I want to thank Author-Speaker-Coach Allie Pleiter for providing the following information. She asked her clients and her fellow readers what type of Bookish goodies they like to receive from Pre-Orders, or in general.
I wanted to share this with you as you plan your marketing campaign for new books or just want to change up your current marketing materials. As you can see, the cost can range greatly, so as you plan your marketing budget, keep that in mind.
The following is what the responses were:
1 – Amazon/Barnes Noble Gift Cards – 77%
2 – Bookmarks – 72%
3 – Notebooks/Notepads/Post-its – 71%
4 – Pens – 67%
5 – Crafted items (knitted, home-crafted type of items) –52%
6 – Food/Coffee Gift Cards – 41%
7 – Candy - 28%
8 – Extra Scenes Not in the Book – 26%
9 – Postcards – 22%
10 – Other items – 16 %
I hope this helps you in creating a marketing program best suited for your book.
You can learn more about Allie Pleiter here: alliepleiter.com
Marketing Strategy Utilizing Short Stories for Authors
In a world with over one million authors and more than 1.4 million books published annually, maintaining relevance and visibility is a daunting task. While many authors resort to familiar tools like social media and Goodreads for immediate exposure, they often overlook long-term marketing strategies and opportunities.
For over eight years, we've advocated for the use of short stories as a potent marketing tool for several compelling reasons. Primary among these is the ability to captivate readers in novel ways, while secondary benefits include providing existing fans with fresh insights into the author's body of work.
Short stories serve various purposes, such as providing background for characters, introducing new scenes, presenting deleted scenes from books, or gauging interest in potential new book ideas by exploring existing characters.
At the Texas Authors Institute, we actively encourage authors to engage in our short story contests. Participation not only offers exposure and potential accolades but crucially, we strive to distribute resulting anthologies to Texas libraries, enabling new readers to discover these authors. Additionally, winning authors are asked to include a brief historical context for their short stories. This contextual information transforms each story into a marketing asset, especially if it relates to a previously published work.
This approach to marketing fosters long-term reader engagement, leading to sustained book sales that far outweigh the initial investment of time and any associated entry fees. It represents a highly cost-effective method of expanding one's readership and book sales over time.
Learn more about the Texas Authors Short Story Contest here: https://TxShorts.TexasAuthors.Institute
Increasing Challenges to Authors' Income and Creativity
As you're likely aware, the advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to expand its capabilities. As we've previously discussed in our newsletters, there are both positive and negative aspects to this trend. Utilizing AI to enhance the quality of literary works is undoubtedly beneficial. However, the prospect of AI generating entirely new works from scratch raises concerns.
One such example is Fable, an online platform employing AI to craft written stories and generate accompanying images, particularly for children's picture books. While the current capabilities of these systems are somewhat limited, the notion of producing books without the involvement of writers and graphic designers is unsettling. Despite the quality of the content and imagery produced by these systems, the potential reduction in opportunities for authors and designers is significant.
It's worth noting that while major publishing entities like Amazon and Ingram are beginning to explore the integration of AI, the accessibility of platforms like Fable, where anyone can create children's books for ages zero to eight based on existing templates, is particularly concerning.
Authors already face challenges in sustaining their livelihoods amidst the corporate dynamics prevalent in the publishing industry. Losing sales to AI-generated content further exacerbates this struggle.
We're witnessing the emergence of AI-authored fictional stories, poetry, and non-fiction works, and it begs the question: Will any genre remain untouched by AI?
This directly impacts your income as an author. What proactive measures will you take to address the diminishing returns on your passion and hard work? Tell us your thoughts and ideas at
Self-publishing, commonly known as Indie Authors in our modern times, has a long history dating back to the invention of the printing press. In comparison, traditional publishing is a relatively recent concept.
There was a time when having a publishing house publish your work was seen as a mark of superiority over self-publishing. However, with the rise of electronic publishing and Print-On-Demand, this perception has gradually faded. Even authors who were once traditionally published are now taking more control over their works and moving away from the traditional publishing model.
As we approach the first year of celebrating Indie Authors in 2024, it's important to review the benefits of being an Indie Author compared to being traditionally published. The following are some highlights gathered by the author after years of experience as an author, publisher, and advocate for authors.
