BEHIND THE SCENES: How a Self-Published Author does Book Self-Promotions- a Massive Mailing

How I am manually getting veterinarian addresses

Being a self published author, it's all up to me and only me to promote my books and make
people aware of them. There are many things I do, and it's a LOT of work. In fact, it's more work to promote a book than write it. This week, I've been making mailing lists for promotional post cards. I've been doing this project since August 2019. Here's what I've done>>
PUT TOGETHER A PRESS PACKAGE FOR EACH BOOK -   I put together my own press package: a press release announcing the new book, a headshot photo, bio, and cover of the book. Then pay press release services to distribute them. I also contact internet radio shows based on the subject matter (you can google it for your book topics if you're a writer). But I also schedule lectures, book fairs, and have gone to animal-related events (for my 2 Pets and the Afterlife books).
PROMOTIONAL POST CARDS -  I create promotional post cards and bring them to events to hand out (with website, order, social media info, and book photos).
MY YEARS-LONG MASS MAILING PROJECT -  But I've also decided to let veterinarians around the U.S. know about those books to help grieving pet parents. So, I created a post card to let them know. I wrote a note to veterinarians on one side, and had pictures of my books on the front with a summary. I had several thousand printed (yes, it's expensive, but I take it out of what little I make on the books - which is less than $1.00 for a $10 book).

HOW I AM DOING IT -  Putting the list together is exhausting. (Yes, I looked into buying a list of veterinarians across the USA, but the cost of the lists were between $2,000 and $5,000 and I don't have that kind of money in my author-only savings account).  SO, I google the most populated cities in EACH state. Then google "veterinarians in XXXX, Michigan."  Usually, for major cities there are hundreds of them. So it takes hours for each city. As I click through them I type addresses in alpha order to avoid duplication. I print the pages on huge label sheets, cut  up and affix them and post card stamps on the post cards. It's a HUGE project- it's taken years, but I work on it between writing my next books.
BOTTOM LINE -    So, being a self-published author is a LOT OF WORK. - If you know a self-published author, word of mouth helps so tell people about their books.
YOU CAN HELP A SELF-PUBLISHED AUTHOR! -  As for those who have read "Pets and the Afterlife" and "Pets and the Afterlife 2" -please, please tell your friends, co-workers and acquaintances about the books if they have pets. And PLEASE tell your veterinarians. My books are Less than $10 paperback and less than $3.99 Ebook (Much less than the others on the market) and both have been and continue to be best-sellers on Amazon.
   So, if you write a book, be prepared to promote it. That's the hardest part!- - Rob