Emilie Sommer, associated with East City Bookshop, shares her expertise on navigating the often tricky world of comparative titles. She dives into the importance of building an author brand while aligning manuscripts with successful comp titles. Emilie discusses specific recommendations across genres, including multi-POV literature and speculative thrillers. Her insights cover themes like feminism, emotional journeys, and financial literacy for creators. Tune in for practical strategies to enhance visibility and connect with readers!
Authors must build a personal brand and engage their audience effectively to enhance book sales, particularly in the online marketplace.
A newly introduced course for aspiring authors offers essential knowledge and support to navigate the challenges of book publishing successfully.
Deep dives
E-Commerce and Building Author Brands
The podcast highlights that 70% of all books, including traditionally published ones, are sold online through e-commerce platforms. It emphasizes the importance for authors to develop their personal brand and prioritize audience engagement to convert followers into book buyers. Many authors face challenges in selling their books, often misinterpreting these difficulties as personal failings. However, the podcast suggests that a lack of guidance and effective marketing strategies can be detrimental, and provides insights on how to overcome these barriers.
Course Offering for Aspiring Authors
An 11-hour, six-module course aimed at aspiring authors is introduced, designed to equip them with essential craft and business knowledge for book publishing. The course promises to share invaluable insights based on 15 years of experience in helping clients achieve bestseller status. Monthly Q&A sessions and a mobile app are included to enhance the learning experience and foster ongoing guidance. The positive feedback from participants underscores the course's value and effectiveness in transforming writing careers.
Comp Titles and Genre Comparisons
Throughout the episode, participants seek recommendations for comp titles for their works across various genres, including literary fiction, fantasy, and historical fiction. For instance, suggestions tied to themes about female empowerment and historical settings reflect a deep dive into character-driven narratives. Examples spotlight connections among character experiences, motivations, and societal themes, mapping out how specific works can resonate with query letters or manuscript pitches. This part emphasizes the significance of understanding genre conventions and finding relatable titles for improved positioning.
Writing Tools and Overcoming Creative Blocks
The conversation also introduces unique writing tools designed to inspire creativity and help writers overcome blocks. One highlight is a deck of prompts that fosters character and world-building, which can reignite motivation and generate new ideas. These tools are aimed at making writing more accessible and enjoyable, allowing authors to experiment and break through barriers. This practical advice reinforces the podcast's commitment to supporting writers in their creative processes and showcasing the versatility of storytelling.