It's important to note that self-publishing may not be the ideal choice for every writer. While self-publishing, also known as Indie Authors, has a long history and offers various benefits, it also comes with its own set of challenges. It's crucial for writers to thoroughly review the pros and cons of self-publishing compared to traditional publishing before making a decision. Factors such as marketing, distribution, editing, and other responsibilities fall solely on the author’s in self-publishing, which may not be suitable for everyone. Careful consideration and research are essential to determine the best publishing route that aligns with a writer's goals and needs.
Control over the Publishing Process: Independent authors have complete control over the publishing process, from the writing to the distribution of the book.
Higher Royalties: Independent authors can earn higher royalties than traditionally published authors.
Flexibility: Independent authors have the flexibility to change the book’s cover, title, or content at any time, without needing approval from a publisher.
Faster Publishing Timeline: Independent authors can publish their books much faster than traditionally published authors, as they do not need to go through a lengthy submission and approval process.
Direct Communication with Readers: Independent authors can communicate directly with their readers through social media, email newsletters, and other marketing channels.
Niche Markets: Independent authors can target niche markets that traditional publishers may not be interested in.
Lower Overhead Costs: Independent authors can keep their overhead costs low by not having to pay for a publisher's marketing or distribution services.
No Publisher Rejection: Independent authors do not have to deal with the frustration and disappointment of a publisher rejecting their manuscript.
Global Reach: Independent authors can distribute their books globally through online retailers such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
More Creative Control: Independent authors have more creative control over their book's content, cover design, and marketing strategies.
To learn more about each of the above items, please check out B Alan Bourgeois’s “Top Ten Advantages Indie Authors Have Over Traditional Authors” available in print, eBook, or audiobook.
To learn more about B Alan Bourgeois, please check out his website at BourgeoisMedia.Com
Harnessing the Power of Social Media for Book Discovery
In today's digital age, social media has become an indispensable tool for authors seeking to connect with readers, build an online presence, and promote their work. In this comprehensive blog post, we will explore ten effective strategies that authors can employ to utilize social media platforms for book discovery. By implementing these strategies, authors can expand their reach, engage with their target audience, and ultimately increase book sales.
1. Defining Your Target Audience:
Understanding your target audience is crucial when utilizing social media for book discovery. This section will guide authors in defining the demographic and interests of their ideal readers. By identifying these key characteristics, authors can tailor their social media content and engage with the right audience, increasing the chances of book discovery and reader engagement.
2. Choosing the Right Platforms:
Not all social media platforms are created equal, and each has its own unique audience. This section will help authors identify the platforms where their target audience is most active. By focusing their efforts on the right platforms, authors can maximize their reach and engagement, ensuring that their content is seen by the right people.
3. Building an Author Brand:
Creating a strong and recognizable author brand is essential for effective social media presence. This section will offer practical tips on establishing a consistent brand across social media profiles. From selecting a professional author photo to creating a cohesive visual aesthetic, authors will learn how to develop a clear author bio that reflects their writing style and genre.
4. Sharing Engaging Content:
Engaging content is key to capturing the attention of social media users. In this section, authors will discover various types of content they can share to captivate their audience. From excerpts and behind-the-scenes insights to book recommendations and writing tips, authors will learn how to provide valuable and interesting content that resonates with their target audience.
5. Interacting with Your Audience:
Building relationships with readers is vital for successful book discovery on social media platforms. This section will emphasize the importance of engaging with your audience by responding to comments, messages, and mentions. Authors will learn how to initiate conversations, ask questions, and show genuine interest, fostering a sense of community and loyalty among their readers.
6. Using Hashtags Strategically:
Hashtags are powerful tools for increasing the visibility of social media posts. In this section, authors will discover how to research and use relevant hashtags that are popular within their genre or writing community. By incorporating strategic hashtags, authors can attract readers who are interested in similar content and increase their chances of book discovery.
7. Collaborating with Influencers:
Collaborating with influencers or book bloggers who have a significant following can significantly boost book discovery. This section will guide authors in identifying influencers aligned with their target audience and creating mutually beneficial partnerships. By offering free copies of their book for review, guest posting on influential blogs, or participating in joint giveaways, authors can tap into new readerships and expand their reach.
