Books are an old technology, obviously invented long before the Internet. However, if self publishing a book is part of your business plan, make sure to leverage the power of the internet by incorporating some (or all) of these extra marketing sections into your book, specifically designed to convey credibility, attract clients and build your business.

For most self publishers, these are “bonus” sections. But as self publishing evolves, I believe they will become more standard practice, and I highly recommend them to all my book design clients.

1. “Praise For [your name here]”

This is actually a fairly common section, but most self publishers don’t think of it. Before the front matter even begins (e.g., the title page), include some advance review blurbs in your book. The purpose is to present the reader (first thing) with praise for your book. Ok yes most people won’t read it word by word, but it is still a subtle and powerful cue for a reader (or potential reader who may be perusing your book on Amazon via the “Look Inside” feature) to convey credibility.

How to do it: getting the advance reviews blurbs can be a significant task in and of itself. But I always highly encourage my clients to make this effort, even if they end up with only a few advance reviews as they launch (more will come later). There’s also another way to go about getting advance reviews called “NetGalley,” but it requires quite a healthy marketing budget.

2. “Get your free gift at [link here]...”

This beautifully generous idea (think of it as a book “call to action”) can be sprinkled throughout the book, in numerous places.

How to do it: Create a page on your website that contains a special downloadable PDF for your readers, once they provide their email address. This may require some advance planning with your website designer and potentially an email marketing professional. However, it is well worth trying for, because you can potentially build your email list and stay in touch with your readers after they’ve bought your book (thereby creating potentially new business relationships and building your credibility).

3. “Connect with the Author [social media links/website here]...”

People love to connect directly with the author of a powerful book they just read!

How to do it: At the end of your book simply include links to your author social media accounts on the back cover of your book. To be as considerate as possible to your readers (especially if you’re including this in or on your paperback books), carefully use bit.ly links or other url shorteners.

4. “If you enjoyed this book, please leave a quick honest review here...”

Because reviews are so important for sales, make it as dead easy as possible for people who love your book to remember to give it a quick honest review.

How to do it: I always include this text on the copyright page of the paperback, and at the end of the book. Remember to include (shortened) links to your book’s sales page, as well as very clear simple steps to help the reader, e.g., “Click on this link and then scroll down to the “Write a Customer Review” button.

Again, many people will just ignore this suggestion. But a few may appreciate the instructions and leave you a nice juicy review.

Thank you to Edward Jones of Obnato for asking about this on the FB Group “Self Publishing and Book Marketing,” thereby inspiring my response.