Hey friends! Don’t Hide Your Light Under a Laundry Basket is releasing on August 9th, and I’m super-excited! Some of you have generously offered to help me get the word out about the book, so I thought I’d put together a list of things you can do to help. (Bonus: the advice in this list can go for ANY book you want to help get the word out about.)
1. Pre-order the book.
When a lot of people pre-order a book, the booksellers stock more copies (and offer more discounts!) because of the interest in the book. Plus, I have heard from several people who have ALREADY received the copies they ordered from Amazon. So, you may not need to wait until August 9th! You can pre-order the book here.
2. Post a review.
This is one of the best things you can do to help other people find the book and encourage them to check it out. Whether you want to click on stars, post a few sentences on Amazon or Goodreads, or write a full review for your blog (which you could also post on Amazon, Goodreads, etc.), reviews are SO helpful! (If you review the book on your blog or for another publication, make sure to send me a link to it–I will share it!)
3. Post a picture of yourself holding the book.
Pictures grab attention and spark interest. When you get your book, post a picture along with a comment, and perhaps a link to the book’s sales page or my blog.
4. Share quotes.
When you come across a passage that strikes you as insightful or funny, pull out your phone and post the quote to Twitter, Facebook, or wherever you young’uns hang out on the internet. Don’t forget to say where it came from though! It should look something like this:
“I’m looking at you, ‘Jesus-in-my-heart.’ He’s God of the Universe, not a roundworm parasite.” – @jennyrarmstrong #DHYL
“Where did we get the idea that life with Christ is supposed to be a cozy, conservative, risk-averse parody of a Hallmark Channel Christmas Special anyway? That’s certainly not how it happened in the Bible… We need to get comfortable with being uncomfortable.” – Jenny Rae Armstrong, “Don’t Hide Your Light Under a Laundry Basket”
Or, get creative! If you feel inspired to turn quotes into memes for Facebook, Pinterest, your blog, and whatnot, go for it! Just don’t forget to say who and where the quote came from. Otherwise it’s plagiarism, and scores of angry English professors will show up on your online doorstep with virtual torches and pitchforks. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
5. Blog about it.
Maybe you don’t feel like writing a review, but you’d like to write about how something in the book impacted you, or share a perspective that is different than mine, or post a video review, or whatever. Go for it! (Send me a link when you are done, and I will share it.)
6. Tell your friends (and your family, and your church, and your small group…) about it.
There’s nothing like word of mouth. Tell your co-worker about the book, give it as a gift at a baby shower, suggest it to the mom’s group at your church.
7. Ask your library and local bookstores to stock the book.
Oftentimes, a simple request is all it takes!
8. Book me to speak at your MOPS group, church retreat, or special event, or Skype me in for a book group discussion.
I love to speak and connect with people in real life, encouraging them to follow Jesus more closely and grow into whatever God has for them. Check out my speaker’s page here, and shoot me an email to talk details.
So, there you go! Eight easy ways to help you promote my book–or any other book you want to get the word out about. Thanks so much!!!
Do you have other ideas to add? Tell me about them in the comments!
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