Book Marketing Strategies

Introduction

• Book marketing can be a challenging process for authors.
• The speaker's next book, The Shithead, is set to release on September 19th.
• The speaker is an experienced book marketing consultant with over 14 years in the industry.

Speaker's Credentials

• CEO of StoryGrid, helping writers build skills and leave a legacy.
• One of the top book marketers globally, having launched dozens of books to bestseller lists.
• Author of Your First 1000 Copies, a bestselling book on book marketing.
• High demand as a consultant, with launch fees starting at $60,000.

Key Marketing Strategy

• Overarching Strategy: Every author should focus on finding people who will love their book and getting them to read it.
• Mindset: Authors need to believe their book is valuable and that reading it will benefit the reader.

Common Misconceptions

• Many books that achieve sales success start small; not all bestsellers have long-term sales.
• Bestseller lists often reflect short-term sales spikes rather than sustained success.
• Success in book sales often involves a long lag time in finding an audience.
• Books can quietly sell well over time, even if they are not mainstream bestsellers.

Sales Patterns

• Many successful books initially sell fewer copies but gain traction over time.
• Example: The War of Art sold only 9,000 copies in its first year but continued to sell well in subsequent years.
• Books are consumed more slowly compared to other media, which affects how they find their audience.
• Focus on the first two years of book promotion rather than immediate sales.

Finding Your Audience

• Utilize Sam, the single audience member concept from StoryGrid, to identify who will love your book.
• Engage with personal contacts and communities to promote your book.
• It’s often easier for someone to purchase a book than to commit the time to read it.

Effective Marketing Tactics

• Marketing strategies should focus on connecting with individuals who are likely to appreciate the book.
• Utilize various platforms such as podcasts, advertising, conferences, and social media to reach potential readers.
• Start small by reaching out to one person at a time, regardless of the author's experience level.

Mindset for Success

• Successful authors believe their book is worth the reader's time and money.
• The belief that readers will benefit from the book is fundamental to successful marketing.
• If you doubt your book’s value, reconsider publishing it or work on enhancing its quality.

Conclusion

• The two key takeaways are:
  • Strategy: Find people who will love your book and get them to read it.
  • Mindset: Believe that your book is good and will benefit readers.

Additional Resources

• Visit StoryGrid.com/checklist for a free 13-point checklist on writing great scenes.
• Subscribe to the StoryGrid channel for more resources and updates.