Book Marketing is TOUGH
I don’t care what anyone says: the hardest part of the process is book marketing! Knowing where to start is difficult, which is why knowing what NOT to do can really help.
So when Jenny got in touch asking about writing a post on this topic, I bit her hand off! Here’s some gold dust tips for you Bangers … over to you, Jenny!
All About Book Marketing
You don’t need me to tell you that writing a book is hard work. The process of taking it from the initial idea into a fully-fledged novel you actually feel proud of is a long and laborious journey. It can take months, sometimes even years.
But now everything is polished and you’re ready to release your creation upon the world … And this is when many authors realise the true journey has only just begun!
Publishing a book is just as hard work as writing it. Getting your book marketing right is even harder since there are so many mistakes you can make along the way.
With this in mind, today we’re going to explore the ten common mistakes people make when marketing their book. Ready? Then let’s go …
1) Not Starting Early
It’s vital you make sure you start making your book before you even finish it. This way, you can create hype and a following around your book, rather than finishing it and starting off with nothing and having to build your way up which can be crushing for your confidence. MORE: 5 Book Marketing Mistakes Writers Make
2) Not Getting the Cover Right
While we should never judge a book by its cover, the sad truth is that everybody does, so you’ll want to make sure you’re getting the cover right. Many aspiring authors will take on the challenge themselves, but unless you’re a professional designer, you should always invest in this area to get it done properly.
3) Thinking It Will Happen Overnight
It would be absolutely amazing to release your book to the world, wake up the next day and find it’s selling millions around the world. IT would be the dream. However, this simply isn’t the case. If you don’t market or try to sell your book, it won’t sell. Don’t believe it’s possible to go viral overnight on its own. MORE: Top 5 Self-Publishing Mistakes Writers Make
4) Trying to Sell to Everyone
Let’s just put it out there, not everyone is going to enjoy reading your book, nor will they even be interested in reading your book. However, don’t let that go to heart and remember your audience is out there, you’ve just got to find them.
Describe your ideal reader and then market to them specifically. You’ll waste a lot of time and energy trying to target everybody who reads books.
5) Not Optimising Online Media Advertising Strategies
When it comes to marketing your book, social media is going to be your best friend! Whether that’s using online ad space, connecting with your readers (more on this below), or simply getting your name out there to the masses.
However, it’s important to make sure you’re understanding each platform and what works on each. Do your research on what each platform is best for … plus where your readers actually hang out! MORE: How To Use Social Media To Market Your Novel
6) Having a Fixed Tone of Voice
When you’re communicating with different target markets throughout the marketing process, you’ll need to learn how to speak to them effectively. Know your audience. After all, you speak to your 85-year-old grandmother differently than you would your best friends.
7) Not Communicating with Your Readers
Chances are you’re going to connect with potential readers through social media, which means you have a direct line to speak to them on a one-on-one basis. Failure to connect with your readers will be one of your biggest mistakes. You should never underestimate the benefits of engaging with them. MORE: B2W’s ‘Online Confidential’ course on how to engage your fans.
8) Doing book marketing 24/7
Of course, you’re going to want to maximise your sales. However, it can be expensive and time-consuming trying to market your book at all hours of the day. Instead, try marketing one day a week with a big push, rather than tirelessly pushing all day every day. It’s all about trial and error. Also, don’t forget: people HATE ‘book spam’!
9) Underestimate Free Books
Of course, you want to get paid for what you write. If you’ve got a masterfully crafted novel you want to charge for your hard work, that’s fine and completely understandable. However, many people will want something for free … So why not write some free books as a taster to potential readers to get hooked on what you have to offer?
10) Investing Your Time Too Thinly
While it’s so important to diversify the platforms, you’re using to promote yourself, at the same time it’s vital you’re not spreading your time and energy too thinly that you’re not investing enough time into a platform to make it as successful as it could be.
Or maybe you’re an expert on Twitter or Amazon? Or perhaps you have a large following you want to work with already? Then there’s no point in trying to crack another platform when you already get the best results where you are. MORE: Self-Publishing Should NEVER Be A Last Resort. Here’s Why
Good luck with your book marketing!
BIO: Jenny Han is writer and production editor at Assignment writing services and Top essay writing services in Australia. She enjoys helping people to publish and market their written creations as well as creating articles about things that excite her for Rated Writing.