Things Authors Can Do Between Books - Marketing Ideas

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Marketing tends to be the all-encompassing focus right before and after a book launches, but there are lots of things you can do to build or maintain your platform or audience ahead of your next book. Here are some ideas.

  • Look for ways to add readers to your email list. Make sure you take signup sheets to events, have a place on your blog for readers to join, and post about your newsletters on your social media. People sign up when they think they’re missing out on something.

  • Set up a regular blogging schedule and try to stick to it. This will provide fresh content and drive traffic to your site.

  • Build a backlog of blog posts. It’s always helpful to have a library of content to pull from when you get busy.

  • Look for opportunities with other authors to be included in events, giveaways, and social media parties. This is a great way for readers to find you.

  • Find ways to celebrate other authors by featuring them on your blog or social media posts.

  • Build a list for your next launch. I have a really big spreadsheet that lists bloggers, reviewers, events, bookstores, podcasts, and anything else I can think of that will help me. I add to this every time, I come across something new or someone offers a recommendation.

  • Don’t forget the “social” part in social media. You shouldn’t just be active on your sites when you have a book to promote. You build an audience and relationships by sharing, commenting, and posting regularly. This also helps to build your following. Figure out what you want to share and create interesting posts about your pets, recipes, crafts, etc.

  • Set up a newsletter schedule. It’s a good idea to publish regularly and not just when you have a book for sale.

  • Find projects to participate in that give you opportunities to work with other authors (e.g. guest blogging on your site or theirs, anthologies, etc.). This is a good way to pick up new readers/followers. I’m involved with several anthology projects that give me opportunities to participate in events and interviews where I can talk about my novels.

  • Find a writers’ group. Many, like Sisters in Crime, have educational opportunities and ways to share information with other authors.

  • Create a plan to add to your social media following. I focus on one or two a month and look for ways to build my followers on Facebook, Instagram. Pinterest, Twitter, Goodreads, and BookBub.

What would you add to my list?

Share the Love and Pay it Forward

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I owe a HUGE debt of gratitude to my fellow Sisters in Crime authors who are so generous with their time and advice. This is an incredible gift (especially when I first started my writing journey). They offered great advice on anything from where to get a great headshot to which book events were best for mystery authors.

Here are some thoughts on how you can give or receive help from other authors.

  1. If you read someone’s book, leave a review. It doesn’t have to be a dissertation. You can just say something brief like, “I liked this book.” Review numbers do matter in marketing.

  2. Recommend your favorite author to your library. Many take book suggestions and add new books to their collection.

  3. Like, share, or comment on authors’ social media posts. This helps with marketing and search results.

  4. If you’re an author, look for other authors or bloggers who will let you be a guest in their newsletter or on their blog. This spreads your information to a whole new group of readers.

    I have a blog, Pens, Paws, and Claws, and I do #WriterWednesday author interviews about writers and their pets. If you’re interested in a slot, message me.

  5. Buy a book for yourself or as a gift. One of my author friends goes to book signings, and she gives the signed book away on her site. There’s a sale involved and some social media publicity. When I buy a book, I usually take a picture of it and post it on social media and tag the author and/or the book store. Indie bookstores need your love and support too!

  6. Tell your friends and family about books and authors you like. Word of mouth recommendations are great.

  7. Recommend an author’s book to your book club. Many authors will visit or Skype if you ask. I love talking to book groups.

  8. Start a “what are you reading today” post on Facebook or Twitter. Tag the author. You’ll be surprised how many people will comment. You’ll get good recommendations, and a lot of social media action.

What else would you add to my list? Happy reading (and don’t forget to leave a review).