Book Marketing Simplified

Publishing a book is an exciting time. But with so many options (traditional, hybrid, and self-publishing) and so much conflicting advice, it's easy to feel confused about which path is right for you.In this special episode (and our first-ever interview!) I'm joined by bestselling author and publishing strategist Elizabeth Lyons. With decades of experience helping authors publish with clarity and confidence, Elizabeth is pulling back the curtain on the red flags every author should look out for.We dive into:The real differences between traditional, hybrid, and self-publishingThe most common (and costly) publishing mistakes authors makeWhy self-publishing is more empowering than you thinkIf you're navigating your publishing journey or trying to decide which route to take, this conversation will help you move forward with clarity.Tune in and get the insight every author deserves before they publish.Links“Which Publishing Approach is Best for YOU?” by Elizabeth Lyons at publishaprofitablebook.com“7 Critical Questions to Ask Hybrid Publishers” by Elizabeth Lyons at publishaprofitablebook.com

If you feel like you're constantly marketing but still not seeing book sales, you might be pouring your energy into the wrong strategies. In this episode, Jenn & Marcus discuss how you can stop spinning your wheels and start focusing on what actually moves the needle for you and your book.You'll learn:Common marketing tactics that waste time and money (and how to avoid them).Which analytics and metrics matter the most when assessing marketing efforts.A simple framework to map out your reader's journey through your marketing funnel.Grab the free Pick Your Platform guide to clarify where you should show up online:https://jenndepaula.com/platformReady to create a book marketing plan that works for you? Check out the Book Marketing Starter Kit:https://jenndepaula.com/book-marketing-starter-kit

There's nothing more discouraging than pouring your heart into a book… only to watch sales stall or never take off at all. But before you assume your book is the problem, let's take a closer look. Because chances are, it's not your writing. It's your marketing.In this episode, Marcus and I walk you through a 5-step Book Sales Audit to help you pinpoint exactly where things may be going wrong. You'll learn what to look for, what to tweak, and how to breathe new life into your sales.Whether your sales have stalled or you just want to make sure you're set up for long-term success, this episode will give you clear, actionable strategies to move forward with confidence.Evaluate your low sales with the Five-step Book Sales AuditStep 1: Cover CheckIs your cover genre-appropriate and professional? If it doesn't look like a bestseller, people won't buy.Step 2: Book Description & HookDoes your blurb sell the story, or is it just a summary? Strong copywriting increases conversions.Step 3: Pricing StrategyAre you priced competitively? Sometimes a simple pricing tweak can make a huge difference.Step 4: Audience TargetingDo you know who your ideal reader is? What they are looking for? What they respond to?Step 5: Visibility & DiscoverabilityAre your keywords, categories, and descriptions optimized for searchability?Other Things to Keep In MindSales fluctuate and that's perfectly normal. If your sales go down a bit, it's a great time to reassess and make some changes or adjustments.How often are you posting or promoting? Staying at the front of your readers mind is key. Check to see when you last talked about your book on social media, with your newsletter, in your marketing. Stick with it and give it time. Marketing your book is a long game. It's not something that happens overnight. Stick with it and have a long term vision - don't just focus around the release date.

Is it luck? Timing? Maybe. But when you peel back the curtain on authors who consistently sell books and grow an audience, you'll find they're playing a different game entirely.In this episode, we're breaking down the 5 habits that separate successful authors from the ones still spinning their wheels (and no, it's not just about being good at Instagram).You'll learn:Why showing up (even when you don't feel like it) matters more than you thinkHow to actually connect with your ideal readersThe power of partnerships (and how to start one even if you're new)Why talking less about your book might help you sell moreAnd how one small mindset shift could unlock long-term resultsReady to make one small shift that could change everything? Tune in now and walk away with something you can put into action this week.Episode notes, transcript, and podcast links are at http://jenndepaula.com/podcast/83Free Download: Book Marketing Blueprint

Feeling overwhelmed by all the marketing platforms out there? You're not alone. Many authors burn out trying to be everywhere at once—but the ones who thrive know exactly where to focus their efforts. In this episode, we'll break down how to choose the right platforms for your book marketing based on what actually works for you.You'll learn how to:Cut through the noise and focus on what truly moves the needleChoose platforms that fit your strengths (and ditch the ones that drain you)Align your marketing strategy with your long-term goalsIf you've been wondering where you should be marketing your book - both online and offline - this episode will give you the clarity and confidence you need.Tune in now and download Pick Your Platform to map out your ideal marketing strategy!