8. Running Contests and Giveaways:
Contests and giveaways are effective strategies to incentivize engagement and generate buzz on social media platforms. In this section, authors will learn how to run contests and giveaways, offering free copies of their book, exclusive merchandise, or personalized experiences as prizes. By encouraging participation, authors can attract new readers and increase book discovery.
9. Leveraging Paid Advertising:
Paid advertising on social media platforms can significantly increase book discovery and reach. This section will explore the targeted advertising options offered by platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. Authors will learn how to specify their target audience based on demographics, interests, and behaviors, ensuring their content is seen by the right people.
10. Analyzing and Adapting:
Regularly analyzing social media analytics is crucial for refining strategies and optimizing efforts. In this final section, authors will learn how to review their social media analytics to understand which posts and strategies are generating the most engagement and book discovery. By using this data to adapt their approach, authors can continuously improve their social media presence and maximize book discovery.
Social media platforms offer authors unparalleled opportunities for book discovery, reader engagement, and promotional success. By implementing the ten strategies outlined in this blog post, authors can effectively utilize social media to connect with their target audience, increase book sales, and establish a strong online presence. Embracing social media as a powerful tool in their marketing arsenal, authors can navigate the ever-changing landscape of book discovery and thrive in the digital age.
Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Publishing: Insights and Strategies for Authors
The publishing industry has undergone significant transformations in recent years, driven by technological advancements and changing reader preferences. In this blog post, we will explore several emerging trends in the publishing industry and provide authors with valuable insights and strategies to navigate this ever-evolving landscape. By understanding these trends and implementing effective strategies, authors can position themselves for success and maximize their book's reach and impact.
1. The Rise of Self-Publishing
Self-publishing has experienced a remarkable surge in popularity, empowering authors to take control of their publishing journey. This section will delve into the benefits and challenges of self-publishing, providing authors with practical tips on selecting the right self-publishing platform, developing effective marketing strategies, and building a strong author brand. We will also discuss the importance of professional editing and cover design to ensure the quality of self-published books.
2. Embracing Digital Publishing
Digital publishing has revolutionized the way books are consumed, offering authors exciting opportunities to reach a global audience. This section will explore the intricacies of digital publishing, including formatting considerations for e-books, leveraging digital distribution channels, and employing digital marketing techniques to boost book sales. We will also discuss the importance of optimizing metadata and using keywords to improve discoverability in online bookstores.
3. The Growing Demand for Audiobooks
Audiobooks have gained immense popularity in recent years, appealing to readers seeking convenient and immersive storytelling experiences. This section will guide authors through the process of creating and distributing audiobooks, from finding suitable narrators to collaborating with audiobook production companies. We will also discuss effective marketing strategies for audiobooks, such as leveraging podcast appearances and utilizing social media platforms to engage with audiobook listeners.
4. Social Media as a Catalyst for Book Discovery
Social media platforms have become powerful tools for authors to connect with readers, build an online presence, and promote their work. This section will delve into the influence of social media on book discovery, offering authors valuable strategies to effectively utilize platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Goodreads. We will explore the importance of defining a target audience, creating engaging content, utilizing hashtags, and collaborating with influencers to expand reach and engagement.
5. The Hybrid Publishing Model
The hybrid publishing model combines elements of traditional publishing and self-publishing, offering authors a unique approach to publishing their work. In this section, we will explore the benefits and considerations of the hybrid publishing model, including the potential for wider distribution, access to professional editing and cover design services, and shared marketing efforts. We will also provide tips for authors considering hybrid publishing options, such as researching reputable hybrid publishers and understanding the terms of hybrid publishing contracts.
As the publishing industry continues to evolve, authors must adapt and embrace these emerging trends to thrive in the competitive landscape. By understanding the benefits and challenges of self-publishing, digital publishing, audiobooks, social media, and hybrid publishing models, authors can make informed decisions about their publishing journey. By implementing the strategies outlined in this blog post, authors can position themselves for success, expand their readership, and ultimately achieve their publishing goals in this new era of publishing.