Marketing a novel from an unpublished/unknown author?

What are the general thoughts about marketing (IM) a novel from an unknown author? Of course I will build a landing page to the novel (Amazon Kindle), but what do you target? I mean, I suppose you could target 'novel' or even some long tail keywords, but it's not exactly the most productive pursuit. I've been puzzled about this for years.

I've written four novels, plus numerous children's books. One of the novels (and several of the kids books) is on Kindle but it really hasn't gone anywhere. It's not been my main focus but it's on the back burner/to-do list. I sense there's something obvious I'm overlooking here. Thanks.

You can target long tail keywords

Like if you book is on child novels , then you can use like

Best child novels , free child novels and as much as you can .

More keywords you are ranking for , means more traffic

<Traffic> = </$$$>

Targeting such a broad keyword set is your first mistake. I suggest you analyze what your books are about (subject matter & theme) and target related keywords.

For example, if your children's book is about "teaching the value of honesty" then target terms like:
- books on how to get your child to stop lying
- how to teach your kid to be honest
- teaching children good values

What makes you think it's even possible to market a novel by an unknown author online? How many people search online for a novel? What kind of search volume does your best keyword get?

Develop your Social Media Profile as author

you'd be surprised, esp. with the online novels that have been flooding the markets: think kindle. That's why I'm asking the question, and my best keyword doesn't fit because it's a novel, if that makes sense. IOW, there aer no best keywords yet. That's what I'm trying to determine, is it even possible?

Appreciate your response. The problem is the kids' books really don't "teach" anything except for fun things. They're just fun books to read. I'm thinking. I'm thinking. Thanks.

StarkContrast said:

I've written four novels, plus numerous children's books.

Click to expand...

Who is your general audience that you wrote the books for. 4 novels about what subject or story line, directed at who? The children's books were written for what age group or particular subject line. I can think of many different search terms without researching your books. As you search through this Forum, there are many different ways to drive targeted traffic to your site/particular location. Pick one and Go For It!