What I Wish I Knew
Book marketing plays a vital role in an author’s success. Whether you’re a published author, thinking about writing a book, or you know someone who just published for the first time, I have something for you.
Many new authors have asked me how I marketed my book, Accidental First Lady. Before publishing, I hadn’t considered what happens next. I’ve enjoyed post-publishing life, and I’m grateful for each and every interview, speaking engagement, follower and reader.
I believe that as a community we should help one another when possible.
I haven’t forgotten the day a local author reached out to me with an offer to meet for coffee and share book marketing tips. I’ve written professionally for 30 years, but my experience as a public relations manager and communicator left me largely clueless about book marketing.
Every new author has a few lessons to learn. Despite the early mistake I made of not marketing my book before it was published, I’ve sold more books than what the Internet states is the maximum number of lifetime sales for an independent author.
Success isn’t only about book sales, however. I’ve been on television, interviewed on podcasts and in local print and online publications, attended book fairs throughout Florida, spoken to organizations, and been the guest author at book clubs.
Still, I wish I could go back to six months before I woke up on Oct. 29, 2021. That was my “pub day,” as authors affectionately refer to the day their book is live. Emails and social media posts congratulated me on publishing Accidental First Lady. I’ll certainly never delete the text I received of a screen shot showing my book ranked #1 in “women’s political biographies” the day it debuted on Amazon.
My husband was in the sunset of his 8-year term as mayor, and my book was about my life as a 22-year political spouse. I’d already written the articles in my head, anticipating how the media might frame my book as a “tell-all from the mayor’s wife.” Thankfully, that didn’t happen, but I quickly learned that keeping quiet about my impending book launch didn’t do me any favors.
When I approached out-of-state bookstores about hosting author events, it was too late. They often schedule book launch events 3-6 months before they hit the shelves. That was my first lesson. Since publishing, I’ve learned more about book marketing.
Consider this our virtual coffee date. Grab your favorite beverage - mine will always be a homemade double espresso oat milk latte - and check out my easy-to-implement book marketing tips. If you like what you read, purchase my Book Marketing Guide and start your book marketing journey today.