Author Janet Elaine Smith, one of the queens of promotion, has developed a Brazen Hussy List of rules that work for her.
(Admittedly, some are a little tongue in cheek.  However, there are others I know she’s used successfully.)  These ideas should work for other authors; some of them are applicable for almost any home business.
What do you think?

Be a lurker.  Hang out in the section in bookstores where your books are. When someone looks for a book, offer them yours.
Never hide your book.  At a restaurant, set it on the table; make a see-through pocket in your purse and stick your book in …read more

When I wrote Tips for Unique Home Business Promotions, I planned to present you with more as I came across them. 
 Some of these you may have tried already; others will be those you haven’t heard about but can adapt in some way for your business.
Author John Foxjohn mentioned that he posts information about himself, his books and his web site on the top of his laptop.  It’s positioned so that when he has the laptop open, anyone glancing his way can easily read what’s written.  When he used his computer in a cafe, airport or elsewhere, he often has people approach …read more

Promoting your services, your products, your books constitute an important aspect of your business.  You might have a great item or service, but if no one knows about it, you’ll get no customers or clients.
Keep on the lookout for promotional tips…techniques that have worked for other business people which you can adapt for your business.  Even though the idea might have been used for a business different from yours, the concept might be applicable for your business.
For instance, author John Foxjohn mentioned that he sends a small colored announcement about his books when he mails a payment for a bill.  He …read more

For years, author Janet Elaine Smith, has promoted her writing business from home due to her late husband’s illness.  Now her time is more flexible, yet she still does a marvelous job of promotion within about a 75-mile radius of her home in a northern Wisconsin small town. 
Janet does some book signings, teaches a few workshops, and gives talks.  Much  of the promotion of her many books consists of getting on her computer and phone.  She has become a well known name in her field of writing mysteries, historical novels, humor and books based on family research.
I was particularly intrigued by a description of one of …read more