Strategies for Promoting Your Initial Publication: 8 Pointers
Pimping Your Debut Tome: A Straightforward Guide on Essentials and Killer Tips
Selling your self-published novel ain't just about writing - it's also about marketing. That's the nature of indie authorship: you handle the full publishing process, so put on your marketing hat. This is an ongoing gig, starting from pre-launch, launch, and beyond.
To run your marketing campaigns like a pro, cover these essentials:
1. Brand Your Badass Author Identity
Your author brand is how readers perceive you. It impacts your marketing materials, from newsletters to social media graphics. Consider stuff like: what's my tone of voice when I communicate with my audience? What personal details should I share, and which aspects of my persona should I highlight?
2. Set Up Shop Online
Self-publishing takes place in the digital realm, which means marketing follows suit. A dedicated website and social media page are crucial; they serve as online hubs where readers can learn more about you. Engage with your readers - that's how you'll build a loyal fanbase.
Your author website should contain your bio, photos, book excerpts, links to buy your book, links to find you on social media, and any reviews. You don't need a fancy site; a simple, one-page layout works fine. Hire a freelancer or try DIY platforms like WordPress or Wix. Create a QR code that links to your channels and share it with your network.
3. Killer Cover Design
If you want to know how to market your first book, understand that your cover design plays a crucial role. Your book's cover will be displayed by all bookstores, including online retailers like Amazon and Apple Books. You want a cover that's professional and can't be ignored, as it'll help persuade readers to click the "buy" button, from online ads to editorial features.
4. Book Metadata Setup
The cover design is part of what's called book metadata. When self-publishing, you'll need to set up your metadata for stores to accurately categorize your book and help readers find you. Metadata includes: title, subtitle, author, contributors, ISBN, keywords, categories, description, and more. Make sure your metadata's not only accurate but also optimized. Your cover design is a key element that you want to get just right. The best description will help convince readers to give your book a shot. The best keywords will boost your visibility in store algorithms. To help craft and optimize your metadata, check out our website's AI Book Metadata Generator. It's entirely free to use for your debut novel.
Generate Metadata
5. Secure Book Reviews
Before dropping serious cash on promotions for your first novel, aim for at least five solid book reviews. Readers won't buy products with no reviews in the e-commerce world. Here are book reviewers to reach out to. With our website, you can send protected review copies straight to readers on Apple Books and Google Play Books. Here's a brief video on how it works.
Now, How to Promote Your First Novel and Make Sales:
1. Collect Email Addresses
"Stay in the loop for updates directly to your inbox!" An email list for authors gives you a direct line to potential readers interested in your work. This is all about nurturing your audience and getting repeat customers.
When launching, offer bonus content via email as an incentive for readers to sign up and stay tuned. Regularly send updates about your writing process to keep subscribers engaged. Place the email sign-up link on your social media, website, and the back of your book.
2. Start with a Pre-Order Period
Major bookstores like Amazon count book sales on the first day of release. That means by collecting pre-order sales, you up your chances of landing in bestseller lists on launch day. Use this time to create buzz around your book.
3. Throw a Book Launch Party
Celebrating your launch is fun, but it's also effective. Invite people via social media, email (where your mailing list comes in handy), and other channels. Prep the ins and outs of your event well. Learn how to plan a virtual book launch.
4. Schedule a Price Promotion
Marketing your first book requires consistency to keep readers engaged and you relevant in online algorithms. Try scheduling regular price promotions that offer your book for free or at a discounted price. Maybe you want to do this every three months or during every major holiday throughout the year. Offering your book at a "limited time" creates a sense of urgency. You can list your book for free on stores like Amazon. Try running a campaign for a few weeks and see what happens.
5. Buy Promotional Spots
If you've got some cash, buy promotional spots for your book on various newsletters and promotional sites. Freebooksy has over 1 million registered readers, while Bargain Booksy has 725,000 registered users looking for titles priced between $0.99 and $5. These channels are part of Written Word Media, which you can access with our website's book promotion services.
6. Launch Amazon Ads
Amazon's Sponsored Products ads appear on product pages and search results throughout Amazon's site. This is a great option for marketing your first book. You can run ads directly from Amazon or use our website's tool built for newbies:
- Automatic Targeting: Amazon will match your ad with relevant keywords and products similar to your book.
- Manual Keyword Targeting: Select the keywords you want to target.
- Product Targeting: Target specific products to refine your campaign.
- Negative Keywords: Exclude keywords to prevent irrelevant traffic from driving up costs.
For a deep dive, check out this guide to Amazon Ads for Authors.
7. Network and Collaborate
Get involved in the community. There are plenty of online groups and forums like Reddit's Self-Published Writers group or our website's Facebook group. Join reading and writing groups in your genre. Establish your author brand by sharing tips and fostering connections. Attend book events to meet readers, industry pros, and other indies.
8. Go Multi-Format and Multi-Store
Last, but not least, maximize your exposure by distributing your book in all formats (ebook, audiobook, print) and across stores like Amazon, Google Play Books, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo. Reach every market possible.
Now You Know How to Market Your First Novel...
What's Next? Take control of the publishing process with our website.
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- To complement your author identity, consider expanding your lifestyle brand by incorporating aspects of fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden into your communications and social media content.
- While marketing your book, consider collaborating with book reviewers who specialize in education-and-self-development and personal-growth genres to offer a well-rounded perspective and expand your reader base.
- To further engage with your audience, host events such as book clubs, webinars, or workshops centered on topics like books, education-and-self-development, and personal-growth.
- To promote your book and attract readers beyond the literary world, consider extending your marketing efforts to the entertainment industry, perhaps by reaching out to film or TV producers interested in adapting your novel.
