Quirky October holidays offer book promotion possibilities
One of the easiest ways to promote your book is to link it to events, seasonal occasions, and holidays.
You’ve probably noticed how many businesses use some sort of “back to school” advertising and promotion angle in August and September. You’ll see many doing the same thing with Halloween next month.
You can do this with your book just as easily as they can with their products. It just takes a little imagination.
A long list of fun, quirky holidays helps, too. That’s why I’ve listed what’s coming up for October here.
October book promotion possibilities
If you can link your book to any of them, write and send a press release or tip sheet, write a blog post, create an image to share on social media, or pitch a story idea. All you need is a logical and appropriate link to one of these fun holidays listed below.
For example, if you’re a cookbook author, use October 1, “National Homemade Cookies Day,” as a reason to share cookie recipes from your book. Does your book address the evils of bullying? October 5, “Do Something Nice Day,” provides an opportunity to offer advice on how to prevent or stop bullying. Scan the list for a good fit for your book and have fun with it.
Here are some special days in October to get you thinking. Get more daily, weekly, and monthly holidays for October at Holiday Insights.
- October 1 National Homemade Cookies Day
- October 1 World Vegetarian Day
- October 2 National Custodial Worker Day
- October 3 Techies Day
- October 5 Do Something Nice Day
- October 5 World Teacher’s Day
- October 7 International Frugal Fun Day
- October 9 Leif Erikson Day
- October 9 Moldy Cheese Day
- October 12 Cookbook Launch Day
- October 13 International Skeptics Day
- October 16 Dictionary Day
- October 17 Wear Something Gaudy Day
- October 19 Evaluate Your Life Day
- October 22 Mother-In-Law Day – fourth Sunday in October
- October 24 United Nations Day
- October 27 National Tell a Story Day in the U.K.
- October 28 Make a Difference Day
- October 29 Hermit Day
Don’t be discouraged if none of these or the other October special days are a good fit for your book. You can still look ahead to November and December for inspiration.
You can always create your own holiday, too. Think about the potential with that!
Indie Author Day is October 14 this year
Also, while it doesn’t fit in with the “quirky holiday” list, you’ll want to consider participating in Indie Author Day at libraries nationwide on October 14, 2017. Get information on how to get involved locally at the Indie Author Day website.
Have you been able to connect your book to any kind of holiday or special day and use it to get more exposure for your book? Tell us about it in a comment.Â
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October 12 is National Cookbook Launch Day and I was able to announce my new cookbook, Menu for a Month, last year on that date!
How smart of you, Connie! Thanks!
Sandy
I actually have 2 days–both of which have made it into Chase’s Book of Annual Events.
In November, I have “Zero-Tasking” Day which takes place this year on 11/5–the day daylight savings time ends (tied to my book, The Gifts of Change)
In December, I have “Celebrate Short Fiction” Day, which takes place this year on 12/21–the shortest day of the year–info at http://www.nancychristie.com/focusonfiction/celebrate-short-fiction-day/. That one is tied to my short story collection: Traveling Left of Center and Other Stories
Now I need one tied to my latest book: Rut-Busting Book for Writers!
That’s great, Nancy! How will you promote your holidays this year?
Sandy
Great idea! I’m so glad you wrote this blog post. My spiritual memoir, The Buddha Made Me Do It will be fantastic to promote for Oct 13th, International Skeptics Day!
That’s great, Marla! Have fun with it!
Sandy