When you write a book, getting it published is only the first step in the process. Marketing your book takes as much—if not more time—than writing it. Authors whose books sell well consider every moment a marketing opportunity.

How do you let the world know your book exists?

Through your signature line.

1. Create a Web site/blog dedicated to your book and/or area of expertise.
2. Create a signature line that includes your name, your book’s title (with a link to its sales page), and your Web site/blog address (URL).

Example:

Carla Williams
Author of As You Walk Along the Way: How to Lead Your Child on the Path of Spiritual Discipline

The Spiritual Mom
555-555-5555

You might want to include a low-res image of your logo, your book cover, or your mug shot in your sig line.

Include your signature line—or at the very least, your Web site’s URL:

• in every e-mail you send (if you use Outlook, it offers easy instructions for creating sig lines for each of your e-mail addresses)
• on every comment you make on someone else’s blog or forum
• on your business cards
• on your letterhead
• on proposals and queries
• in mass mailings
• on your marketing materials:
  • mouse pads
  • pens
  • coasters
  • bookmarks
  • postcards
  • magnets
  • bumper stickers
  • window clings
  • t-shirts
  • posters
  • key chains
  • on advertisements for your book
  • on your checks
  • on books you autograph

So, let’s say you want to create a sig line in Outlook. Here’s how:

1. Create a new e-mail message
2. In the “Message” menu, choose “Signatures”
3. Click “New” and give your sig line a name (this name won’t show – it’s just to help you remember it)
4. In the text editor, create your sig line. You can customize type colors, sizes, and styles; insert images and hyperlinks; you can even create a custom business card.
5. If you have multiple signature lines (for business and personal), choose a default signature.
6. Click “OK.”

When you start a new e-mail message, your new sig line should appear at the bottom of every message.

What are you waiting for? Create your own sig line right now, and then comment on this post so we can see your signature.

Market in every moment!