Three Book Marketing Ideas

Social media options seem to be in a state of flux. Instagram is making major changes that have been interesting to watch. Whether they will help or hurt in the long term remains to be seen. 

TikTok continues to grow. But it has a different style than other apps and might not be the answer for everyone. Meanwhile, Facebook, Pinterest and LinkedIn are the mainstays (so far) though they may not be a fit for every author.

If any of these platforms are working for you - great! But if not, here are some other options to consider.

Blogs & Newsletters – Several years ago I blogged regularly about topics for my non-fiction book about careers. I didn’t think anyone was reading the posts but surprisingly, they were. And I found that a few sites had added my blog to their "Top 10" lists.

Back when social media exploded, a lot of people switched over to Facebook pages and groups. Nothing wrong with that, but having your own space isn’t a bad idea. Especially considering how quickly algorithms change and how a platform can shift focus (as Instagram has shown) and disrupt everything you’ve been building.

Authors have varying opinions about newsletters, depending on if they find them helpful or not. There’s nothing wrong with connecting to your readers on a regular basis, so if you don’t have one it might be something to try. And, in spite of what some might believe, email hasn’t gone away.

Classes – If you have experience to share, why not present classes online or in-person? Do you have tips and tricks that other writers are looking for? If so, you can share your expertise while you promote yourself as an author. I’ve given a few fiction writing classes for a local library. It turned out to be a great experience, and the class participants enjoyed it so much that they ended up forming their own writing group. I’ve also presented online courses for the past few years on a few platforms. I get to meet other authors and share what I’ve learned about my craft.

Podcasts – They can be a great way to form a lasting connection with listeners who may also become readers for your books. Create a “one sheet” with your bio and book descriptions, then reach out to podcasts. You can do so directly or work with a service that does bookings (or have a PR person do it if you have one). Of course, you can also start your own podcast to feature your work.

There are many ways to market, make new connections and sell more books.

HERE BE NEWS for July 27, 2020

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Monday, July 20 - 
"HERE BE NEWS" - All the latest from the fantasy romance authors at Here Be Magic.  

Tuesday, July 21 -
“Promote on Social Media Without Being OVERWHELMED” – Social media can be an author’s best friend – if used wisely. SciFi romance author Deborah A Bailey provides tips. 

Thursday, July 23-
“ARE YOU SUPERSTITIOUS?” – Author Maureen Bonatch talks about how people try to influence their luck. Plus she announces her newest story, a dark suspense with a very superstitious heroine! 

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Promote on Social Media Without Being Overwhelmed

Social media can be an author’s best friend–if used wisely. When I first started using it, I was excited to connect with old friends and meet lots of new ones. Then it became overwhelming to try to be in so many places and make updates on all of them.

You can use social media without burning yourself out, wasting time or spamming others. Even if you're not completely comfortable sharing, you get to decide what to share with others. There's no requirement that you must provide a lot of personal details.

In the end, if you're not comfortable, it won't work. Forcing yourself to post will become chore if you really hate it. Pick the platforms you prefer to use.

Twitter – Good for quick interactions. Don’t feel pressured to get personal or comment on every “think piece” thread that goes by. If you prefer to share your book news with a bit of personal mixed in, that's fine. Take advantage of the opportunity to connect with other writers by using the #writingcommunity hashtag. 

Facebook – Most authors probably have at least a fan page here. The downside is that organic reach is pretty much non-existent compared to what it used to be. So, if you don’t want to boost posts, or pay for ads, joining groups and hosting live events are other ways to make connections. 

LinkedIn – Actually a good place for writers since it includes lots of writing and publishing groups. If you have a premium membership, you can take classes through LinkedIn Learning.

Instagram - An ideal place to share images including, book quotes, book covers and short blurbs. You can also share Stories and videos on IGTV.

Spotify – Do your characters have a favorite song? Do you have music that inspires you while you work? Share your playlists with your readers.

Pinterest – If you’re a visual person you’ll easily get lost on this site. So, don’t use it if you can’t keep track of time! Set up boards to post images that describe your characters or settings from your book. Create a board for inspiration or for research. There's really no limit to how you can use this platform to spur your creativity.

Social media can help you to connect with readers around the world. But don’t rely on just one way to reach out to your fans and promote your books. You’ll never know where you’ll find your readers – or where they’ll find you. 

The best thing is, you don't have to be on every platform. And you certainly don't have to post all day long. Pick your favorite platforms and have fun with it. 