Finding the time and energy to create social media posts for marketing while you're writing your book can be one of the biggest challenges authors face. Jenn has a couple quick tips to help you maintain those connections with your readers online without taking too much time away from your writing.LINKSStand Out Social Media for Authors

A lot of online advice about book marketing includes hiring a Public Relations specialist. But what do PR agencies and publicists do, and at what stage of an author's career is it a good idea to hire one?LINKSMary O'Donohue, Strategic Media Coach and AuthorThe Author Circle

If you're toying with the idea of hiring someone to do your social media for you, there are some important things for you to first consider. Many times we think that just handing off our social media for someone else to manage will give us the results that we want. But that isn't always the case. Here are some things that you should do FIRST before hiring someone to manage your social media accounts.LinksTry The Author Circle for a month to get questions answered by fellow authors and access exclusive member guides and monthly office hours with Jenn.

Another frequent question I get from new authors leading up to their new book release is: “What should my expectations be?” Having a long-term marketing plan, paired with reasonable expectations, can keep us from getting discouraged and keep our sales rolling in well beyond the launch.Not sure where to start with creating your long-term marketing plan?Download our free author resources, including:The Book Marketing BlueprintWhat Authors Can Post Before They PublishThe Ultimate Newsletter Checklist50 Content Ideas for WritersYou can also try The Author Circle for a month to get questions answered by fellow authors and access exclusive member guides and monthly office hours with Jenn.

I can teach you all of the book marketing strategies and show you everything that you need to do to sell your books, but if you are struggling with this particular mindset, you won't see the success that you're looking for. LINKSThe Author Circle

Once authors have addressed the visibility problem we covered in part one of this discussion on why our book isn't selling, the next big factor is how to convert that engagement into a sale.LinksStand Out Social Media for Authors

Whether you are a new or established author, once the book is done and released, getting people to buy your book is often a challenge. Effective book marketing starts with visibility.LinksStand Out Social Media for Authors

Must authors have tons of social media followers to be considered by book publishers? What are publishers specifically looking for? I've been bombarded with these questions for the past few weeks, so I figured we should talk about it! In this episode we will discuss what you need on the marketing and social media side of things to get the attention of a publisher. LinksBook Marketing Blueprint

Amazon isn't the only place where reviews can have an impact on book sales. So where can authors get more authentic reader reviews and how can we put them to work in our marketing efforts?

We've already heard how having an email marketing strategy is essential part of converting social media followers into book buyers. But how do we actually get our ideal readers to subscribe?Links“How Authors Can Promote a Book Through Newsletters”“How to Grow an Author Newsletter”“Three Things Authors Need to Start Their Newsletter”“Newsletter Vs Blog Subscribers - What's the Difference?”“How Authors Can Start Their Newsletter”“Are You Making One of These 3 Book Marketing Mistakes?” “A Simplified Approach to Newsletters for Authors” Newsletter Starter Kit

A question Jenn receives a lot in her DMs is if it's possible to revive your book sales years after the launch. Absolutely! In this episode we will outline a strategy to help you breathe new life back into your previously released books.

You're probably seeing a lot of disturbing information about AI (ChatGPT, Bard, etc.) in the news and on social media. But is there a way for authors to put it to work for us in an ethical way that can help with weekly book marketing tasks?LinksThe Author Circle

If you're sick of chasing social media trends, not seeing the growth or engagement that you want online, this episode is for you! We are going to walk you through a proven strategy that helps authors accomplish their goals on social media. LinksStand Out Social Media for Authors

If you've ever found yourself saying, "I wish I would have known this before I published my book," you're not alone! In this episode we discuss some important things you should consider as you start your publishing journey. LinksHilary Rushford's 3 podcast episode book publishing storyThe Author Circle

One of the biggest questions I get about marketing a book is where do I even start? I can be difficult to figure out what to do, how to do it, and what to focus your limited time on. In this episode we will talk about: the first two steps to start marketing your book knowing your unique strategyget your marketing foundation setLinksBook Marketing Starter Kit

A question I'm often asked is, "What's the best social media outlet for authors to be on?" Social media continues to change and grow, so it can be a difficult landscape to navigate. On this episode we will discuss where authors should be online, what they should focus on, and what changes they should be aware of.LinksBook Marketing Blueprint

If you feel like you're constantly posting on social media but you aren't seeing any sales, you aren't alone in the struggle! There are some key changes you can make to begin to see a difference. The outlet is not always the answer. (Simply being on TikTok isn't going to help you sell more books.) Your content - what it is that you're posting - is the key.You need a plan that is always leading them to the next step.Repeat old posts for new followers and for those who may have missed them.Join The Author Circle

A majority of the conversations I have with authors about book marketing start off with, "I hate marketing!" I get it - it's not what you got into writing for. But, what if I were to tell you that marketing just might not be what you think it is? In this episode I share four very important details that authors need to know about marketing.

