On The Book Designer:

I often advise authors to start their book marketing locally. Local “gatekeepers” – retailers, librarians, and reporters – will nearly always be more open and friendly to a new author with a great book than their counterparts in distant locations will be.

This approach applies to distribution and publicity opportunities, of course, but what if you used your local know-how to collaborate with a wider range of local businesses?

I’m not talking about getting your city guide or book on area attractions into local gift shops. I want you to think about more attention-getting ways to partner with businesses that reach your target audience.