There are a number of strategies to think through as you create your marketing. But what are marketing strategies you, the author, can implement? This will have large variance depending on your career status. If you have an established agent and publisher, then your strategy will have to largely adhere to the rules set forth by the industry professionals. If you’re self-publishing, all strategies are available.
For authors who are working with a publisher, your strategy should be supplement. How can your marketing strategies supplement the publisher strategies? If there are book signings in cities, find conventions and lecture opportunities around your area. If they are doing a GoodReads giveaway, make sure your social media has a unique hash-tag or user handle that you can singularly agree upon. That way any additional Tweets or blog posts you take on can provide supplemental promotion for the giveaway and increase awareness and participation in the giveaway. The same can happen for appearances and interviews. Schedule a blog tour outside of the appearances your publisher schedules for you. However, don’t become so focused that you don’t capitalize on the established platforms of a publisher and what they can provide. They often have access to a wide variety of readers and audience members than a singular effort could ever hope to muster in such a quick period of time.
Other strategies for a self-publisher can include social media freedom, the creation of a any variety of videos. The world is your oyster, it just depends on how big of an oyster you can afford and how much time you spend on your…oyster…collecting. Okay, that metaphor strayed away from me. However, the strategies have to feed in to your budget and timing. Don’t scope out work for a professionally shot book trailer featuring a cast, original music, and an HD camera crew if you have $2,000 for your entire marketing budget. On the same front, use the free avenues available to you with social media followers and blog tours on other author websites. With other authors you have met, they likely perform author interviews. Allow their platforms to help you. Because by doing so, you’d hope your interview would help their visitation and awareness. As a result, more people find out about you, your book, and what you have to offer.
There are a multitude of strategies to implement, no matter your present circumstances as an aspiring writer or established author. The challenge becomes what strategies you have budget, permission, and capacity to execute. That’s the glorious thing about today’s day and age. There are a wide variety of options, technologies, and methods to your strategy. Now get ready to implement them.
Comments? Questions? The conversation’s always live on Twitter @ThomasAFowler, use the hash-tag #WritersConquest. As always, keep checking my official website for the latest updates. Thanks so much for taking on the Writer’s Conquest.
Week One: The WHY – Part One: Why does your brand have to exist?
Week Two: The WHY – Part Two: Why are you writing?
Week Three: The WHY – Part Three: Why are you trying to reach out?
Week Four: The WHY – Part Four: Why are you creating content?
Week Five: The HOW – Part One: How will you reach your target?
Week Six: The HOW – Part Two: How does your marketing create interactions?
Week Seven: The HOW – Part 3: How will you affect your audience?
Week Eight: The HOW – Part 4: How do you avoid being a spark in the middle of a bonfire?
THE WRITER'S CONQUEST 