#129: Overcoming The Fear Of Marketing With Alexa Bigwarfe
Feb 13, 2024
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Expert in marketing books and helping writers overcome the fear of marketing, Alexa Bigwarfe shares tips on where to market books, how to tackle marketing fears, when to start marketing, transitioning from non-fiction to fiction writing, marketing strategies for book series, and details about the Women In Publishing Summit.
Start marketing early in book creation process to build connections with readers.
Transitioning from nonfiction to fiction requires perseverance, community support, and focus on storytelling.
Deep dives
Building a Successful Book Coaching Business
To build a successful book coaching business, it is essential to start thinking about marketing early on, even from the start of creating the book idea. Marketing is about building relationships with potential readers and connecting with them on a personal level. By framing marketing as building connections and sharing excitement about the genre or story, authors can make the process more engaging and less intimidating. Leveraging social media platforms like Instagram, engaging with readers, and sharing relevant content can help in establishing an online presence and growing an audience.
Timing and Approach to Marketing Efforts
Marketing efforts should start as early as possible in the book creation process, from the moment the idea is conceived. While it is crucial to think about marketing strategies in advance, it is also essential to not let marketing overwhelm the writing process. Setting aside dedicated time for marketing activities, such as social media profile setup and email list creation, can help in laying a foundation for future marketing endeavors. Focusing on building relationships, engaging with potential readers, and sharing relevant content can create a strong connection with the audience and facilitate effective marketing.
From Nonfiction to Fiction: Personal Journey and Story Development
Transitioning from nonfiction to fiction writing can be a challenging journey requiring a shift in storytelling approach. The process of writing the first fiction book may involve initial drafts that may not meet the desired quality, but with perseverance and community support, authors can refine their craft. Utilizing outside feedback, engaging with developmental editors, and focusing on the storytelling process can help in enhancing the quality of fiction writing. Building a supportive community, obtaining feedback from peers, and valuing external perspectives can contribute to the growth and improvement of an author's craft.
Women in Publishing Summit: Empowerment and Community Building
The Women in Publishing Summit, scheduled for March 6th-9th, 2024, is a virtual event designed to empower and support women in the publishing industry. The summit offers diverse tracks catering to beginners, intermediate and advanced professionals, providing valuable insights into writing craft, publishing processes, marketing strategies, and business growth. Through workshops, networking sessions, and special events, attendees have the opportunity to connect with industry experts, gain knowledge, and build lasting relationships within a supportive community. The summit emphasizes inclusivity and welcomes participation from individuals across genres and diverse backgrounds.
“Work on being a better writer and work on your craft and the other stuff will follow. As long as you have a great book, marketing comes a lot easier.”- Alexa Bigwarfe
In today’s brand-new episode, I’m sharing a conversation with Alexa Bigwarfe about how writers can overcome the fear of marketing their books and what you can do right now to kickstart your marketing efforts.
[3:55] Where should new writers market their books?
[05:14] Alexa advises on what to do if you're afraid of marketing your book.
[09:06] How soon should writers start thinking about marketing their books?
[14:16] After writing 14 non-fiction books, what is it like for Alexa to now be in the fiction world?
[22:22] Alexa shares her ideas for marketing the second book of her series.
[35:56] Alexa talks about the Women In Publishing Summit, a virtual conference for authors of all experience levels to learn and connect with others in the industry.