Adriana is right in saying that the more an author can do (especially a debut author), the better. Some of the things I did (and am still doing) to promote ALL THE NUMBERS include: I left my teaching job to promote the book and write the next one (it helped that my husband completely supported my decision!), I regularly seek out contacts on the internet--other bloggers, groups who promote books, etc. and network to get the book in the hands of readers, every time I go out of town I stop in at bookstores and offer to sign stock, I set aside part of my advance to go to book festivals and also used it to reserve a spot on Authorbuzz. Oh, and I meet with bookclubs--so far, 30+ since it came out in July 2006.

My last book was designed to attract a wide audience and included a bonus code to drive readers to my website to develop a bigger list. Although I do events, I am moving more to a virtual promotion model. My favorite events are the author events I put on--we provide an audience, feed the author, and even give them some gas money. As an author I love those events where they have done additional marketing, have the book on display, and also schedule a lunch or similar draw to enhance the sales.

When my first book came out, I mapped out a route and went to visit booksellers in my region. If they carried my book, I signed them. If they didn't I smiled, delivered my thirty second synopsis, handed them some bookmarks, and asked them to consider ordering. If they seemed truly interested in the story, I gave them a signed copy of the book. This wasn't easy -- as in terrifying. I don't think anyone enjoys making cold calls on strangers. However, by the end of my thousand mile journey I'd visited over one hundred stores, given away a case of books, and met many lovely booksellers. Yes, there were a few cranky ones in the mix but, assuming you are polite and respectful of their time, most booksellers are happy to talk with a debut authors and loaded with helpful insight and advice of how to reach a wider audience.