Hashtags have changed a lot over the years - from how we use them to how many we actually use in our posts. So what is the best way to use hashtags? How many do we use? In this episode, I'll share with you a hashtag formula that you can put to work today.

Newsletters are one of the most important marketing tools for authors. But how do you actually promote and sell a book through newsletters? In this episode we will walk you through three key ways to successfully market your book through your newsletter.LINKSNewsletter Starter Kit for Authors

Trying to stand out in an overcrowded online world can feel like an impossible task. But there is a secret weapon that authors can use in order to get in front of their ideal readers and make it easier for them to find you online. In this episode I talk about Keywords, how to create a list of the best ones for your book, and where to use them most effectively.LinksThe Template Bundle for Authors

Twitter has taken a big dive over the past few weeks. I've seen many authors post that they aren't sure what they are going to do now that Twitter's survival is in question. In this episode I'm going to walk you through a few key factors authors can consider.LinksReel and TikTok TemplatesThe Author CircleWatch the video and read the transcript at http://mixtusmedia.com/podcast/60

It can be difficult to know how many profiles an author should have on social media. Do you create a new profile for each book? Do you have multiple accounts if you write in different genres? We cover that and more in this episode. Linkshttp://mixtusmedia.com/circle (The Author Circle)

Authors are bombarded with information, but sometimes it can be difficult to determine what is true and what might be a scam. In this episode, we discuss four red flags that authors should be aware of when it comes to book marketing. Linkshttp://mixtusmedia.com/the-author-circle (The Author Circle)

Authors have several different publishing routes to consider to get their book out into the world. And that can be a difficult decision to make - especially when you don't know what to expect. In this episode, Jenn discusses four questions you should consider when deciding to traditionally or self publish your book. Read the show notes and transcript, and access all of our book marketing resources at http://mixtusmedia.com.

Newsletters are one of the most important elements to your marketing plan. But how do you actually grow that list? In today's episode I'm going to share three elements that you need to focus on to not just gain new subscribers, but to keep your readers on your list. Linkshttps://mixtusmedia.squarespace.com/book-marketing-blueprint (Book Marketing Blueprint) Read the transcript and episode notes at http://mixtusmedia.com/podcast/56

When it comes to social media, there isn't one outlet that is best for every author. There are actually a few details to consider. In this episode we are going to discuss what you need to consider to make sure you're where you need to be online. Linkshttp://mixtusmedia.com/instagram-ideas-bundle (Instagram Ideas Bundle) Read the transcript and episode notes at http://mixtusmedia.com/podcast/55 (http://mixtusmedia.com/podcast/55)

Getting reviews for you book can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. But there is a way! In this episode I share three tips that you can put to work to get reviews rolling in. Linkshttp://mixtusmedia.com/the-author-circle (The Author Circle) Read the episode notes and transcript at http://mixtusmedia.com/podcast/54

Social media is always changing and growing, so it can be difficult to keep up with what is still relevant. The question of hashtags has been coming up more and more, so I thought I would address it in this episode. Should you still use hashtags? If so, how? And how many do you use? We will cover all of those in this episode. Linkshttps://mixtusmedia.squarespace.com/book-marketing-blueprint (Book Marketing Blueprint)

Newsletters are an important element to an author's marketing strategy, but what's actually involved? How does an author get started? In this episode Jenn walks you through the three major elements authors need to get their newsletter started. LinksThe Author Circle

When an author has a very tight budget (or no budget at all) the idea of paying for ads might be scary. Do they work? Should a new author use ads? In this episode, Jenn discusses ads, what you should consider before buying ads, and a few tips to get things rolling. Read the episode notes at http://mixtusmedia.com/podcast/51

Content is what sets you apart from every other author out there. So how can authors actually come up with great content ideas? In this episode Jenn and Marcus discuss how you can get started plus a new resource that will provide over a year's worth of content. https://mixtusmedia.squarespace.com/content-vault (Content Vault for Writers)

When it comes to marketing our books, oftentimes we look for the fastest and easiest ways to complete our tasks. But is that what's best for our readers? In this episode, Jenn and Marcus discuss a vital element to our marketing that many authors overlook and how it can hurt our sales. Read the show notes at http://mixtusmedia.com/podcast/49

TikTok has made a massive impact on the world of social media - and nearly every outlet has tried to mimic TikTok's features. So as users, what can we learn from from TikTok? In this episode, Jenn and Marcus discuss what TikTok is doing really well and how we can apply it to our marketing strategies. LinksThe Author Circle

Chances are that you've experienced less engagement on Instagram lately. You're not alone! In this episode Jenn and Marcus discuss ways that authors can boost their engagement and see better results. Create more conversations in Stories. Use more keywords and specific hashtags. Double down on what IS working for you. Links

