco Connection book list
  • Co-workers, and schoolmates

This is a great list, given by individual readers in response to the question on FB. I captured it, so we would all be better armed when we head out to publicize our books. When you have a book coming out, what process do you go through to let people know about your new book? Where will readers find it?

We won’t all get a review in the New York Times or be featured in O Magazine, so, how do we get seen?

And when is the best time to start building the platform that will help your book be taken seriously when you publish? We’ll be talking about this topic in the FB group – Write Without the Fight this week. Come on over, chime in if you’ve been through the publishing or self-publishing process and ask questions if the work is ahead for you.