"Award-winning author Mike Kowis, Esq., has done it again, practicing what he so eloquently preaches. He has rolled back the mysterious veil that has long kept many an independent writer from commercial success with his impressive new guide to help Indie authors market their book. Called, appropriately enough, Smart Marketing for Indie Authors, this erudite little book packs a value-laden punch with almost every word. 

Warming nicely to his theme in a clear, conversational voice, Kowis challenges Indie authors to stop muttering discouraging words about how woeful the task of self-promotion is, and do something about it.

For example, he suggests making good use of social media in promoting your book. In recent years, of course, the word "tweet" has entered the public lexicon as a savvy way of succinctly sending a pithy promotional message to a select -- yet massive -- audience instantaneously.  

In another section, he examines the relative merits of a book's informal "soft launch" versus a "hard launch," offering a concise explanation of the difference between the two and why a soft launch might work more in favor of the Indie author.

Then, in short order, he delivers a verdict on the relative impact of such historically revered tools as the press release, and reviews by book bloggers -- both of which may be falling out of favor with Indies as being too expensive, too unpredictable, and (in the case of bloggers) way too long to wait for feedback that might (or might not) do the author much good.

Finally, in amongst the many other tips, Kowis points out the importance of frequently checking sales data to maximize book sales -- and tells exactly how to do that. Then, he offers advice about using online ads and public speeches to boost sales after you've launched your book. (He favors both marketing strategies and offers compelling data showing why.)

Seriously, this how-to guide is good. It succeeds where other guides have failed because of Kowis' strongest suit -- the analysis of cold hard data in determining a viable marketing and promotional plan for your book.

We award it our highest five-star-plus rating!"

"Are you an independent ("indie") author, struggling to get people to buy your books? I know I am. Let's face it, we authors are (hopefully) good at writing, but not often good at the sales and marketing side of our business. And it's exactly for people like us that Mike Kowis has written his outstanding guide, Smart Marketing for Indie Authors. It's packed not only with generalities of how to approach the challenge of marketing your books, but also with lists of real, practical actions you can take, including step-by-step instructions in many cases. Even better, Kowis has rated each of these actions, based on his personal experience, for effectiveness, cost, and time investment, so you can decide where your time and money are best spent.

For me as an indie author, I felt my heart rate quicken as I read this book.This is pure gold. It is written clearly, concisely, and candidly, interspersed with gentle touches of humor. Kowis shares his experiences, both the successes and the failures, establishing his credentials without ever coming across as boastful, and giving the aspiring best selling author a toolbox packed with practical advice, tips, and suggestions, all expressed clearly with easy-to-follow instructions. The fact that he shares his personal experience relating to each of these actions, both positive and negative, gives his adviceso much more credibility. I found Smart Marketing for Indie Authors a pleasure to read, and I am excited to start putting what I've learned from this book into practice! Fantastic book, all round."