Creating a Marketing Plan for Authors
by Mary Kole | Former literary agent, now a freelance editor, writing teacher, and IP/story developer for major publishers and creators.
As an aspiring author, you know that writing a book is only half the battle. To truly succeed in the publishing industry, you need to have a solid marketing plan for authors in place to promote your book and gain a readership. But since you’ve gravitated to writing, marketing and self-promotion may not be your specialty. That's why I'm here to guide you through the process of creating a marketing plan for authors. In this article, I’ll cover the essential steps to take before and after your book is published, a sample marketing plan for authors, and tips and best practices to make the most of your marketing efforts.
A Pre-Publication Marketing Plan for Authors
Any strong marketing plan for authors starts from the moment you decide to write a book. This is the perfect time to start building your author platform and creating a buzz around your work. Some activities you can engage in at this stage include:
Building an Author Website: This is the perfect place to build your author brand and start connecting with potential readers. You can even use lead magnet marketing to accelerate your email newsletter subscriber count at this point.
Using Social Media: Platforms like X, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook can help you gain a following and keep your readers engaged. Social media is a critical element of a proper marketing plan for authors, because you are ideally going to be engaging with readers, not just talking about your book. Social media is where your audience can find you, so consider which platforms your idea reader would use.
Collaborate with Other Authors: Partnering with other authors in your genre can help you expand your reach and gain new readers, and it can expand the reach of your marketing plan for authors.
A Post-Publication Marketing Plan for Authors
Once your book is published, it's time to step up your marketing efforts and really get your book in front of your target readership. Some of the activities you can engage in at this stage include:
Book Signings and Speaking Engagements: This element of a marketing plan for authors gives you an opportunity to connect with readers in person and promote your book.
Utilize Online Reviews and Ratings: Encourage your readers to leave reviews and ratings on platforms like Amazon or Goodreads to attract new readers.
Online Book Clubs and Discussion Forums: This gives you an opportunity to connect with readers and share insights on your book. The more available and engaged you are, the more your book marketing plan for authors efforts will be repaid in the form of loyal readers.
Marketing Plan for Authors Best Practices
Creating a marketing plan for authors requires a combination of creativity, hard work, and strategic planning. Here are some best practices to make the most of your marketing efforts:
Know Your Target Audience: To develop effective marketing for authors strategies, you need to have a clear understanding of your ideal readership. You will ideally have considered this before writing your project, but try to zero in on something more specific than “anyone and everyone.”
Be Consistent: Consistency is key when it comes to book marketing. Consistently connect with your readers through social media, newsletters, and other communication channels.
Build Relationships: Building relationships with readers, other authors, and industry professionals—especially influencers—is essential to growing your author platform and succeeding as an author.
Creating an effective marketing plan for authors may seem overwhelming, but with the right strategies and approaches, you can successfully promote your book and grow your readership. Remember to start early, engage in both online and offline marketing activities, and be consistent and strategic with your efforts. By following these steps and incorporating best practices, you can craft a doable marketing plan for authors and achieve success in the ever-competitive publishing industry.
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