In the ever-evolving landscape of publishing, marketing for authors has become increasingly important. In years past, an author’s job was simply to write a book, then hand it off to a publishing house to handle the rest. However, as the industry has changed, so too has the role of the author.
Today, authors are expected to be active participants in the marketing of their own work. They must not only produce a great book, but also work to establish and promote their personal brand and build their audience. In other words, authors must take on the role of marketer, in addition to writer.
Marketing For Authors – Social Media
One of the main reasons why author marketing has become so important is the rise of social media. Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook have made it easier than ever for authors to connect with readers – and vice versa. In fact, social media has become such a crucial part of author marketing that most publishers now require authors to have a significant online following before they will consider publishing their work.
Marketing For Authors – Events
Beyond social media, in our now post-COVID era, author marketing also includes events like book signings, readings, and public speaking engagements. These events not only help authors connect with their readers, but also provide opportunities to reach new audiences and generate valuable earned media.
Marketing For Authors – Email Marketing
Another key component of author marketing is email marketing. By building a list of subscribers, authors can send targeted messages to their fans, informing them of new releases, promotions, and other news. It’s hard to put a price on the value of this list since even connecting with fans via social media is subject to the whims of mysterious algorithms.
While author marketing may seem like a daunting task, the benefits are clear; by taking an active role in promoting their work, authors can increase their visibility, connect with readers, and build a loyal following. In turn, this should lead to higher book sales and revenue, more speaking engagements, and other opportunities that can further their careers. Plus, as with any investment, the bulk of the cost is on the front end. Imagine the work of selling 10,000 copies of your book just as you’re building your platform versus ten years investing in yourself and your tribe.
Getting Started
Of course, not every author is a natural marketer and many writers prefer to focus solely on their craft and find the prospect of promoting themselves and their work overwhelming. However, with the right approach and support, even the most marketing-averse authors can find success in this new era of publishing.
At CHAPTER + VERSE, we’ve spoken and worked with many authors and would love to explore how we may be able to serve you.