More and more, the Internet is the method of choice for staying up-to-date on what’s happening in the world, and that includes the literary world. Because readers and writers connect online on a global scale, strategic online book promotion is no longer just an option, but a necessity. Overlooking one of the fastest growing, consumer-driven venues for promotion can mean the difference between relative obscurity and notoriety.

Luckily, there are a variety of highly effective, budget-friendly promotional options available online and the best part is, you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to take advantage of them. You just need to know how to drive a mouse.

Following are some tips to help make your online book promotion experience successful:

1) Promoting books is a repetitive business. Make readers so sick of seeing and hearing about your book they buy it just so you'll shut up already.

2) Connect with readers. Many readers and potential readers enjoy reading blogs and the more information-packed your blog is the better.

3) Break from tradition and blog creatively. You can interview characters from your book; host character debates and invite readers to join the fun by chiming in; invite others to appear on your blog as guests; and include interviews, feature articles and reviews of books you've read and enjoyed.

4) Consider a Virtual Book Tour. They're the wave of the future. What better way to cater to readers than by allowing them to drop in on your book tour from the comfort of their own homes?

5) Have a contest or giveaway. Just like you, readers like to receive gifts they can use, so give away a few.

6) Offer to "sit in" on book club meetings, irrespective of locale. Webcams, telephone conference calls and online chat forums are extremely handy for traveling all around the world.

7) Host an Online Book Release Party. You might consider setting aside a block of time, sending out some invites, and hanging out online with readers. Mix things up with trivia contests and fun giveaways, etc. Start by establishing a presence on book related websites and starting a book discussion group for your book. Then invite others to join.

8) Don't limit yourself to 'genre promotion'. Cross the culture line and simply promote your book, period. The themes running through a book can and do appeal to people of all creeds and colors. Does your book have potentially universal themes? Reach out to those markets.

9) Don't mortgage your house, but do prepare to invest wisely in your work. If you’re interested in working with a publicist, ask people you know and trust - other authors and industry professionals, etc. - for referrals to publicists and/or promotions experts. Good promotion/publicity is worth every cent invested.

10) Don't wait until the last minute. You should start promoting your book at least three to four months in advance and revisit tip #1 often.

Penning a masterpiece is really just the beginning, that is, if you want your masterpiece to leave your hands and reach the masses in a captivating and dynamic way. Move from the slow lane to the express lane and use the Internet Superhighway to your best advantage. It could be just the vehicle you need to deliver the goods.

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