Believe it or not, it’s never too early to start thinking about ways you can begin marketing your book. As the author, you are the best marketing advocate of your own work, and there are several steps you can take now to ensure a successful launch later. First, some important advice: You should never be afraid of self-promotion. You have an important message to deliver, and you’re our most important asset.

Future conferences and publications

Many professional associations and publications request conference proposals or articles as far as a year in advance. Carefully consider your book’s publication date and schedule your efforts around it. One of the best ways to get the word out is if you’re presenting or publishing on the very same topic once your book is available. Reach out to your Acquisitions Editor, who can introduce you to your Marketing Manager if you need help identifying the very best organizations and publications to target.

Network, network, network!

If you’re on the road consulting or speaking between now and publication, share the news about your upcoming book. If not, attempt to do so. Many of the connections you make now will assist us later. And track your efforts! Your contacts and email lists will be the very first prospects Sales & Marketing will approach. In fact, start compiling your own personal mailing list—clients, colleagues, friends—and plan to immediately follow up with an email announcement when your book publishes.

Think social media

The online environment has opened up entirely new communication channels, and one of the most exciting is social media. This is an opportunity for you to share your message with future colleagues and customers. We urge you to explore:

• An author website: Consider launching a website and blog. One of the best ways to drive interest is by writing posts that align with your book’s topic. Later on, we can link to your blog from our own website.
• Facebook: If you aren’t already on Facebook, you should set up a professional account and start networking now. Facebook’s reach is vast, and it’s is the easiest way to build your profile as you reach out to new colleagues and networks. Later, as publication nears, you can post YouTube recordings of your speaking events. And don’t forget to “friend” Corwin.
• LinkedIn: Again, you’ll find here important future colleagues and networks to tap in anticipation of your book’s publication. Join those groups that best match your future readership and be sure to contribute regularly.
• Twitter: Join Twitter, follow other leaders in the field, and attempt to attract followers of your own. And don’t forget to follow Corwin on Twitter. When the time comes that your book publishes, you’ll want to update us on any noteworthy events: speaking engagements, book signings, and other promotional activities.
• Related online discussion lists, groups, and forums: Are you aware of any online discussion groups or forums related to you book’s topic? By all means, join them. Twitterchats are a good way to connect with other educators around a similar topic. To find Twitterchats that interest you, please see the Weekly Twitterchat Schedule compiled by Jerry 
• Corwin Connect: We'd love to have you write a guest post on Corwin's blog, Corwin Connect. Please see our Submissions page for information on what to write, or email connect@corwin.com.

One word of warning despite our urgings that you self-promote: don’t overwhelm your colleagues with sales messages. The best way to attract followers is to engage them through your special insight and expertise. Sales will soon follow.

Endorsements

Once you have drafted your manuscript, start thinking about whom you can approach as possible endorsers or a foreword writer. As soon as we have a first or second draft, your Editorial Assistant can send on your manuscript. Think big! Keep in mind that an endorsement from your colleague down the hall carries a lot less weight than that of an immediately recognizable authority from your field. If you know a major thought leader personally, by all means reach out. If you have a friend of a friend in common, ask for an introduction. At the same time, be realistic.