A lot of authors try to sell their books. This might work if they only have one or two in roughly the same genre, but as an author's repertoire grows, it becomes harder and harder to promote that way.

Case in point: Under my real name, I write fantasy and science fiction. I've also written non-fiction. Just taking my fantasy, I've written high fantasy, swords and sorcery, surrealism, slip-stream, short stories, novels, modern humorous fantasy, even fantasy serials. I have books with Double Dragon, Twilight Times, Zumaya and Bucks for a Buck. Selling each book separately would require me to break open my piggy bank (it's really a goblin bank, but don't tell anyone). What's an author to do?

Fortunately, there is another method an author like me can use to promote-- they can promote themselves.

I first picked up this idea many years ago in retail. If people believe in you, they will believe in your product. So you have to make an impression.

You don't have to go on a list and honk on about your books. You can, but that's what a lot of authors are doing. By participating in the list, and showing who you are, some people will naturally be drawn to you, and as a result, will not only check out your books, but will be more likely to want to explore them more. It's the difference between trying to sell something to a stranger, and talking to a friend.

Admittedly, this can take a bit of work, but in the long run, it's worth it.

I might also add, being yourself doesn't have to mean pleasing everyone. Lord knows I don't. I can be quite controversial. But some people, for whatever reason, ARE drawn to my words, and as such, might want to check out my books.

I'm not saying go on a list and cause fights. I'm saying go on a list and show people what you, as a person, have to offer. After all, your books/words are a reflection of you, the person. If people like you, or find you interesting, or different, you might end up with a new fan. Will every person who checks you out buy your books? Undoubtedly not.

But you have more of a chance of selling multiple books that way, to a person who might just come back for more.

Remember, each of your books is a product in its own right, but you're the manufacturer. If people trust your brand, they'll be more interested in your product.