20 Free Ways to Promote Yourself

in Your Community

These self-promotion ideas are simple and cost virtually nothing but your time. You can reap big rewards by establishing yourself as a celebrity and an active participant in your community.  Your friends, relatives, business and social contacts are the first level of your readership and fan base.  Invest a few hours each week to cultivate resources that can lead to paying projects and book sales in the future.  

Teach Others About Writing

1.  Hold and judge a writing contest for grade, middle or high school students.

2.  Mentor creative writing or journalism students at your local high school.

3.  Volunteer as a guest lecturer at your local community college.

4.  Volunteer as a mentor or advisor to a high school or college yearbook, magazine or newspaper.

5.  Organize a volunteer group to read to visually-impaired citizens in your area.

6.  Organize a local book club.

7.  Conduct a writing seminar at your local senior center.

8.  Make a speech or presentation at your local library or community center.

9.  Visit your local bookstore(s) regularly just to chat with the staff and customers.

10.  Get involved with the literacy campaign at your local library. If there isn't one, start one.

Get Your Name in the News

1.  Write book reviews for your local newspaper.

2.  Write publicity releases for your local civic or professional group.

3.  Invite your local newspaper, radio or television station to do a "Day in the Life of" feature on you. Of course, you pick a day you are busy in the community.

4.  Write a column for your local newspaper.

5.  Send publicity releases to your local news media every time you win an award, have a magazine article accepted or a book contracted, or are recognized in any way.

6.  Host a local radio or television show about books and writing.

7.  Volunteer to write or edit a newsletter for a professional or civic organization.

8.  Write letters to the editor of your local newspaper.

9.  Volunteer to write or edit marketing material for community events.

10.  Become an advocate. Adopt a "cause" (such as literacy or homelessness or substance abuse prevention, etc) and volunteer to be a local spokesperson.

 

© 2006 Jeanne Vincent  All Rights Reserved

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