What Successful Authors Know

Marketing your book is a necessary part of your overall success as an author, and therefore, should be started during the writing process. If you are like most authors, marketing is not as much fun as writing, however, it’s equally as important. What successful authors know is that there are no shortcuts to success. It’s a road that must be traveled.

All the opportunities below are proven strategies for authors to use and will lead to a robust campaign. A number of these appear in our marketing plans, and are handled by us, however some of these should be spearheaded by the author. We can collaborate on which ones and the best practices for each, but you as the author should take the lead putting your best effort into each one and not rushing through this list. Proper book marketing will take years to master. “The journey is as much fun as the result.” Enjoy!

Build an Author Platform: Establish a strong online presence through social media, a website, and email newsletters to connect with your audience. Pick one or two social platforms that appeal to your target audience and create posts and interact with others. Although a website is great to have and functions like a business card for you and your work, it’s not required. But you will need to have a stronger social presence.

Create a Street Team: Recruit dedicated fans, friends, family, colleagues, alumni, or volunteers to spread the word about your book through grassroots marketing efforts, reviews, and social sharing. Start early and focus first on book reviews.

Optimize Metadata: Ensure your book title, description, keywords, and categories are optimized for search engines and online retailers and bookstores.

Book Launch Events: Organize virtual or physical book launch events, readings, signings, or workshops to engage with your audience and generate buzz. Take advantage of the excitement surrounding your book’s release and create a successful book launch.

Leverage Book Reviews: Solicit reviews from influencers, book bloggers, and early readers to build credibility and visibility for your book. Aim for 30+ reader reviews around launch time and don’t stop asking people to read and review your book. Your success depends on it.

Run Promotions and Discounts: Offer limited-time discounts, giveaways, or promotions to incentivize readers to purchase and spread the word about your book. You can do this with your mailing list, social contacts or industry organizations that specialize in this strategy.

Content Marketing: Create valuable content related to your book’s themes, characters, or research to attract and engage your target audience. Produce book trailers, teaser images, or infographics to capture attention and promote your book across social media platforms. Blogging and creating videos is another strategy to showcase your writing and message.

Collaborate with Other Authors: Partner with other authors in your genre for cross-promotion, joint events, or anthology projects to expand your reach.

Engage with Book Communities: Participate in online book clubs, forums, or groups where your target readers gather to build relationships and promote your book organically.

Secure Media Coverage: Pitch your book to relevant journalists, bloggers, and podcasters for interviews, features, or reviews to reach new audiences.

Utilize Amazon Advertising: Invest in targeted Amazon ads to increase visibility and sales for your book within the platform’s vast ecosystem. Take advantage of our discounted pricing for Ingram Book Company print and online advertising.

Attend Book Fairs and Festivals: Participate in local or international book fairs, festivals, or author conventions to network with industry professionals and readers.

Offer Bonus Content or Extras: Provide exclusive bonus content, such as deleted scenes, character interviews, or behind-the-scenes insights, to reward loyal readers and encourage word-of-mouth promotion.

Continuous Engagement and Follow-Up: Stay connected with your audience through regular updates, newsletters, and interactions on social media to maintain interest and support for your current and future projects.

Don’t be overwhelmed by this list and other strategies you might hear about. We can help with any of these and in most cases can do the work for you. If you are willing to put the effort into these and other strategies, you will guarantee your success. By working together you will discover it’s easier when you have a successful and experienced guide. Happy selling!

Rick Lite, the visionary founder of Stress Free Book Marketing, is a seasoned sales and marketing professional with over two decades of expertise in the book industry. With a focus on integrity, innovation, and growth, he collaborates closely with authors to craft tailored and robust book marketing strategies. Rick’s relaxed approach offers authors “stress-free” support during their self-publishing and marketing journeys. He readily imparts insider knowledge and tips for successful campaigns, ensuring heightened exposure, awareness, and, most importantly, increased sales. Explore Rick’s triumphs in the book industry at www.StressFreeBookMarketing.com.