December 2022 made twenty years that I have worked in the book publishing industry. I’ve seen authors self-publish crime novels, poetry, memoirs, women’s fiction, and self-help books while others have garnered deals for their business books, children’s books, and essay collections. It’s a lovely thing to see a writer’s dream of becoming a published author manifested.
This year, I will be breaking down more of the intricacies of planning, publishing, and promoting successfully. To get things started I’ve asked some of my author friends and clients to share advice for those aspiring to launch their first book in 2023.
Take time well before publication to make a list of your different networks and affiliations. Over time, fill in the list of who you’d like to notify when your book is published. When you get closer to publication, it may be overwhelming to have to create this list. If you create a rolling list, you’ll always be in “update” mode!
Tina Wells, Bestselling Author of The Zee Files, Honest June and The Stitch Clique
Even if you have PR from your publishers and a private firm, it is YOU that has to sell your book. Start sharing about it as soon as the cover is released. Pre-orders are key! A post a day, helps your sales slay! Create an IG page for your book so you don’t have to only share on your private page. Give your PR information from all of the cities you have ever lived in and have communities that you are connected to. Do private book club events online so you create a buzz with book lovers. Send copies to bookstagrammers and TikTok book influencers and try to do lives with them. OMG this list is going on-and-on like Erykah Badu! Most importantly, HAVE FUN! Book sales are often a marathon and not a sprint. You are in this for the long haul.
Anita Kopacz, Bestselling Author of Shallow Waters: A Novel
Make sure you know who your main audience is. For some, this might involve creating a persona with demographics, characteristics, etc. For others, it might mean asking yourself questions like: who does my writing advocate for, and what do I want them to get out of reading my book(s)? Regardless of your method, once you know your audience, you can speak to them authentically across all platforms. And that will not only help increase your social media following, but it’ll also help you better target speaking opportunities and media placements, and establish a dedicated audience for future work.
Darby Baham, Author of The Friendship Chronicles series with Harlequin Special Edition
As a new author on social media platforms, it is important that you engage with your current and future fans. One of the best ways to do that is to share your life. Allow your followers to know you by sharing photos or quotes on your social media pages then ask them a question about it to get them engaging with you and among themselves. Let them get to know you through things such as your favorite color, photos from a trip or even family photos. Also, give your readers an opportunity to win something, people love gifts, especially when they are free.
Felicia Brookins, Award winning Author of Sister Nadeen’s Ways
To my new writers, embrace the rewrite and find yourself the best editor that you can afford. The better your quality of work, the more serious you’ll be. And a good publicist like Dawn is invaluable. Find someone who is just as passionate about your work as you are. This is a tough business with a lot of trial and error. Find a process that works for you. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t have immediate success. It’s a grind. Good luck.
Omar Scott, Author of Loyal to a Fault