Ways Authors Can Use Pinterest for Marketing and Inspiration

You might not want to be on yet another social media platform, but Pinterest is worth checking out (if you're not already there).

Though I've been on the platform for a while, I wasn't doing very much pinning. Finally, I decided to go back and see if I could do more with it.

First, I created boards related to my books. Then I added boards based on popular Pinterest topics, like food, quotes and home décor. After that, I added boards that reflected my interests: science fiction, fantasy, writing and blogging.

Not only are the boards giving prospective readers (and other writers) a snapshot of who I am, but they’ve also helped me to connect with other Pinterest users.

Organic reach isn't what it used to be on most social media platforms. But, since Pinterest is a search engine, links from there will rank pretty high in Google searches.

Marketers say that someone has to have several touch points before they’re ready to buy (or even to click). Some say 7, others say 20 or more. So, that means you have to get your book in front of your prospective reader many times before they might click for more information.

Ideas for book-related boards:

• Create boards based on your genre, your book series or individual books. 
• Pin your book covers (with links back to an online store)
• Start a board with images to use for inspiration (mood boards)
• Pin images that you can use as references (I created a board about mythological gods and goddesses from around the world)
• Collect motivational writing quotes and blog posts 

Because of my pinning, I’ve been asked to join a few group boards for writers and bloggers. Group boards will help your pins to be seen by even more people.

Remember I said Pinterest is a search engine? Well, that means when you search for various items on the platform, pins will show up in the results. Those pins also identify the pinner, so someone can find your pin (and you) when they’re searching for other things.

Pinterest has a lot of advantages for authors who are looking to market and to connect with other writers. Even better, book cover pins look great on the boards. What’s not to like?

5 Places to Stalk Your Favorite Authors

I was going to mention that fall is in the air and how it’s the perfect time to curl up  and read. Then I realized, anytime is the perfect time to read. No matter what season, there’s nothing like escaping into a good book. (Although I do love fall!)

When I find a book by a new-to-me author, the first thing I do is stalk them. No worries, authors are safe, it’s only cyber-stalking. 

Lucky for us, there are plenty of places on the web that we can go to find out more about the authors behind the stories we love, the development of the stories themselves, and when we can grab the next great read. Here are a few places I like to check out my favorite authors.

1- Website or Blog

Authors may keep the information about their books, perhaps what the order to read their books and what’s coming next. It’s their website, so it’s pretty much whatever they’d like to share. Other authors might blog regularly and you can subscribe to that, or they may feature guests, or host giveaways.

As an author, as well as a reader, my favorite part of the author website is finding their author bio and reading about how they started their writing career. 

2- Amazon

If you want a quick overview of the author’s books and an ability to grab every book so you can binge them, you can usually find their author page on Amazon. If you follow them you’ll receive an email notification when they have a new release so you never miss out on a book. You might see other books like the one you enjoyed and discover a new favorite author. (Favorite authors are kind of like potato chips, you can’t have just one!)
 
I leave a review for almost everything I purchase on Amazon, because if you’re like me, reviews are one of the first things I look at when I’m deciding on what to buy. So be sure to show your favorite author some love and leave a quick review. 
 
3- Newsletter
Most authors have a newsletter that gives you an extra behind the scenes look at the mysterious author life. (Hint, most authors aren’t all that mysterious, but newsletters are usually informative, and often fun!) It’s like getting to be a VIP in the author’s life. Plus occasionally you get freebies—my subscribers get a free short story when they sign up.
 
4- Goodreads
Goodreads has a plethora of information on authors, books and groups that can help you discover new books. There are groups available if you want to participate in what’s like an online book club. 

5- BookBub
BookBub is the latest hot spot for authors and readers. You can follow friends and authors and make and receive book recommendations.
 

Authors might also like to spend more time on their author Facebook page, Twitter, Instagram, or any of the new social sites popping up every day—but usually those are indicated on their website so you can follow them from there.

 If you’re around my cyber-world, you’ll know that I have a new release coming up (Not A Chance) on October 31, 2018 and get a chance to participate in tons of fun giveaways leading up to the big day.

Where Do You Find Your Favorite Authors?

Author Bio: Maureen Bonatch grew up in small town Pennsylvania and her love of the four

seasons—hockey, biking, sweat pants and hibernation—keeps her there. While immersed in writing or reading paranormal romance and fantasy, she survives on caffeine, wine, music, and laughter. A feisty Shih Tzu keeps her in line. Find Maureen on her website, Facebook& Twitter

Meankitty's Advice for Authors: Social Media

We (almost) all have to deal with it. An author human can't hunker down behind a typewriter and simply pound away in 2013, refusing all interviews, public appearances, and book tours. No longer can writers afford to be the mysterious, possibly hypothetical deep thinker behind the books. And if an author tries, the author (such as JK Rowling) is likely to be outed by somebody and forced to step up.

