So when you have a specific target market in mind, it's easier to identify their interests, dislikes, buying trigger emotions, etc. And once you know these info, you can craft your promotional messages around that where your market can relate to. For example, my target market is a mom who's exhausted with all the responsibilities, and my book is about how to take care of yourself as a mom. I can have a marketing message aka copy like this: Tired of the infinite responsibilities to the point of unintentionally neglecting yourself? This book will guide you how you can take care of yourself while still able to fulfill your responsibilities as a mom. --- Something like that.
Thank you so much. This was really helpful. I have a book coming out at the end of the summer from University Press. There is so much to learn and figure out. It is overwhelming but also fun.
1. Have a goal 2. Focus on 2-3 strategies to market 3. Know your ideal reader and talk to them 4. Understand where you are at marketing 5. Start now, start connecting 6. Newsletter with an incentive to sign up (free download) 7. Use your newsletter list as arc team to get early review 8. Have a review process, Offer a free download ‘checklist’ 9. Have a goodread give away at the least cost 10. Do a bookpub promotion for limited period 11. Connect locally, book clubs, libraries, stores 12. Continue talking about the book infinitely
The book I have been writing for over 30 years will finally be available on Amazon in a month or so. Thank you for the 12 tips, I need help !!! The book is called "Road Juice" it is about happiness, driving, and eating...Live, Drive, Eat, and get better at it. I do need some advice on how to market and Audio book. Those who enjoy the journey are typically more happy than those who are waiting for the destination! Thanks again...
That’s great! Adding your social media, website URL, newsletter information to your Amazon author page is a way to make sure they know how to connect with you off of Amazon. Also, with your next book or on a new version of your current book, you can always include your contact info in the front and back sections of your book.
@@Mixtusmedia thanks for your response. Marketing is challenging and clearly something I’m not good at. Hopefully I can find the right path to get exposure for my novel because I know it’s a story that people will love.
Recording an audiobook can be very expensive - I would wait to see if the demand is there and if your print/ebook sales are strong. Audiobooks aren’t the answer to low sales.
You can offer an advanced reading of your book, maybe exclusive content like bonus chapters, a signed copy of your book, etc. it doesn’t need to be excessive - many times the advanced copy is enough. 😊
Thank you for this. I have low sales and am an indie author. When you say to be specific with a reader you are referring to singular engagements to their posts correct to build the relationship, right
Hi Kerry! I'm actually referring to your Ideal Reader. So when you're creating a post for social media and you are trying to come up with content ideas, it can feel overwhelming thinking about the hundreds or thousands of people that you are talking to, right? And when we think about all of the people we will reach with social media, we can't be everything to everyone. Sooo, that's where your ideal reader comes in. What you to is you visualize the person that you want to connect with - the person that you want to read your book. And instead of thinking about ALLLL of the people who follow you on social media when you post, you're going to think, "What will my ideal reader respond to? Will she find this interesting? Does she find this funny? etc...." And you filter everything through her rather than trying to talk to everyone. For example, my Ideal Reader's name is Rebecca and when I'm getting ready to post I think, "What is Rebecca struggling with? Will she find this helpful?" So everything funnels through her. That way you're able to create posts and content that is very specific, which stands out more online.
gosh! at 66 I'm not even sure what marketing is - let alone how to do it. I don't even have a newsletter or an e-mailadres list - still seems so daunting.
Great content and insights, as my next launch approaching I´m setting up in place some strategies but didn´t though about giveaways, I will include it into my author toolbox for sure. Thanks a lot. Love to you all from Spain.
It can help in a way that they can help talk about your book, help get the word out, etc. - especially if you're just starting out and don't have a following. But if you do have readers, a community supporting you, etc., and a limited number of books to hand out, I would save them for your readers - they are the ones that will help the most. :)
That's exactly it - it's a way for you to stay connected with your readers without social media. We can't rely on social media (we don't own those connections) so building a newsletter list is a way to protect those connections. :)
I have 63K followers on Twitter but it hasn't helped noticeably at all with selling any of my books. It's at the point where I've given up on trying to use that platform for selling. Do you have any suggestions?
Followers don't mean sales. Social media is merely a connection tool - you're getting their attention. Through your posts you create connection, show that you can help them, share your story, etc. It's not about selling - it's about connecting. You want to drive them to your website to learn more about you and sign up for your newsletter. You have to warm your connections and lead them to where you want them to go. Trust needs to be created before you can sell to them. Selling comes - ideally - through your newsletter.
I have a question - if I contact my subscribers and offer them a free pdf of the book ahead of my launch date, can they leave me a review if they haven't made a purchase of it? Some places say you cannot. Please advise and thanks for your tips!
