5 Unique Book Marketing Ideas For Writers At All Stages
What to do? Let's discuss, writing friends!
In the realm of book marketing, sometimes lesser-known strategies can turn out to be gold mines. What’s your achievable goal? What’s your dream goal? Know that first.
Then, step up to a few less-trodden paths you might consider:
1. Leveraging Micro-Influencers:
Just like a good indie movie might not have the blockbuster buzz but has a loyal fan following, micro-influencers in the book industry have a small but highly engaged audience. Collaborating with them can often yield better results than going for the big names.
Who specifically? Well, that depends. Which genre? What are your sub-genres? Which age group is your ideal reader? Where do they hang out online? Do your research. Pew Research is a free organization that offers all types of demographics in terms of social media, readers, and more.
Terms to search on:
IG: #bookstagram, #writersofig, #readersofig
X/Twitter: #BookTwitter
YouTube: #booktube, #booktuber
TikTok: #booktok
And don’t forget about audio spaces (e.g., on X, Clubhouse, or LinkedIn). I frequently read, interview, and do giveaways with authors as part of my weekly book space (I only ask my guest to offer a signed, print copy to send to an attendee - if the author declines, I offer an ebook copy and pay for it). Wednesdays, 11 am pst/2 pm est for #BookMarketingChat. Join any time!
2. Virtual Book Readings:
Imagine you are having a cozy get-together with friends where you discuss a book vividly. Hosting virtual book readings can create a similar environment where people can connect more intimately with the author and the book, fostering a community that champions the book heartily.
Each social media offers live options - where you can do either video or audio, or audio only. Look up how to do them or ask an author friend for advice and tips! More here on tips for each platform (bookmark this one) from PlannThat.
Video not your thing? Embrace audio spaces. I didn’t think I’d enjoy doing my two weekly audio spaces, but I do! That connection we hear in someone speaking far outweighs text-only-based conversations.
3. Interactive Content:
Think of interactive content as creating a puzzle or a quiz where the audience gets to engage actively, much like being involved in an intriguing book plot. Creating interactive content related to the book (like quizzes, puzzles, etc.) can be a fun and engaging way to market it.
How to start? Take five minutes and scroll through “Teacher Content” on Pinterest. Trust me. You’ll fall down the rabbit hole of fun and practical ideas!
Tip: The best tip I have for getting people to speak is to ask questions! Not generic questions like ‘Which is your favorite platform,’ but more specific, such as, ‘What’s your biggest fear in {insert topic}?”
People love to give opinions, so harness that energy.
4. Serialized Content on Social Media:
Just as a series of short walks can sometimes be more refreshing and fulfilling than one long one, serializing book content (like a chapter or an excerpt) on social media platforms can create a steady buzz and keep the audience hooked and coming back for more.
How? Threads are very popular now on X(Twitter), Facebook, LinkedIn, and video series are perfect for TikTok and Instagram, Reddit, other online forums, and even Facebook groups. Read more here from Social Pilot.
Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram allow for longer posts and threads. X(Twitter) has offered the ability to write threads for many years, and if you upgrade, you can write up to 25,000 words in a post. Crazy. More here from X(Twitter).
Share a few lines from your latest blog post, article, interview, etc., add a compelling photo (I like Unsplash for gorgeous free photos), and link it.
5. Collaborative Events with Non-book Brands:
Consider this as having a potluck where everyone brings a dish to the table. Collaborating with brands from other sectors for events or promotions can provide fresh perspectives and can tap into a different audience base, much like introducing a food enthusiast to the pleasures of a well-written cookbook, aligning with their love for food but not necessarily cooking!
The world is your oyster here! I’ve connected with musicians for free merch. I will always be a Taylor Momsen/ThePretty Reckless fan because she had her manager send me buckets of tour merch for a giveaway! How? I DM’d her.
What does a rock band have to do with me and my followers? Not a lot, but it remains to this day the most popular giveaway I’ve ever done.
If you don’t ask, you don’t receive.
6. Hosting Book Clubs or Writing Workshops:
Hosting book clubs or writing workshops can create a loyal community base who would be more than willing to champion the book. This can be online or IRL. What’s key here is consistency.
If you do a weekly podcast or audio space, be sure to share it in full, in snippets, or as a teaser. Lots of options now for AI-assisted recording software. Here's a great explanation of several tools.
A few years back, I did a series of memoir writing and marketing webinars. I still communicate often with the participants to see how their work is coming along. I honestly wasn’t comfortable, but that’s why I did it.
Write (and do) what scares you.
Final Thoughts:
Think of book marketing as crafting a unique recipe, where mixing and matching different strategies can sometimes give you the most delightful and delicious outcomes.
It's all about keeping that innovative and compassionate spirit alive, just like the one you foster in your work. You got this.
All writers are welcome! Join my audio space #BookMarketingChat - a free, weekly space I host on Twitter/X, generously sponsored by Booklinker.
Upcoming #BookMarketingChat X (Twitter) Spaces, every Wednesday at 11 am pst/2 pm est - click the orange highlighted link below to set a reminder now:
(Recorded) 8/30: AI Writing Tools withVennie KocsisandMischa's Musings
on how they are specifically using AI to aid their writing and marketing.
9/13: Author interview and giveaway withJulia’s Newsletter-Julia Park Tracey, author of the novel, The Bereaved.
9/20: Author interview and giveaway with Brian Williams, MD, author of the new memoir, The Bodies Keep Coming.
*Spaces are audio-only. Click on the above links to set a reminder now.
Want personalized, customized professional help in marketing your work? Contact me at badredheadmedia@gmail.com to discuss services. Mention my Substack and receive an additional 10% discount on monthly packages!
I'm going through all this again once I'm back from Aruba. Still working on trying to do this thing and make it into something. Even good writing is only gonna get you so far because "good" writing is subjective, and while one person loves the story or characters, another won't. But getting what you write in front of people if the first step, and how to do that exactly...
Absolutely fabulous, actionable ideas! I especially like the virtual book reading one. It might be fun if I got together some other authors and we all read a spooky part of one of our books on social media! Or we could record it via Zoom and post on YouTube. Thanks for this!