An introduction to book marketing. The principles and prerequisites that you must understand before you start marketing your book. Marketing myths you need to forget. Understanding your definition of success. When to start marketing. How to balance your time between writing and marketing. Generosity, social karma, co-opetition.
4. This is a world of increasing competition for people’s ATTENTION.
It’s particularly relevant if you’re a new author with no backlist and
no established AUDIENCE.
5. Marketing is not about shrieking
“Buy my Book, Buy my Book”
Marketing is not about scams, unethical
practices or treating people badly.
6.
7.
8. You need to tackle some big questions before you
jump into marketing, and the decisions you make
here will help guide your marketing plans
9. 1.1. Marketing myths you need to forget
Publishers are interested in authors who already have a platform
Post initial launch phase, you will likely be left alone as the publicist moves on
You’ve got to find ways to connect with people who would want to read you book
Marketing is about authenticity & the principles around KNOW, LIKE & TRUST
You still need to think about the ‘hooks’ that your book can be pitched around
A publicist cannot guarantee you any media attention
Traditional media is about brand awareness and social proof than actual sales
In the launch approach, each book only gets a small window of opportunity
The world of book buying is now becoming more about the long tail
10. 1.2. What is your definition of success
I want to become
NY Times
bestselling author
#1 in the romance
category on Amazon
I want my
parents/family to be
proud of me
I want to see my book
on the shelf in my
local bookstore
I want to make
$4000 a month,
every month
I want to get my
book into as many
hands as possible
I want to win a
coveted literary prize
Print Book Wide Distribution Large email list
Pay for promotion
Target prolific
and influential
bloggers
Small scale print run
Multiple books
per year
Free download
Criteria specific.
No marketing.
11. 1.3. When to start marketing
Start building
relationships online
Start building an
audience by
blogging around
your journey or your
research
If you haven’t written or
completed a book yet
14. 1.6. Generosity, social karma, co-opetition
Being useful,
helpful and
generous builds
up a bank of good
will.
Co-opetition
When there is
congruence of
interests,
cooperating
together can create
greater value than
acting alone.
In working and
educating
ourselves
together, we can
learn lessons
faster, respond
and adapt more
quickly.