Three ways to start finding readers well before your book launch
Find your content themes and start to connect with potential readers who love the same things you do
Most writers understand that when it comes to marketing content, ‘Here’s my book, buy my book’ is not going to cut it. We need to find topics to consistently talk about in email, on social media and the rest of our channels, which are going to build relationships and community with potential readers, and naturally segue into the world of our writing.
The good news is the best time to start doing this is well before you have a book to launch. In fact, when you’re still writing your book and can ask meaningful questions relating to its subject matter, is often a good time to begin.
Consider the recurring themes in your work, your passions and interests, the subjects you researched in order to write this book, or even your weekly routine - all of these can provide ideas for content themes that will work well for you. Begin sharing content on a sustainable schedule that works for you, starting conversations and finding your people, as early as you can.
2. Decide what you’re happy to share about the journey
Many writers draw on challenging experiences from our own lives in our writing - but we’re under no obligation to share these over and over again in order to connect with readers. Deciding what is off limits is as important as deciding what you’re happy to share when it comes to book marketing.
The journey to publication itself is also often an epic roller coaster of hope, disappointment, elation and all the emotions in between. Giving potential readers a ‘glimpse behind the curtain’ into the story behind your story can be a great book marketing technique, but only as far as you’re comfortable doing so. Deciding on your boundaries in advance protects you against getting drawn on subjects you’d like to keep private.
3. Devise an awesome mailing list offer - note this is not necessarily the same as having ‘a newsletter!’
Email marketing is the most effective type of marketing to build long-term relationships and community, as well as to encourage people to part with money and buy your book.
Also, as we’ve seen over recent years, social media is not a sensible sustainable place to build a reliable following. At best, you’re at the mercy of an algorithm. At worst, the platform may change beyond all recognition. Use your social media and other marketing channels to find your people, and make them sit up and take notice of what you’re doing. But then share an excellent incentive to encourage them to go to your website and sign up to your mailing list.
Getting your mailing list offer in place is a fantastic first step to take on your book marketing journey.
If you’re working towards the launch of your book and would like to do so in the company of Anna and a small group of like-minded writers, Book Launchpad could be a great option for you.
Book Launchpad is a six-month programme to make the process of preparing for our launches fun, enjoyable and mutually supportive. Anna will also provide structured resources and plans to give us the best chance of finding readers who’ll love the work we’ve put our heart and soul into.
Please do get in touch if you’d like to book your place or ask any questions.