One of the file folders in my Marketing Plan pocket folder is labeled “Friends.” Here, inside this folder, I’m gathering information and ideas for marketing my book through my friends, including many of you who are reading along on my blog!

I’ve heard lots of advice about getting your friends involved to help them market your new book. Some of the advice, however, seems obnoxious and too hard-sell for my palate. I don’t want my friends to feel obligated to help me market my book ’cause I value your friendship more than any promotional strategy that might help sell a book.

However, many of my friends are also writers, so we all understand how important it is to help each other as much as possible. We do this by posting reviews of each other’s books on Amazon.com and including links to each other’s blogs or websites on our own blog.

In my file folder labeled “Friends,” I’m therefore making a list of my friends who I know like to help out fellow writers. I’m also jotting down HOW each of them usually like to help, so I can be sure to connect with them in a way that’s within their comfort zone and in a way that will build our friendship, not damage it.

Another thing I’m doing is gather ideas. Some of my friends, especially my writer friends, have said they’d love to help get the word out in any way they can. I’m trying to collect ideas to share with them to make their labor of love easier.

Here are some of the fantastic ways some of my friends are already helping to spread the word:

Sherri Crawford posted a blog about my book on her blog, Sherri Tales

Tina and Mirka, two friends from my awesome online picture book critique group called Pens and Brushes, posted 5-star reviews on Amazon.com.

Members from Pens and Brushes are also posting comments about my book on a Message Board at Children’s Book Insider that Tina started after the publisher posted an ad.

Friends are a great help in marketing a new book. I’d like to personally thank all of you who are going to the extra mile to help get the word out about mine. Thank you and lots of hugs!