by Anne R. Allen A lot of authors get that deer-in-the-headlights look when I mention marketing books online. But it’s pretty much the only way to promote books during this “stay at home” pandemic. So we gotta do it. I understand your reluctance.
From time to time, I collect a variety of social media tips for writers that I think are helpful. Today’s post details social media tips you need to know.
I cover a variety of topics:
Twitter bios
Why you need to get rid of Twitter bots and fraud followers
The best time to post on Facebook
How to detect your best-performing Instagram hashtags
I had the opportunity (and the pleasure) of working with fiction author, Abby Arthur, a few months ago. During our one-on-one session, we worked on defining her author brand, identifying her ideal audience, and developing her online presence (building her author website, email list, and network). We uncovered some specific promotional campaigns that would entice her readers and help her meet her objectives. In this post, Abby is sharing the steps she’s taken and her results (so far), so you too can learn how to grow your audience and writer platform.
Are you an author trying to grow your mailing list and fan base?
Are you lost at what to do?
I was right there with you. And though I’m not done with my marketing mission for the year, I’ve made some steps towards building my fan base that I’m sure can help and encourage you.
It has been three years since Kobo launched its subscription ebook service Kobo Plus, and for all that time the service has been limited to Belgium and the Netherlands.
I am told that is about to change.
I am attending The Career Author Summit virtual conference this weekend, and I just heard Tara Cremlin of Kobo say that Kobo Plus will be launching in new territories. She did not give a timetable, but she did confirm the news in the chat.
Kobo Plus currently offers 270,000 ebooks and audiobooks for which can be read for 9.99 euro per month.
By the time I was ready to publish my first novel, I knew I needed to start thinking about marketing too. But I was scared. I felt like a young child daring to reveal her precious art to the whole world. I was small and they were huge. And their response mattered a lot.
While every author is familiar with Amazon and Kindle, many aren’t familiar with Amazon’s affiliate program, officially known as Amazon Associates. Becoming familiar with the Amazon affiliate program is an important way to get insights into your own marketing, and can help you earn some additional money for promoting your books. Sounds amazing, right?
Throwing a book launch party in the best of times is like throwing a small wedding. You can go all out with a book cover cake, food, a hundred friends and family, signing, appetizers, a reading, drawings and games, and a cash bar. But what can you do when there are Covid-19 concerns, you are on a tight budget, or you have friends and fans all over the world and want to celebrate together? You can take the party online at virtually no cost.
Books are worth celebrating, especially in times like these. You’ve worked hard on your book, spent years honing your craft and expertise, writing and revising. You can and should still celebrate your book launch right now.
As a My Word Publishing consultant, I often help clients launch their books in person in front of crowds, helping introduce authors and sell their books, among many other publishing services. I recently helped award-winning author Helen Starbuck launch Legacy of Secrets, a critically acclaimed romantic suspense novel, on Facebook Live instead.