Fern Reiss is CEO of PublishingGame.com, offering books, workshops, and consulting on how to get a literary agent, publish, and promote a book. She's got some innovative insights for how to hawk your wares:

Real Locations Mean Real Marketing Opportunities
The more actual, existing elements you can include in your novel, the broader your marketing options. So include real locations, authentic corporations, and actual associations. (Of course, be sure you use these real venues and groups just as colorful background detail; be careful not to say anything libelous and don't violate trademarks.) Once your book includes real locations and groups, you can try to sell your books in those locations, and make quantity sales to those corporations and associations. (And if anyone can figure out a subtle way for me to include Canyon Ranch in my next book, please let me know.)

Forget Traditional Readings; Take Your Show on the (Thematic) Road
Sadly, not that many people attend book readings unless the author is already famous. So what can you do if you're a good, but not-yet-marquee-name novelist? Design an alternative to the traditional reading. Again, follow your niche: If your book features a knitter, create a knitting event; if your novel showcases a chef, organize a cooking demonstration. Your target audience will be interested in a nonfiction presentation or event just as much as-if not more than-a reading, and you'll likely sell more books as a result.

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