LinkedIn is one of the world's most popular professional networking sites, with more than 47 million members around the world. It's also a great place to promote books. Here are five ways to promote your book on LinkedIn, plus two ideas to avoid. 1. Feature your book prominently on your LinkedIn profile. You can draw attention to your book on your profile headline and summary. Another idea is to create a separate position as an author, which gives more emphasis to your book. Be careful not to overdo this promotion, however. You don't want your profile to read like an advertisement for your book. 2. Update your status regularly. Your LinkedIn status is one of the best ways to communicate news about your book to your LinkedIn connections. You can start when you first land your book deal (or begin the writing process on a self-published book). Then update your status as your book progresses. Don't stop when your book is released, however. You can also update your status when you receive any media mentions or post something interesting on your blog that relates to your book.
3. Install the Reading List by Amazon application and add your book. This generates exposure on your profile and across your network. 4. Review LinkedIn Answers for questions that relate to the topic of your book. Provide genuine, helpful information to demonstrate your expertise and then identify yourself as the author of a related book at the end of your answer. 5. When you receive reviews or interviews in the media, add them as news items to relevant LinkedIn groups. You shouldn't overdo this, but promoting a mention in the legitimate media can often increase your book sales. Here are two things, you don't want to do: 1. Don't spam your LinkedIn connections with sales pitches for your book. One fellow author actually sent me three "buy it now!" messages on LinkedIn in just a few weeks. This isn't a good way to endear yourself to your LinkedIn network, nor it is a good way to sell books. At most, consider sending one (just one!) message to "share the good news" about your book with selected LinkedIn connections. In this way, you're just letting your network know about a big event in your life. Hand-picking the people in your network who are a good match for your message is an even better idea. 2. Don't spam LinkedIn groups with sales pitches either. If you’re very active with a group, you might consider a brief announcement about your book. Otherwise, focus on posting relevant new media items about it or participate in group discussions in a genuine way, using your book only to identify your area of expertise. In general, a low-key approach to book promotion generates the best results on LinkedIn. Let people know about your book, but let your knowledge and expertise do the selling for you. Patrice-Anne Rutledge is the author of 27 books and an expert in social networking and online book promotion. Her latest book, Sams Teach Yourself LinkedIn in 10 Minutes (Pearson, 2009), is available at bookstores worldwide. Other recent books include The Web-Savvy Writer: Book Promotion with a High-Tech Twist, Second Edition (Pacific Ridge Press, 2008). You can reach Patrice at her website.
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