I’m launching a book at a weird time. Toward the (one can only hope) end of a pandemic, book sales are booming, but it’s so hard to replicate the experience of even the simplest in-person launch party or tour. Many of us are overwhelmed and uncertain about the future. Maybe the last thing you need is to buy another book for your over-occupied house.
Perhaps you’d like to try out or learn more about the book before you buy it. Or you know others who could benefit from it and would like to spread the word. Heck, maybe someone out there has bought the book and still wants to promote it!
Here are five ways to support Advancing into Analytics… besides, of course, purchasing it. For most of these, I offer some examples — if you have special requests, or other ideas … yours may be better than mine.
For suggestions, referrals, questions, or to get started, please drop me a line or get in touch via the comments.
1. Order it from your library
I’m starting with this one because some of the other ways I suggest to promote the book work best if you’ve already read it.
I request that my library order certain books all the time. Try a web search for Your library name + materials request and you’ll likely find a form to do the same.
Now that you’re there, why not ask your library to purchase the book? Here’s all the info you’ll probably need:
Author: Mount, George
Title: Advancing into Analytics: From Excel to Python and R
Publisher: O’Reilly Media
Release date: April 2021
ISBN-13: 978-1492094340
ISBN-10: 149209434X
I feel like a lot of authors may try to hide this “library loophole” or look down on library purchases… but why? If I can get copies circulating at libraries all over, that’s a fantastic opportunity for readership among people who may not have otherwise engaged with the book. Plus, I’ve often ended up purchasing my own copy of a book that I first found at a library… rentals only last so long.
Keep your eye out on your library’s catalog or any messages you may receive regarding your request… then, happy reading!
2. Promote it synchronously
“Synchronous” is a pretentious way to say events that are delivered in real time. In the good old days, this may have meant a tour where I gave a talk, signed copies, and treated you to some cocktail peanuts. Right now, it means a “virtual” book tour, which means you don’t have to leave the house… but the peanuts are on you.
Some opportunities for stops on this tour are:
Meetups
Are you part of a meetup that discusses data analytics, Excel, R, Python, or related fields (data science, business intelligence, etc.)? I’d love to present to you online. Most meetups ask speakers to present for 45-60 mins and then take questions.
I am ready, and I want to make these meetups as helpful and interactive as possible, to avoid Zoom stupor. If people in your meetup have never coded Python before, I can change that by the end of the hour with the use of some pretty cool online tools.
Live streams (YouTube, LinkedIn, Twitch etc.)
Some but not all of these live streams are more impromptu, shorter, and informal than a full-on meetup. I can come onto your stream and demo some of my favorite Excel hacks, or answer questions in a mini-interview about getting started in analytics with R or Python.
Audio streams
I’ve been hopping onto Clubhouse recently; this drop-in call app is oddly compelling and can somehow feel more intimate than a video stream. Since screensharing is impossible here, a conceptual Q&A discussion about careers in analytics or the world of techincal publishing are some good fits.
Work, school, or library events
Many libraries have “author series” where writers read, discuss, and sign their book. If you’re a student in a class or club related to analytics, those groups are usually on the prowl for professional voices. Finally, many offices, either through employee resource groups or formal learning & development initiatives, will feature authors for workshops or other sessions. Ask around at your place of work, study, or local library for author opportunities.
3. Promote it asynchronously
“Asynchronously” is a pretentious way to say events that are not delivered in real time. Many of us have adopted a jagged and peculiar rhythm of living over the past few months, so “on-demand” learning opportunities can present a good fit. Some opportunities here include:
Podcasts
This is another media format which has flourished during the pandemic. It seems like a technical subject such as data analytics wouldn’t translate into compelling podcast listening, but there are countless solid offerings. You probably know a data podcast I’ve never heard of. Even if my appearance doesn’t work out there, it’s still a great resource to share.
Blog posts
Do you run a blog yourself? I’m happy to introduce your audience to my book with a guest blog post. We can collaborate on something too… but I want to make it as easy for you as possible (Blogs are so much work, right?!).
Social media
Sharing a post costs nothing… except your ability to focus 🤷♂️. Please like, share, and comment on book-related content.
4. Leave a review
Of course, it’s rather disingenuous to ask people to review a book they’ve not looked at… so that’s why I suggested you get it from your library first, if you can’t purchase it.
Reviews are irreplacable social proof for a book. Most people instinctively check Amazon as soon as they hear about something they’d like to read. Some will do the same on Goodreads. Once they get there, the review section is often the first thing checked. If nobody’s reviewing the book, the thinking goes, then nobody’s reading it… so why should I?
Some people get carried away with labyrinthine book reviews. Yours doesn’t have to be some magnum opus. Consider answering helpful and straightforward questions like these in your review:
- How did you benefit from this book?
- Who else could benefit from this book and why?
- What did this book offer that other resources have not?
- What are two or three takeaways you have after reading?
Now, I realize that not everyone likes to write, so you’re also welcome to set up a few minutes to talk about the book over a Teams call. With your permission, I can use that recording itself as a review.
As for feeling pressure to review the book in a “socially desirable” way: Honesty is the best policy, and the same goes for a book review. Book reviews are for other readers, not for me.
5. Subscribe to my newsletter
We’re in a flood of information, and for many of us, sitting behind a computer all day at home hasn’t helped. Posts, events, and data fly by with the ease of a scroll.
The best place to stay connected to what’s happening with the book is my newsletter. By subscribing, you won’t miss any opportunities to promote the book, attend related events, or check out related content.
To subscribe, sign up below. When you do, you’ll also get free access to my analytics education resource library. I also plan to offer some exclusive book-related goodies to readers as we get closer to publication.
When life gives you lemons… promote a book online
I’ll be honest that it bums me out not to have a traditional book launch, or even the smallest tour. At the same time, I’ve already connected with people around the globe who are promoting it: a Canadian requested it from their library, an Australian invited me to speak at an online meetup. When life gives you lemons, you promote your book online.
Thanks for helping me spread the word on what I hope will be a valuable resource for spreadsheet users looking to progress their data analysis abilities. If you have ideas on promoting the book, please get in touch on my contact page or here in the comments.
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