Yes, they can leave a review but it won't be labeled as a "verified purchase" on the review. When someone purchases the book from Amazon and then leaves a review, they will be labeled as verified. Many authors ask their ARC or BETA readers to add "I received an advanced copy of this book" to the review to indicate that.
First 5 is not even a strategies. You could just call it "things you need to keep in mind". Strategy is a plan. What strategic actions you need to take in the process in order to make your book noticeable.
Many authors who are new to publishing and who have no clue about marketing need that included because they don’t know that they need to be done - they ARE essential to the overall strategy. Strategies aren’t individual tasks - they all work together to make your book visible.
I've asked ChatGPT to write some fables for my amusement. Result was IMPRESSIVE. So folks, how long will it be before I can do the following: Hello, AI Hemingway. You know what I like (probably better than I do), so I'd like for you to write me a 200,000-word novel (best-seller quality) about a female partisan spy in Milano, 1942 who is working to provide the Allies with intelligence on Mussolini's communications with Berlin. And do it before dinner. So what's your opinion, folks? How long will it be? And do novelists, aspiring novelists, editors and proof readers need to be concerned?
Your ideal reader is more for you as the author - it’s to visualize talking to them and creating content for them. They serve as the filter for you to run everything through. For example, if you’re getting ready to post something ask yourself, “Would my ideal reader find this interesting?” Or, “Would they find this helpful?” An ideal reader empowers you to create more specific content that is relevant to them.
Thank you. Great tips!
I've heard this a thousand times: Identify your target audience. Okay, so I have, but no one ever tells me what to do with that information.
So when you have a specific target market in mind, it's easier to identify their interests, dislikes, buying trigger emotions, etc. And once you know these info, you can craft your promotional messages around that where your market can relate to.
For example, my target market is a mom who's exhausted with all the responsibilities, and my book is about how to take care of yourself as a mom.
I can have a marketing message aka copy like this:
Tired of the infinite responsibilities to the point of unintentionally neglecting yourself?
This book will guide you how you can take care of yourself while still able to fulfill your responsibilities as a mom.
---
Something like that.
Thank you so much. This was really helpful. I have a book coming out at the end of the summer from University Press. There is so much to learn and figure out. It is overwhelming but also fun.
Exactly, my book could have been delayed because of perfectionism but I went in. Now I actually have a good chance
Thanks and subscribed!
Welcome!🙌🏻
1. Have a goal
2. Focus on 2-3 strategies to market
3. Know your ideal reader and talk to them
4. Understand where you are at marketing
5. Start now, start connecting
6. Newsletter with an incentive to sign up (free download)
7. Use your newsletter list as arc team to get early review
8. Have a review process, Offer a free download ‘checklist’
9. Have a goodread give away at the least cost
10. Do a bookpub promotion for limited period
11. Connect locally, book clubs, libraries, stores
12. Continue talking about the book infinitely
The book I have been writing for over 30 years will finally be available on Amazon in a month or so. Thank you for the 12 tips, I need help !!! The book is called "Road Juice" it is about happiness, driving, and eating...Live, Drive, Eat, and get better at it. I do need some advice on how to market and Audio book. Those who enjoy the journey are typically more happy than those who are waiting for the destination! Thanks again...
Thank you so much for this information! I’ve tried a handful of these but the knowledge here is immensely helpful!!
Great information! I’ll have to watch this again. I recently gained 45 followers on Amazon. I just wish there was a way to engage with them.
That’s great! Adding your social media, website URL, newsletter information to your Amazon author page is a way to make sure they know how to connect with you off of Amazon. Also, with your next book or on a new version of your current book, you can always include your contact info in the front and back sections of your book.
I’m so overwhelmed by this whole process that I don’t even know which ones I should use.
You've inspired me to make a video about this very challenge - stay tuned! :)
@@Mixtusmedia thanks for your response. Marketing is challenging and clearly something I’m not good at. Hopefully I can find the right path to get exposure for my novel because I know it’s a story that people will love.
I think imma need a copy
@@ThePaarl_SAP Well it's called Black Winter. I'd certainly be willing to send you a copy.
I love this video! Thanks so much for the valuable information. ❤
I'm so happy to hear that!!
Good inputs Chun Bulus Chun
Do you suggest doing an audio version of your book as well?
Recording an audiobook can be very expensive - I would wait to see if the demand is there and if your print/ebook sales are strong. Audiobooks aren’t the answer to low sales.
Thank you!
Iace book: It's A Journey Step by Step
Great advice, Thanks.
I write fiction, what can I offer as an incentive for the launching team?
You can offer an advanced reading of your book, maybe exclusive content like bonus chapters, a signed copy of your book, etc. it doesn’t need to be excessive - many times the advanced copy is enough. 😊
Thank you for this. I have low sales and am an indie author. When you say to be specific with a reader you are referring to singular engagements to their posts correct to build the relationship, right
Hi Kerry! I'm actually referring to your Ideal Reader. So when you're creating a post for social media and you are trying to come up with content ideas, it can feel overwhelming thinking about the hundreds or thousands of people that you are talking to, right? And when we think about all of the people we will reach with social media, we can't be everything to everyone.