One of the biggest struggles authors face on social media is knowing how to actually find their readers. Jenn and Marcus discuss two ways that you can do just that on any social media platform. Read the episode notes at http://mixtusmedia.com/podcast/46 (http://mixtusmedia.com/podcast/46)

We are all looking for ways to save time and money with our marketing. But with so many options, it can be hard to figure out which are best. In this episode Jenn and Marcus share their favorite free online tools that make life easier. Linkshttps://www.canva.com (Canva) https://unsplash.com (Unsplash) https://buffer.com (Buffer) https://later.com (Later) https://docs.google.com (Google Docs) https://airtable.com (Airtable) https://www.mailerlite.com (MailerLite) https://mailchimp.com (Mailchimp) https://www.mixtusmedia.com/podcast/38 ("Newsletter Vs Blog Subscribers - What's the Difference?") https://www.mixtusmedia.com/podcast/32 ("How Authors Can Start Their Newsletter")

Getting reviews on Amazon can feel like pulling teeth. But they are very important to your overall marketing. In this episode, Jenn & Marcus discuss ways that you can boost your review and keep them coming in. - Create a plan for getting reviews at launch - Continue to ask readers regularly for reviews - Add review prompts in your book - Do a Goodreads Giveaway

A book marketing strategy is an author's game plan - it helps authors know what to do to connect with readers. Without a strategy, it can leave authors struggling and feeling overwhelmed. In this episode Jenn and Marcus map out a strategy that you can use to market your book. Linkshttp://mixtusmedia.com/blueprint (Book Marketing Blueprint)

Giving away books and other prizes used to be a go-to strategy for growing on social media. But is it still relevant? And does it actually work? In this episode, Jenn and Marcus discuss if this is a reliable strategy and how you can best use giveaways for your book promotions. Linkshttps://www.mixtusmedia.com/blog/how-authors-can-grow-on-instagram-before-the-book-is-written (How Authors Can Grow on Instagram Before the Book Is Written) https://www.mixtusmedia.com/blog/how-authors-can-connect-with-bookstagram-and-booktok-influencers (How Authors Can Connect with BookTok and Bookstagram Influencers) https://www.mixtusmedia.com/blog/how-authors-can-grow-on-instagram-without-reels (How Authors Can Grow On Instagram Without Reels) https://www.mixtusmedia.com/instagram-posting-formula (Instagram Posting Formula FREE Download)

If you've ever thought of throwing your hands up in the air and deleting all of your social media accounts, you're not alone. In this episode, Jenn and Marcus go over some pros and cons of using social media as part of your marketing strategy. Links https://www.mixtusmedia.com/podcast/20 (How to Market Your Book Without Social Media) https://www.mixtusmedia.com/instagram-posting-formula (Instagram Posting Formula FREE Download) Photo by https://unsplash.com/@karsten116?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText (Karsten Winegeart) on https://unsplash.com/s/photos/like?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText (Unsplash)

When it comes to successfully marketing your book, there's an important element that you need: information. In this episode, Jenn and Marcus discuss how you can use Instagram to discover exactly what your readers want and how you can put it to work. The importance of surveying your audience How to easily do this using Instagram How to use this information for your marketing plan LINKS: https://blog.hootsuite.com/instagram-statistics/ (https://blog.hootsuite.com/instagram-statistics/)

Putting yourself and your book out into the world can be scary - especially for introverts. But to see book sales and to grow your platform, it's a must. In this episode Jenn and Marcus discuss some tools that authors can use to market their book - even if you're an introvert! Adjust your mindset - be positive!Talk to one person you know will want to hear from you - your ideal reader. Take it one step at a time. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Have you ever wondered, "What's the difference between subscribing to a blog and subscribing to a newsletter?" We know this can be confusing for some authors, so Jenn and Marcus differentiate between the two and give an overview of the pieces required to get your newsletter rolling. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

As an author, it can be difficult to navigate where you should be online to grow your audience and see the best results. In this episode, Jenn and Marcus talk about how authors can find the best place to connect with their ideal readers, see greater results, and actually enjoy the process.LINKSSocial media demographics to inform your brand's strategy in 2021 by Sprout SocialInstagram Stories Vs Reels and How to Best Use ThemStreamlined Book Marketing GuideInstagram Accelerator Process See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Are you basing your entire marketing strategy on other people's connections? Whether that be influencers, media, friends, or organizations - depending on others to sell your book is not sustainable. In this episode Jenn and Marcus talk about what authors need to focus on to continue book sales, build a solid marketing foundation, and see better results. The side effects of only relying on others for your marketingWhy this strategy won't help you sell more booksWhat authors should do instead LinksStreamlined Book Marketing GuideInstagram Accelerator ProcessCoaching See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.