I just read an interesting post about marketing by Laura Wolfe: http://rockinghorsewriting.com/2015/09/02/eleven-ways-to-support-a-friends-book-release/

I couldn’t have said it better myself, so if you’re interested, go there (after reading here, of course).

Three things I would like to add to Laura’s words of suggestions using friends to help you market (buy a book as a gift, give a review, etc.). Mine are more like a pre-list:

1. It helps if you have friends (and/or family), the more the better;
2. The writing has to be very, very, very good; and
3. Start local (local bookstores, schools, libraries, etc.).

Also, if you don’t have a book published (yet), it’s never too early to start beefing up on your mad marketing skills so there’s no fainting or panic on your book release day.

Oh, and keep on writing!