Sooo, that's where your ideal reader comes in.
What you to is you visualize the person that you want to connect with - the person that you want to read your book. And instead of thinking about ALLLL of the people who follow you on social media when you post, you're going to think, "What will my ideal reader respond to? Will she find this interesting? Does she find this funny? etc...." And you filter everything through her rather than trying to talk to everyone.
For example, my Ideal Reader's name is Rebecca and when I'm getting ready to post I think, "What is Rebecca struggling with? Will she find this helpful?" So everything funnels through her. That way you're able to create posts and content that is very specific, which stands out more online.
@@Mixtusmedia Thank you so much, that makes much more sense. I'll start trying to put that into practice xx
Thanks.
gosh! at 66 I'm not even sure what marketing is - let alone how to do it. I don't even have a newsletter or an e-mailadres list - still seems so daunting.
Thank you
Great content and insights, as my next launch approaching I´m setting up in place some strategies but didn´t though about giveaways, I will include it into my author toolbox for sure. Thanks a lot. Love to you all from Spain.
Thanks for this valuable information. I have one question- Does giving away free copies to friends and relatives help in promotion of the book?
It can help in a way that they can help talk about your book, help get the word out, etc. - especially if you're just starting out and don't have a following. But if you do have readers, a community supporting you, etc., and a limited number of books to hand out, I would save them for your readers - they are the ones that will help the most. :)
Hi there! What do you mean by 'newsletter?' Is it an email that you send out to those interested in your books?
That's exactly it - it's a way for you to stay connected with your readers without social media. We can't rely on social media (we don't own those connections) so building a newsletter list is a way to protect those connections. :)
I am on the verge of publishing an E book. How do we give away freebies?
I recommed THE BOY IN THE HURRICANE i have boight it on amazon it was amazinf read
Thanks for the tips. I am stuck at this marketing phase. Working on a YT channel. Fingers crossed. Renee Baca Author of "A Reflection".
I'm going to do good reads and book hub.
I have 63K followers on Twitter but it hasn't helped noticeably at all with selling any of my books. It's at the point where I've given up on trying to use that platform for selling. Do you have any suggestions?
Followers don't mean sales. Social media is merely a connection tool - you're getting their attention. Through your posts you create connection, show that you can help them, share your story, etc. It's not about selling - it's about connecting. You want to drive them to your website to learn more about you and sign up for your newsletter. You have to warm your connections and lead them to where you want them to go. Trust needs to be created before you can sell to them. Selling comes - ideally - through your newsletter.
Are your followers your ideal target market?
paid ads on facebook and google are the ONLY marketing tools that will give you sales ..
I have a question - if I contact my subscribers and offer them a free pdf of the book ahead of my launch date, can they leave me a review if they haven't made a purchase of it? Some places say you cannot. Please advise and thanks for your tips!
Yes, they can leave a review but it won't be labeled as a "verified purchase" on the review. When someone purchases the book from Amazon and then leaves a review, they will be labeled as verified. Many authors ask their ARC or BETA readers to add "I received an advanced copy of this book" to the review to indicate that.
@@Mixtusmedia Thanks, that's very helpful!
Beneficial advices
How about “where you are” rather than “where you’re at”?
First 5 is not even a strategies. You could just call it "things you need to keep in mind". Strategy is a plan. What strategic actions you need to take in the process in order to make your book noticeable.
Many authors who are new to publishing and who have no clue about marketing need that included because they don’t know that they need to be done - they ARE essential to the overall strategy. Strategies aren’t individual tasks - they all work together to make your book visible.
I've asked ChatGPT to write some fables for my amusement. Result was IMPRESSIVE. So folks, how long will it be before I can do the following: Hello, AI Hemingway. You know what I like (probably better than I do), so I'd like for you to write me a 200,000-word novel (best-seller quality) about a female partisan spy in Milano, 1942 who is working to provide the Allies with intelligence on Mussolini's communications with Berlin. And do it before dinner. So what's your opinion, folks? How long will it be? And do novelists, aspiring novelists, editors and proof readers need to be concerned?
I believe I identified by target audience, but each time I approach them they turn away and pretend I'm not there.
Your ideal reader is more for you as the author - it’s to visualize talking to them and creating content for them. They serve as the filter for you to run everything through. For example, if you’re getting ready to post something ask yourself, “Would my ideal reader find this interesting?” Or, “Would they find this helpful?” An ideal reader empowers you to create more specific content that is relevant to them.
Jenn, thanks for creating these informative and encouraging videos. Very helpful! @keithmadison