Author Guide: Social Media Promotion (EN)

Discover best practice for promoting your title on social media.

SOCIAL MEDIA PROMOTION

Promoting your new book via social media is a powerful way to reach a wider audience. This requires planning, creativity, and ongoing engagement. While Peter Lang Group will utilize its own social media channels for promotion, we strongly encourage authors and editors to actively participate in their own social media efforts.

 

PLANNING YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGY

• Identify your target audience: Determine which social media platforms your ideal readers frequent. Consider your own social media habits and the platforms you're most comfortable using.

• Plan your content:  

    • Create a content calendar: Schedule posts in advance, including announcements, book excerpts, behind-the-scenes insights, and positive reviews.
    • Align your posts: Coordinate your posting schedule with book launches, industry events, or other relevant dates. 

• Prepare visuals: Enhance your posts with engaging visuals. Explore platforms like Canva for easy-to-use templates and design tools.

 

Initial Posting

• Teaser post: Once your book enters production, share a short teaser – an intriguing excerpt or a captivating description.

• Official announcement: Upon publication, share a visually appealing post featuring the book cover, title, release date, a short summary, and a link to purchase.

• Utilize relevant hashtags: Increase your reach with relevant hashtags such as #BookLaunch, #NewRelease, #AcademicTwitter, #[YourField], etc.

• Tag Relevant Accounts: Tag the Peter Lang Group social media accounts and other relevant individuals or institutions.

 

Ongoing Engagement

• Maintain consistent posting: Regularly share engaging content to keep your audience informed and interested.

• Leverage stories: Utilize Instagram or Facebook Stories for updates, Q&A sessions, and behind-the-scenes glimpses.

• Platform-specific content: Adapt your content to each platform. LinkedIn is suitable for longer-form posts, while Instagram and Facebook excel at visual content. X (formerly Twitter) is ideal for short, concise updates and discussions.

• Encourage interaction: Ask questions, respond to comments, and foster a dialogue with your audience.

• Explore collaborations: Connect with book bloggers, influencers, or other authors for potential reviews or mentions.

• Consider a giveaway (optional):  

    • Note: While we encourage engagement, please be aware that Peter Lang Group generally cannot provide free book copies for giveaways.
    • Alternative: Consider offering a discount code or a signed bookplate instead. 

BEST PRACTICES

• Authenticity is key: Be yourself and let your personality shine through.

• Visual appeal: Prioritize visually engaging content: videos > images > text.

• Optimal posting Times: Post when your target audience is most active.

• Consistency is crucial: Maintain a regular posting schedule for optimal visibility. By implementing these strategies, you can effectively leverage social media to promote your book and connect with a wider audience.