Good afternoon everyone!
So, you've poured your heart and soul, maybe even blood, sweat, and tears, into your manuscript... you've crafted every plot twist, delved deep into each characters arc, created an amazing world... what's next? How do I reach the readers that my novel is made for? I hear you say.
Well, writers, do not fret. Today, we are going to take a look at ten different ways you can market yourself and your novel! Let's kick off this glimpse into the world of book marketing...
Create a Captivating Book Trailer
Some may find the lights, camera, action part of this marketing method daunting. However, with so many apps out there (Canva, CapCut, Adobe Spark Video) anything is possible! Use striking visuals, mood-setting music and gripping narration to entice potential readers. I find that book trailers work particularly well on TikTok!
Host Virtual Book Launch Parties
Whoever told you book launches were limited to physical events was so wrong! The digital age is among us, and let me tell you... book launch parties are a fantastic and fun way to promote yourself and your novel! Especially on platforms like Facebook! There are often authors looking for others to join their line up for their own party that you can hop onto, or schedule your own and send invites, this way you can ensure you reach not only your own audience but those of other authors as well! The aim is to celebrate your new releases and create a safe space for you to promote your brand. Content can include giveaways (maybe a reader magnet), exclusive sneak peeks, games and much more. Get as creative as you like.
Leverage The Power Of Your Author Platforms
Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram - oh my! Never underestimate the reach of social media platforms, as you will notice a lot of the points here are centred around having a platform to promote yourself on. Ensure you engage with your audience, create visually stunning content, share behind the scenes glimpses, be relatable (your promoting yourself just as much, if not more, as your book) and spark conversations about your story. Some authors even hold polls to get the opinions of their readers, they then incorporate these into their next novels, it's a great way to include your dedicated community!
Start A Bookstagram Account
If you haven't already, starting a bookstagram account on Instagram can be a fun and rewarding way to grow your reader base. Pictures speak a thousand words! There is no community stronger than that of the reader community! Bookstagram is simply HUGE. Create aesthetically pleasing posts with your book, pleasing flat lays, and captivating bookshelf arrangements. You can even post other peoples novels that are similar to yours, in the same genre, or a book you just really enjoyed. Building a base there will ensure you are reaching the individuals that would be sure to be interested in your story.
Collaborate With Book Influencers
There are many book influencers out there that would be willing to collaborate with you, whether you are traditional or self-published. Team up with influential book bloggers, booktubers, and avid readers with a big following to amplify your book's visibility. Just be careful, there are also many scammers out there! One way to attract someone to work with you, is by sending them an advanced copy for an honest review.
Giveaways!
Now who doesn't love a freebie? Going back to number three on this list, host giveaways on all your social media platforms. Not only does this engage with your readers, but it creates a buzz around your book. You can offer signed copies, book merch, character art... the world is your oyster and as the master of your own destiny you can do, and offer, anything you please! Of course, ensure there is a benefit for you, maybe they have to sign up to your mailing list, or join your reader group...
Build A Mailing List
One way to grow a loyal fan base is with a compelling newsletter. Again, there are many platforms that provide this service, some are more costly than others. Personally, I really loved StoryOrigin, it does have a cost but the platform was so easy to use! You can choose whether your newsletter goes out weekly, two-monthly, bi-monthly, it's entirely up to you and the pace you decide to go at. Remember though, always try to remain consistent! A lot of authors do swaps in their newsletters, another way to reach audiences you might not have otherwise.
Attend Virtual Author Events
Networking. Such an important aspect of marketing. Now, with endless author conferences, events, workshops and online courses, you are not limited to networking in person. Engage in panel discussions, pitch your book to other authors, get involved with the social side of an online course! You never know who you may come across.
Optimise Your Website For SEO
If you have an author website, it is paramount that you optimise it for search engines. A website isn't going to promote itself just because you created it, and you don't want it to get lost in the vast online landscape. This may seem daunting, but it can be done. Research keywords, create captivating meta-data and ensure your website is user-friendly. Use your social media platforms to drive traffic to your website also, it's important you get eyes on it and update it accordingly. I am forever changing the SEO on my website, whether to experiment or because I know some keywords just aren't working for me.
Word-Of-Mouth
Never underestimate the power of word-of-mouth, you need to harness this form of marketing. Encourage your reading community to spread the word about your book, ask family and friends, fellow authors... Never stop talking about your book! Even if you slip it into casual conversation, put it out there in the universe!
You have to be in it for the long-haul with book marketing, it's not a one-time sprint that is going to pay off immediately, it is an ongoing journey. Many authors find the marketing side of publishing tedious and don't know where to start. But there are so many resources out there. Get yourself a social media planner and once a week map out all of the content you wish to post. Stay adaptable, experiment, but most of all have fun with it!
What are your favourite book marketing strategies? Share your thoughts in the comments below, or join our writers community by subscribing.
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