Local Book Marketing
Take Your Book Into Your Community
Local book marketing starts with having books ready. Keep author copies to hand for bookshops, events, talks, community outreach, and other in-person opportunities.
Speak with your Book Consultant about ordering additional copies for your local and in-person marketing plans.
Be Ready When Opportunities Arise
Your Book Cannot Be Handed Out If You Do Not Have It With You
Online marketing can help people learn about your book, but many author opportunities still happen face to face. A conversation after a presentation, a community event, a local introduction, or an unexpected meeting can become a useful chance to put your book directly into someone’s hands.
Having additional copies available means you are better prepared when those opportunities arise. Instead of waiting to order books after an event is scheduled, you can keep a practical supply ready for the kinds of outreach you plan to pursue.
In-Person Marketing
Put Your Author Copies To Work
Think of author copies as part of your in-person marketing toolkit. Depending on your book and goals, you can use them for:
01
Signings & Local Events
Author signings, meet-and-greets, and local events
02
Local Bookshops
Introductions to local bookshops and independent retailers
03
Community Outreach
Libraries, community centres, schools, clubs, churches, and community organisations
04
Events & Speaking
Book fairs, festivals, conferences, workshops, and speaking engagements
05
Professional Contacts
Copies for event hosts, professional contacts, community leaders, or other people you want to introduce to your work
06
Media & Outreach Opportunities
Local media, podcast, newsletter, or outreach opportunities where a physical copy may be useful
07
Media & Reader Conversations
Direct conversations with readers who want to learn more about your book
Think Beyond One Date
Plan For More Than The Event Itself
If you are ordering copies only for the number of people you expect to meet at one event, you may be overlooking other ways those books can support your marketing. A practical supply gives you room to prepare for follow-up conversations, future appearances, outreach, and opportunities that come up between scheduled events.
Before ordering, think beyond a single date on your calendar. Consider what you have planned over the next several weeks or months and how many copies you may want available across multiple activities.
Practical Planning
Build A Simple Local Book Marketing Plan
Have an event coming up?
Ask your Book Consultant how many copies may make sense for your plans.
List the events, talks, signings, fairs, meetings, or community activities you already have planned.
Identify nearby bookshops, libraries, groups, and organisations that may be relevant to your book.
Estimate how many copies you want available for each activity, plus a practical amount for unexpected opportunities and follow-up.
Prepare simple supporting materials such as your author bio, book description, bookmarks, postcards, or contact information.
Keep some copies accessible so you are ready when a useful in-person conversation happens.
Keep Your Options Open
More Copies Can Give You More Flexibility
You do not need to pursue every possible marketing activity. The goal is to have enough books available for the opportunities that make sense for you. Keeping a supply of author copies can make it easier to say yes to a signing, bring books to a speaking engagement, approach a local contact, or continue a conversation without having to wait for another order.
The right quantity depends on your upcoming plans, the types of events you attend, and how actively you want to market your book in person.
Ready To Stock Up For Local Marketing?
Keep Author Copies Ready For Local Opportunities
Speak with your Book Consultant about ordering additional copies for your local and in-person marketing plans.
Your Next Opportunity
Make Your Next Opportunity Easier To Act On
Local book marketing is built one interaction at a time. Whether you are attending a local event, speaking to a group, visiting a bookshop, or simply meeting someone interested in your subject, having copies ready allows you to make the most of the moment.
Talk with your Book Consultant about your upcoming plans and the number of books you may want to have to hand for your next round of local and in-person marketing.
Call Your Book Consultant: +44 20 3885 6882