Marketing a book, Don’t do This!
Marketing a Book, Don’t do This
I self-published my first book in late fall of 2022. The original plan was to go on a book signing tour, across the US called “Biker to Author Tour”. I was so excited to go on tour. I envisioned getting to the area of the rallies in our rv, then loading my bike with a bunch of books and riding to a book signing gig.
In reality, having helmet head at a book signing might not be professional, but then again the biker community wouldn’t notice in the least.
The first stop was Daytona Bike Week in 2023. I brought all the necessary items for the event; pens, newsletter sign-up sheet, fliers with upcoming events, and of course, books. The book signing event proved a resounding success. And I am very grateful to the biker community for their support.
I Squirreled
But then my husband and I decided to sell our RV and start looking for a boat. If you aren’t familiar with this part of the story, read my ABOUT page.
I was like the dog in the animated movie “Up”. I was on the right path, and learning the nuances of marketing. And learning what it took to master marketing a book as a first-time author. Then, in a flash, my eyes glazed over at the call of adventure and “Squirrel”.
I was engrossed in finding the right boat for us to travel and live on. I spent hours a day researching different boats, and dreaming of the adventures we will have once we found the perfect boat.
Don’t do This! Stay focused, you got this…
All About Adventure
After we found and purchased the boat, we worked on it every day for ten to twelve hours a day for several months. Working on a twenty-year-old boat is an adventure in and of itself. You never know what one project will turn into.
Cruising the Intracoastal Waterway is like no other cruising. There is always something to see, from Dolphins playing your wake, to sunken boats to keep an eye out for. Not to mention some of the prettiest marinas with beautiful mega yachts. In Charleston SC, we were docked on the same dock as J. K. Rowling’ 290′ yacht “The Samara”.
I’m sure this all sounds like a bunch of excuses and I guess it is, in a way. But more so, it’s an explanation why I haven’t (until now) dove head long into not only my writing career but also marketing my books effectively.
Now What?
As you are aware, I asked you all to help choose the new book cover design for The Russian Hit. What I didn’t tell you, (not at first) was the plan to relaunch it. To properly promote it and give it half a chance for being successful.
With your input and a few tweaks on my part, I have completed the final draft.
What I learned
What I learned about how to market a self-published book/author. I included author as part of what your are marketing, because you are selling who you are and your stories you tell. The book is just the media it’s printed on.
I started with a few marketing campaigns before I went down the rabbit hole of research. I excelled in some areas, but others needed improvement. Actually, it’s not a matter of right or wrong, but my interpretation of certain outlets’ roles.
I depended on social media for my marketing, and I rarely showed up. The rules change so rapidly if you aren’t engaged regularly it is hard to keep up. What works or is trending one day is old news the next.
Consistency is key to success, don’t disappear, stay engaged with your followers (supporters) I can’t say this enough.
Honey Method
It’s like that old saying; “You catch more flies with honey.” Being nice and helpful is the “honey”, and it’s easy and free to do so. I mean, if you are a jerk or an asshole, who would want to either buy what you are selling or even to sign up for a NEWSLETTER?
Giving something away is also the “honey.” It doesn’t have to be something of top dollar, monetarily. Your experience and knowledge provide valuable contributions to your field. Or in my case, I am giving away a free e-book of the first edition of The Russian Hit. Also, with these newsletters, I plunged myself down the rabbit hole of research and if I share it, then you may not need to.
Resources
When I research topics of interest, like many, I turn to YouTube. I watched a ton of videos, but a lot of them were out of date. Most of the videos I found were from several years ago. And the content failed to match the title. The title will be something like, “How to Secure a B&N Book Signing.” and the video would be of a book signing event. Where the author shows him or her signing books and meeting the readers. Which is cool, but I didn’t learn how the author was able to negotiate with B & N and agree to host the event.
I did however find two that resinated with what I was looking for. Both creators’ content were of recent time (not that the fundamentals of marketing have changed). The media outlets, however, are always changing. Therefore, you want the most recent information you can get your hands on. Its rapid evolution means it may change during the writing of this.
One of the creators is a successful author (Katie Wismer) and TikTok marketer KatieBookDate in her YouTube video she shares her free information about how she markets on TikTok.
The other marketer and author has been marketing books and authors for over fifteen years. His name is Tim Grahl. Reading his book (Your First 1000 Copies) helped me realize with my “Honey” method, I was on the correct path to market my book. I also knew (without knowing) it was important to have a newsletter sign-up sheet at my book signing events. Although, I was unaware of its importance. It is the “permission” to contact your readers.
What both of these two creators, authors and marketers have in common is they share for FREE helpful tips that anyone can do to market their work.
I also knew falling off the face of the earth for two years wasn’t a well thought out marketing strategy. I also know there is way more that I DON’T know about marketing, thus the research I am conducting. And will share with you, serving a bit-o-honey.
What Works?
What works the best is growing your email list. It is the most important marketing tool to have in your tool belt. People don’t easily hand over their email address, so if they do, most likely they trust you enough to reach out to them with helpful information. It’s what works the best for readers (readers, in this case, but the marketing tool could be for other platforms as well.) to get to know you as a person, and as a writer. People like connecting and having sense of who you are.
Additionally, what works is sharing the newsletter sign up and sharing it a lot of. This is a downfall of mine. I always worry I am bothersome to folks for over sharing. But, it’s a work in progress.
Believe
Another thing I learned is believing in my product is essential. Also, a downfall of mine, which is an oxymoron to my personality. I am one of those confident people who believe they can do whatever they want to, as long as they put their mind to it. Maybe because of thriving in a male dominant work place my entire adult life.
However, I am a little insecure about my writing skills, mostly I think because I’m not formally trained. Then, taking Tim Grahls’ advice, from “Your First 1000 Copies” I re-read my own book “The Russian Hit” and I was happily surprised. I liked it! It was a confidence booster for sure.
Recap
- Honey Method, give something away. (I’m giving a free e-book to new subscribers and regular newsletters with helpful and/or inforamative information)
- Build your email list (share the sign up and share often)
- Newsletter Post, Be helpful and kind (don’t be an asshole, use the Honey Method)
- Believe in your product and yourself (You are wothy).
- Consistency, Consistency and more Consistency (do what you said you would do)
I hope this was helpful to you and I hope you check out Your First 1000 Copies by Tim Grahl and Katie Wismer.
Michelle Wishart
Bell
About The Author
