So you’ve written your book and it’s been published. Surely it’s just a case of sitting back and waiting for the royalties to roll in?
Think again!
In the old days of publishing, those lucky few authors who were able to secure a publishing contract from a big-five publisher could relax and let the publisher take care of most of the publicity. Book tours and media events were arranged and the author was told where to show up. Then came the internet and Amazon launched the Kindle. Print-on-demand turned the publishing industry on its head. It is now easier than ever for small indie publishers and individuals to publish books. The floodgates have well and truly opened, your new title is one of 1.6 million books published EVERY year.
You as the author are now as important as your book and the public want to know all about you. Your publisher is no longer the entity that sells your books, you are. The publisher will only get involved in publicity, marketing and advertising when they see results.
It may be easier than ever to become a published author, but you have to accept that the really hard work starts after your book is published.
The power of Social Media
01
Digital Networkling
Social Media is quite simply the greatest free advertising platform ever invented. Embrace Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram and build up your followers. Keep them informed and updated at least a few times each week. Remember, you and your book are relatively unknown and with 70 million books available in the English language, you have no option but to run with the crowd.
02
Amazon Reviews
We need 50 Amazon reviews. That's your first job. Call on your family and friends to buy and review your book, join groups and talk rooms relating to the same subject as your book. Take a look at the 1000s of groups on the internet and get posting. Once you have 50 reviews, the Amazon algorithms kick into play and they start advertising your book free. As an author, once you get 50 reviews you will begin to be taken seriously. Your book has gained its first ounce of respectability.
03
Amazon & Goodreads Author Pages
An Amazon author profile gives authors a dedicated space on the largest online book marketplace in the world, increasing your visibility and adding credibility to your work. A professional author photo, bio, and links to your social media and website is essential. Goodreads, also provides a platform for authors to promote their books and engage with readers through discussions and Q&A sessions.
Building Bricks - the key to your success
Facebook and Twitter X
Facebook and Twitter X have large user bases, allowing authors to reach a wide audience. These platforms allow authors to connect with readers, other authors, book bloggers, friends and family. They are both powerful tools for self promoting and marketing books. They can also run targeted advertising campaigns to reach specific demographics and interests and authors can respond to comments and questions, and foster relationships with fans. Building a supportive community can help generate buzz around a book and create a loyal fan base.
Instagram is ideal for authors due to its visual nature, allowing them to share book covers, snippets of their writing, behind-the-scenes insights, and connect directly with readers. Its large user base and engagement make it a powerful platform for building a literary community.
Author website
A well-designed website portrays you as a serious and professional author. It reflects positively on your commitment to your profession and allows you to provide detailed information about your books. By regularly publishing informative content such as blog posts, articles, or videos related to your book, you can establish yourself as a serious author and further boost your credibility.Through comments, social media shares, and email subscriptions, authors can foster a sense of community and strengthen relationships with their readers and fresh, relevant content is essential for search engine optimization (SEO).
Tell the world about your book
Radio interviews and podcasts provide authors with a platform to reach new audiences. Listeners who tune in to these shows may not have previously been aware of the author or their book, so these appearances offer an opportunity for exposure to a potentially large and diverse audience. Radio interviews and podcasts allow authors to engage directly with listeners in a conversational format which in turn will drive sales. Fortis Publishing will upload all author interviews to their Youtube and Podcast Channel driving more exposure to you as the author and your book and of course you can share it on all of your Social Media.
Visit your local bookstore
Your local book store will most likely be very responsive and keen to help a local author. It is an author's dream to have their book displayed in the window of a major chain store, but the independent bookstores are often an author's best friend. Invite the local press, bloggers who write about the local area, local book clubs, and as many friends and family as you can fit into the shop. Think as far out of the box as you can and spread the news far and wide. You will be surprised how responsive people are and how willing they are to help a person in their local area.
YouTube Channel
Have you got plenty of things to say about your book? You may wish to consider your own Youtube Channel. It’s easy to set up, go to the YouTube tutorials, it takes about 30 minutes. Read chapters of your book, interview other authors, talk about your other interests and world events. You might even become a Youtube Influencer. Now that really would push your book sales to another level.