Book Promoting -- Part 4 -- the Amazon Power User

Now I'm going to talk about one tool you simply must use if you're going to promote. And that is Amazon. I'm perfectly serious. Amazon gives you some pretty massive tools to promote your books, and if you're an author, you simply must do this.

Now, you may be looking at me sideways and tell me I'm full of crap. That's okay. Let me explain why Amazon is so damn powerful:

1. Amazon allows open distribution of its software so other sites may use it and modify it to fit their needs. So, when you go to a particular site that sells books, they often use Amazon's software and incorporate things such as reviews and other features into their own websites.

2. I have heard that as much as 40% of book sales now occur through the web. While Amazon isn't the only kid on the block, it is the 1000 pound gorilla. Namely, it has serious clout.

3. When people want to know how a book is doing, they go to Amazon. It's a staple for most people.

4. Amazon has links into the used book market as well. Very handy.

Okay, but what can Amazon do for you? Let's go through the tools and see if you're using them:

1. The Amazon Author Pages. Amazon has opened up its author pages to anyone who has a book for sale with Amazon. While you may have a blog somewhere else, link it in. Once you make an entry, that entry goes to the author page and works as your blog. People looking for new books by you will invariably stumble across your page, so it's a good idea to make sure that it has your latest books listed.

2. Book Reviews.Okay, most people may not read them, but if someone is waffling over your book, having five star reviews is better than having none. If you have friends who like your book or fans who tell you that your book is wonderful, ask them to write a favorable review on it. (No, it's not cheating. Everyone does it). Offer to write a good review on Amazon for a friend (whose book you like) in return for a good review of yours (if they like it). Yes, I've done that. No, I don't feel guilty.

If you can't find anyone to review your book or need to address your audience about the book, try writing your own reviews. Yes, I do it. It makes you a bit more human to people and much more approachable.

3. Amazon Shorts. No, we're not talking boxers or briefs. We're talking a short story published that costs a reader 49 cents to purchase. It gives your readers a taste for your writing and steers them towards your books.

4. Your Amazon Profile. Yes, you need to edit your Amazon Profile to make sure people know who you are and what books you have. You can include links to your webpage.

5. Amazon Associates. This is a great tool for you to sell books on your website. While you may not care if they purchase directly from you or from Amazon (and, by the way, you do get a kick-back if you sell off your webpage), you can show people what the cover of your book is and how much it costs on Amazon. It really is worth it.

Next up in the series is Book Promoting -- Part 5 -- Social Networking or If I Twitter Does That Make Me a Twit?