We discussed book marketing at our last writers group meeting—how tough, draining and discouraging it can be. We wanted to know what we can do to get sales and reviews when we’re not widely known. Should we have giveaways, enter more contests? Pay for ads and boosts? Schlep product to more bookstores?
Marketing’s not fun for most of us. It takes time away from writing and editing, from the joy and delicious angst of creating a masterpiece. But, if you haven’t already done so, expand your efforts with social media. And I don’t mean one post a month.Show up regularly, once a week or more, on one or several platforms (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, etc.)
Support other author’s efforts there. Comment, or just like. At very least, it gets your name and brand out there. It might even spark a sale or at least a look. To borrow a fishing adage, you have to throw the line in the pond.
And you might blog-tour, host other authors on your website, and comment on others’ posts on their websites. Or in online crimewriting groups.
This social connecting, casual or intense, is something I believe in, because readers on social(s) tell me they buy/read my books—though not quite to bestseller status. I learn what they like or don’t like in each book. Elements they expect (or hate) so I can fine tune my books going forward and, occasionally, backward. Tweaking style and story. Broadening the base. Brightening my author brand: “New West Mysteries with Heart.”
Word by word, book by book.
I find social marketing fun. But many don’t. It takes time away from writing, from the joy and delicious angst of creating. But why not give social media a good shot. Show up somewhat regularly on one or several platforms, and support other author’s efforts there. Comment, or just like. At very least, it gets your name out there. It might even spark a sale. To borrow a fishing adage, you have to throw the line in the pond.
Why toil away, sweat blood, and pounce on great ideas when you still have limited readers/followers? Would a musician keep playing to an empty theater? You want publicity. You need people to experience your art and craft. So work at it. All of it.
Authoring books is not just a journey. It’s a freaking expedition.