Marketing for Self-published Writers
Marketing for Self-published Writers by Dieter Luske
The self-published author has quite a long to-do list, ad writing being a creative pursuit, could be a perfect match for what could be called Creative Marketing.
Nevertheless, not every writer likes marketing. It seems to take away too much time from the absolute pleasure of writing.
You have written your book, a bestseller, of course, you assume, but no one has read it yet. Time to convince the world to share your enthusiasm.
Are you ready for marketing? If you just published your book on one of the free platforms, it may feel good, but it may not lead to the required amount of readers you need to lift your book to a level of exposure where it takes on a life by itself.
The question has to be asked, to market or not to market yourself?
If you decide not to market, you may need someone to do it for you, which is another expense. – You probably have or should have had your book edited. – You also may decide to outsource the cover design for your book, and maybe even the layout … the money is adding up, and outsourcing the marketing will make this whole project even more expensive.
If you attempt to do your own marketing, you may have to spend some money, but far less.
You need to start marketing preferable one year before your proposed book launch.
Start with your social media channels. – Make sure all your channels are set up correctly. Your profiles need to show that you are a writer and preferable offer some credentials.
Social media will work, there is no doubt, but it is not easy. – The hard part is to be consistent, 1 or 2 posts per week for one year to attract more likes and followers, who will be eager to buy your book when you are ready.
Usually, social marketing fails because, after a few weeks, one gets tired of it and stops posting.
The trick is to know what to post and what to write about. – Definitely don’t post every time you have a book coming out. Instead, post to introduce yourself so that people become curious about what your book could be all about. – If they get to know you and like you and … find topics interested, they will follow you and probably, eventually, will buy your book.
You could also post about the craft of writing and what it means to you, and of course, it depends on what your future book is all about. You could pick up topics from your book and expand on them. – Make sure each post has an image included. – It’s the image which attracts people to read your post.
Finally, all those social media likes, friends and followers need to be motivated enough to join your mailing list.
The vital part of the social media work needs to lead to your Author’s Website, and that website, or blog, needs to have a subscription form to your newsletter.
And talking about websites and blogs, yes, they are essential. That’s where your detailed profile is displayed, as well as your credentials. Show why your book would be worthwhile reading material.
Marketing is not a dirty word – it is a consequence one has to do for a self-published writer to sell a book. – There is no choice; one has to publicise a book – it is not selling itself. – But blatant crass marketing is not working. – “Buy my book now” … will not achieve anything. Talking about yourself and your book generally will attract followers to your social media channels. Those are simple means of getting people to know you – it may be called marketing, but it is just a way of introducing yourself to your future readers.
To summarise, it is consistent marketing and self-promotion which will work.
And don’t forget your physical marketing channels, relatives, friends, work colleagues, business associates, sports buddies, and anyone you personally hang out with or know. They also have social media channels; get them to support your self-promotion.
Dieter Luske – non-fiction writer
