Meet Harsha Sheelam.

Harsha Sheelam always had the passion for writing. In the year 2016, she practiced writing more extensively. This led to her recognition in newspapers, magazines, blogs, and digital content. She possesses versatility in writing stories, debatable topics, politics, social, fashion, entertainment, reviews, fashion and lifestyle. Today she is a children’ book author, she debuted in 2017 with the book ‘Beautiful Inside and Out’ which is a collection of short stories. She launched it with the aim of empowering young girls and boys. She has the dedication to her craft which makes the children believe that they are beautiful inside and out. Same year her juvenile fiction novel, ‘Good Exists in all that Exists’ released. As the title suggests, the book is based around the theme of ‘good overpowering the bad’. There is a hidden meaning for every action. The book does not fail to enhance the enchanted experience of the reader.
Beginning of a new year, in 2018 ‘The House of Terry Atterberry’ made it to book-selling portals. Terry’s tales champion hard work, perseverance, honesty and compassion. The riches that kids gain through this book are overcoming fear, not undermining people, understanding no one is perfect, knowing your true friends, and more. The book is a collection of 15 inspiring fables from the life of a fictional character.
Today, 3 books old, and anticipating more, this is Harsha Sheelam for you.

Social links:
www.sheelamharsha.com
www.facebook.com/harshasheelamm/
www.instagram.com/harshasheelam

Guest Post

How can a self-published author market their book?

Self-publishing is a DIY platform has provided a new path for aspiring writers. Many authors have ditched vanity press, or publishing houses who take about a year to get a book into the market.

Thanks to the advancement of creativity and technology, self-publishing is now available at fingertips without the involvement of an established publisher, known for zero loyalty towards royalty. In traditional publishing, the publisher bears the costs and reaps substantial share of profits by comparison, in self-publishing, the author bears all the costs, and is the sole proprietor for all the profits.

The author controls the design, cover, interior, marketing and public relations. Though it’s a fairly easy task to get the book out for readers, marketing is not a small man’s job. Marketing and promoting the book is the best way to get new readers looking at your work. Without it, you will only have a niche customer group that includes your family and friends.

The most effective ways to push the sales, generate traffic on your website, and make your book a success are-

Pre-Book Launch
Cover reveal– Cover reveal is preferably done before the launch of the book. Here the authors try to build curiosity among their readers and new audience. The bloggers write about the cover and make it very intriguing for the readers. The cover reveal is the best way of pre-marketing the book.
Post Book Launch
Early Stages
Book reviews– Book reviews are the most traditional way of reaching out to readers. No author is unaware about book reviews. There are many who earn a living just by doing book reviews, while others do it out of interest. The critical analysis of the book through the review is helpful to generate feedback and interest about the book. Book reviews should be taken up during the early stages of the book launch.
Facebook Groups– Numerous groups on social media, most preferably, Facebook, provides a platform of discussion for authors in every genre. With no doubt, these groups are the most efficient way to build public relations, not only within your country, but globally as well. A global audience is what every author should aim for and not feel restricted to one territory.
Book Tours– Book bloggers have made it simple for authors to market their books. Few of them provide their services at a cost while others are kind to do it for free. Book tours are blog posts about the author, synopsis of their books, cover design and content of the book. Few bloggers also write a small review for the book. On the whole, the book tours are a complete package for authors. Websites with a lot of traffic are highly recommended for book tours even if it comes at a cost.

Later Stages
Author Interview– Author interviews are conducted by authors, virtual assistants and book bloggers who like to feature and support authors on their blog or website. The interview questions give the readers an answer about your work and what it’s all about. Not only do the interviews provide the author a push, but also help them to gain new followers and readers. Every blog or website has their followers and readers, when they learn about the author through the interview; it only attracts new people to the author’s website.
Podcasts– Author interviews through podcast channels are yet another way to put yourself out there. Podcast industry is growing on a daily basis with many author interview channels being labeled as No.1 on iTunes, and iHeartRadio. The audio files are posted on many podcast featuring online portals and also downloaded by listeners. This is the most modern way of promotion for authors. Few podcasts I’m aware of are Reading with Jedlie and The Author’s Show which provide an interview and book reading platform.
Guest Writing– Inviting guests to your website to write a blog suitable for your readers draws attention of the guest’s readers as well. In this way, a new audience is generated. Writing guest posts for another blog or website helps to gain unique readers and generates traffic on your website. When you do this, be aware of the genre you want to write about and if the website accepts posts in that genre. Also, when you’re doing the same for your website, do not drift away from your said purpose, and the kind of audience you would like to have.
Blogs– Traffic can be increased on your website by writing daily blogs of all the things you find interesting and will ‘fit in’ with your website. Blogs help in interaction between the writer and the reader. Allowing comments, likes and shares helps to build social presence, and is an efficient way for maintaining public relations.

-Harsha Sheelam

Check out Harsha’s other guest post published on A New Look On Books here!