Well, technically an author CAN avoid some of these things, since authors should have cats and the cats don't want the authors to leave the house, but a contemporary author does have to make him or herself somewhat available online, starting with an informative website that has a fan mail page and increasing in pitch and frequency until an author has a presence on pretty much every social media platform there is.

Meankitty, a long-time veteran of the internet (since 1999/2000, depending on how you count!), has taken it upon herself to offer up these bits of social media savvy for authors in 2013.

Q) What are the most important social media venues for authors to maintain?

A) Whichever ones don't interfere with the author's lap, as well as the author's ability to get me treats or let me in and out and in and out and in and out the door when necessary.

Q) Should an author make his or her passionate interests known, about such things as politics, religion and diet?

A) That depends. How does the author like hate mail? I personally love hate mail. I like to post it on my site, edit it so it contains a lot of references to ferrets, and invite fans to mock it with me. So if the human in question thinks that sounds like fun -- especially considering she's going to get hate mail about making fun of hate mail -- go for it. But then, the writer's name is probably NOT Meanauthor, so...

Q) If an author doesn't want hate mail, should an author's online presence be as friction-free as possible?

A) Sure, if you want to have all the personality of an old, beige dog.

Q) Ok, then what SHOULD an author complain -- or have colorful things to say -- about?

A) Not reviews, that's for sure.

Q) How can an author HAVE a personality online, then? What is safe?

A) Have you tried pictures of cats?

Q) How many pictures should I post of cats?

A) More than you post of dogs, other animals, children or your book covers. Or whatever you're having for lunch, unless it's a photo of how much your cat is enjoying your lunch.

So, authors, there you have it. Social Media by Meankitty. You're welcome.


Jody Wallace
Author, Cat Person, Amigurumist
http://www.jodywallace.com  * http://www.meankitty.com 

Symptoms of the problem

Life has been wonderful but very, very busy lately.

I have four books in various stages of the publishing process. This is a wonderful, fabulous situation in which to find oneself. If I could hole up in a deserted cabin in the woods, writing and editing to my little hearts content, this wouldn’t even be challenging. But how many authors do you know who can do that? Not this one. 

And if I had known I’d give birth to the baby-who-does-not-sleep, I might have requested a slightly more relaxed schedule. But I didn’t. So like most of you, I spend my days juggling work, children, housework, husband and the work we love: Writing.  So for those who have tried to carry on a conversation with me either in person or via email/twitter/facebook. For those of you who are still waiting for returned phone calls or RSVPs... I apologize. Things should return to somewhat normal in March.  I think.

Until then, here are five signs you can tell I’m deep in edits.

1.       I just about disappear from Twitter, author loops and Facebook. In those rare appearances, you’ll see I’ve tweeted, replied or posted from my phone. I do this while I’m nursing. That’s multi-tasking, folks. And also, don’t worry about the typos—those little keyboards with said baby trying to grab phone out of your hands— it can’t be helped. Oh and phone calls. I’m so sorry Aunt Stacie. Yes I’m alive. Yes I love you but no, I honestly don’t have time for a ten minute conversation right now.

2.       I carry around a notebook with me wherever I go to write down any pure-genius solutions to plot/character arc problems. Of course this is pretty standard. I’ve also forgotten pure-genius book ideas because I didn’t have anywhere to write them down...or was just too tired to get out of bed. The muse has a pretty acerbic sense of humor you know.

3.       If mutter to myself or walk around as though I am in a different world, talking to people you can’t see. . I am. Don’t worry, I’ll be back. The best thing to do is just walk away.

4.       My laundry has begun to reproduce. My nemesis, the laundry basket. Granted laundry for seven isn’t for the weak of heart, but we every room has its own laundry basket and five overflowing laundry baskets in the blink of an eye? Me thinks something nefarious is afoot!

5.       Dinner consists of whatever I can find in the refrigerator/freezer/pantry that takes less than thirty minutes to whip up. It’s a good thing my kids like grilled cheese, hot dogs or frozen pizza. 

And there you have it. So what are some things you do, or don't do, when you have a lot on your plate? PS: Here's a peek at my new cover!