It probably is but I was wondering anyways, it probably wouldn't be proper to brag about my brother, who wrote a book, and tell the name of the book, hoping he could get a boost? He's trying really really hard to 'get his foot in the door' but is finding out it's harder than he_ _ to become a writer. And he's pretty good.

If it is against the rules, does anybody have any other suggestions as to ways of promoting his new book?

Thanks so much for any help you can give. :)

Maureen, you can brag about any book you want around here. You might want to find the forum for the category of book that he writes under.

Also, keep in mind that recirculating used books is not extremely popular with authors or publishers, as they receive no compensation from used books. That is not to say that we don't from time to time hear of authors we want to give a try and go out an buy those books, so it's worth mentioning anyways.

What's his name, and what did he write? just curious . . .

Cindi, many writers are pleased when their books are recirculated.  At the very least, it encourages people who enjoy the second-hand ones to consider buying future books new.

Thanks Cindi :)

His name is Paul Corbeil and his book is called The Plains of Megiddo "A Novel for America"

He self-published his book, plus paid for 2 ads in our local newspaper, so his money is all gone. He's approached several bookstores, our local library, and lots of other places. So far, only one bookstore has responded to his request. He started working on this book 2 years before 9/11 and just got it out this past summer.
I just would love to see him succeed.

Maurine,

You could always put it in your signature as a book you recommend and then post it to your shelf, maybe a few orders here may at least get some into circulation. You may never know into whose hands it may land! All he needs is exposure to the right person and he may just make the best seller list.

You can definitely talk about it!  I agree with Cheryl.  Put it in your signature line that you recommend the book and post it to your shelf.  When someone requests the book, post another copy.  It'll maybe get his book into circulation.

I've seen several PBS members mentioning books written by family members on the forums.

I think it is a great suggestion about the signature line and putting it on your shelf.  There are a few other forums like Hidden Gems where you can promote a book/author that you think is great.  Best of luck to him.

tell him to sign up at goodreads.com as an author....start adding people as friends and promoting his book that way.  another good way to get it out there, I've read a few by authors from that site.

also, tell him to go to rebeccasreads.com and check out their book review service.  If he will send a copy to them to have someone review, then they post that review on their site.  I am a reviewer there but don't know all the details

Maureen, what's it about.  The title is intriguing.  I found it on Amazon, but the description wasn't very clear.

He could go on to some websites and and offer free copies to a few people in exchange for them writing reviews.

Has he applied for an ISBN and registered it with Amazon.com?

The book is listed on Amazon.

I'll give him the suggestion of offering free copies to some online resources and see if they'd review it for him. I do think he's done that with certain places, major bookstores(Border's and B&N), and local smaller places. The more exposure, the better. The only response he has had so far is our small town local bookstore, it's a start. I'm not sure how many copies he started out with but I do know he's passed out quite a few for reviewing. He's even offered to let stores take it in a consignment kind of a way. He's been doing this since late spring, not sure how long the process takes of getting people to review a book. I'm sure they get tons of hopeful writers.

It's hard for me to explain what the book is about but the basis of it was inspired by his religion. It's primary purpose is to tell us that we shouldn't be afraid of these times, and of what's to come because there will be better things ahead.

Thanks everyone for your input!

if it is religious in nature why not talk to stores like Family Christian?  (I think that is the name)

what about going around to churches to see if they have book clubs that might be interested in purchasting copies for their groups?

Once it gets out it and lots of positive reviews, then it could take off like gang busters!  The movie (and I know it is hard to compare it to a book) Flywheel was the movie made before Facing the Giants and it took off like no ones business!

1. Get people to post reviews on Amazon.

2. Find organizations with goals that align with the book and offer to speak to them. Program chairs are always desperate for speakers.

3. Is there a writer's organization he can join? They could help him with ideas to market the book and perhaps do joint signings at bookstores.

4. Write letters to the editor of the local newspapers on related topics and sign his name as author of this book to show his credentials for speaking in this area.

Ask him if he got his book listed with the large vendors like Ingram and Baker and Taylor because most libraries and bookstores buy books from only these sources and are very wary of self published novels.

if he hasnt already, do my space, face book, goodreads, get a blog and go to any book related site he can mentioning his book.

Yeah... if particular churches like it and they have a book club type of thing they may purchase several copies to have the parishiners buy for the group.

Get yourself over to Hidden Gems and start a topic about the book.  Tell us why you think this book is a "gem."  There are a lot of folks over there who love to write and read about books.