By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

Varying reasons can put a writer behind in marketing and promotion. Perhaps you’ve been hit with health problems, personal issues, unseen travel, or maybe you didn’t know how or when to pre-launch a book.

Don’t despair! The following eight tips will help tie up your release date with a big, green bow etched in dollar signs. Even if you have only one month until your book appears on retailers’ shelves.

1. Word of mouth is the best way to promote our work. Enlist others to spread the word via social media. I’m not talking about influencers knocking on doors (they could), but using their social media platforms to let others know about your book and why it will be a positive addition to their lives. Ask them to visit their local book stores to ensure your book will be on their shelves.
2. Develop Tweets and Facebook posts that entice readers. Make sure you are meeting their needs not just spouting accolades about yourself. Post regularly. Use hashtags to draw attention to your topic. Include @YourName on Twitter so others can follow you.
3. Ask friends and followers to post reviews on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, CBD, and other retail outlets. This is a biggie. Get a book or e-book into the hands of those who love your work. Many readers (like me) base their next read on reviews.
4. Deliver bookmarks to retail books stores in your area. Forgot to order them? Use your computer and create a professional and pleasing bookmark that not only encourages readers with a powerful story, but also contains a bio, photo, and contact information for you. Print them out and share!
5. Reach out to your community for speaking engagements. The library is a great place to begin. Readers love to hear about the creation process and want to form a relationship with the author.
6. Bookstores welcome a personable author who adores readers. Make your event grand, colorful, and exciting.
7. Plan an online giveaway with great prizes.
8. Lead the reader to your website where they can connect with you on social media. Relationships are designed to last a lifetime.

When the month is over, keep up the momentum! In addition to reviewing the above seven tips, add others. Create a spreadsheet to show progress. What would you do differently the next time? Where would you place more effort?

Okay, writers, here is the scenario: You have only one month to promote your book before the release date. What will you do first?

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. Library Journal presented her with a Best Books 2014: Genre Fiction award in the Christian Fiction category for Firewall.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Suspense Sister, and International Thriller Writers. She is co-director of The Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference and The Author Roadmap with social media specialist Edie Melson. She teaches writing workshops around the country. DiAnn is active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.

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