If you are marketing a book then you need to understand the importance of networking. Many authors love to write, but find it hard to network. Therefore, they may focus on writing and hope that their book succeeds on its own. The simple fact is that if you ignore networking to market a book then your book sales will suffer. Every author should become comfortable with networking if you want to be successful.

Networking is a marketing activity that is constantly evolving. Networking involves word-of- mouth, print, video, audio, and other forms of technology. Networking to market a book can be as simple as speaking to friends and colleagues about your book to setting up interviews on national television programs. The extent of your networking depends on your motivation to succeed and your perseverance.

Start networking from the ground up by marketing your book to your family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors. These contacts are familiar with you, your work, and are most likely to want to see you succeed. Send copies of your book to these contacts and ask them to spread the word, write online reviews, and generate interest in your book. Rack your brain for any media contacts in your home town that could lead to local interviews and book signings. Your local area may be small, but a local friend or colleague may have access to a big time media contact.

Marketing a book through networking also means spreading information about your book to a global audience. You can target potential readers and contacts by attending writing conferences, trade shows, and book fairs. Seek out any stores or companies that would be interested in your book. For example, you can contact pet stores, veterinarians, and veterinarian associations that may be interested in a book you have written regarding a new product or system for canines.

Another way to market your book through networking is to become informed about what other authors are doing. Read Publishers Weekly (www.publishersweekly.com), as it highlights the marketing efforts of several publishers and authors. You can find contact information for these authors through the publisher’s website. Contact these authors requesting that they review your book. If the author has a website, you can also request that you set up a reciprocal link with their website.

Let your finger tips do the walking when it comes to networking. You can connect with authors and publishers on the Internet. Publishersmarketplace.com is a popular website that enables authors, publishers, and media outlets to connect. Invest the time and money in these networking resources because if you don’t, no one else will.