Novel Marketing

If you’re thinking about writing a book series, you might want to reconsider, especially if you’re a new author. That’s not to say you should never write a series, but it can be a risky endeavor, and I can prove it with math.In this week’s episode, I break down why writing a series may limit your potential readership. You’ll learn:The four steps every reader must take for your sequel to sell wellThe math behind why sequels struggle to sellThe hidden dangers of "battered reader syndrome" and how it affects new authorsA pre-series strategy for new authorsIf you’ve ever wondered whether you should commit to a series or focus on standalones, listen in or read the blog post for a fresh perspective and a smarter strategy.Support the show

Join Sarah Hickner, an author and podcasting pro, as she shares her expert tips on mastering in-person book sales. Discover common mistakes to avoid at book tables, the power of engaging giveaways, and how to craft the perfect pitch that resonates with readers. She emphasizes the value of visually appealing book covers and unique promotional strategies to draw in potential fans. Whether you're an introvert or a seasoned seller, Sarah's insights will help you boost your book sales while building meaningful connections at events.

Congrats on getting booked for a podcast interview! Whether you’re promoting your book or lead magnet, your audio quality on the podcast can make or break your credibility.In our latest episode, we share pro tips on:How to prepare for your interview (beyond just showing up)Microphone techniques that make you sound like a proThe gear you need (that doesn’t break the bank)What to do after the interview is doneI’ve been podcasting since 2007, I’ve tested a lot of gear, and I’ve made some classic podcast blunders. This episode will help you avoid those mistakes, sound professional, and have fun.Whether you’re planning a podcast tour for your book launch or wanting to purchase your first microphone, listen in or read the blog to learn how to make the most of your podcast guest opportunities.Support the show

Join bestselling author Seth Ring, known for his 25+ fantasy works and co-hosting the World Craft Club podcast. He shares fascinating insights on serialized fiction, revealing how it has shaped his writing career and community engagement. Discover the unique benefits of writing in installments, the interplay of reader feedback, and the rise of platforms like Wattpad and Royal Road. Seth also discusses how serialized storytelling is revolutionizing publishing, making it a vital avenue for aspiring writers.

Where is publishing headed in 2025? Are we witnessing the end of traditional publishing or the birth of something new?In this week's episode of Novel Marketing, we’re unpacking:The surprising trends reshaping the industry.Why successful indie authors are rejecting six-figure advances.How romantasy, premium books, and shifting political preferences are transforming bestseller lists.And of course, we can’t ignore AI. We'll even see what AI has to say about the future of publishing and whether it can be taken seriously or not.Listen in or check out the blog version to discover what’s next for authors in 2025 and how you can adapt.Support the show

Many authors feel stuck. They're toiling away in obscurity, and none of their promotion efforts seem to go anywhere.Success in publishing is as much about who you know as what you know. And sometimes, the lack of knowing the right people keeps you from finding success.We still live in a world that's run by human people, and your connection to those humans will lead to your success. If the word networking makes you feel awkward, you need to change your mindset.Networking is about relationships.So, how do you network with other authors, influencers, industry professionals, and customers at the bookstore? And how do you network in a way that makes you and the person you're connecting with feel amazing?I asked Steve Garrity. He's spent more than 20 years in sales and leadership. He coaches and develops others to thrive, and he is the author of the upcoming book Greatfruit: How Cancer Led to Living a More Fruitful Life. His book is currently live on Kickstarter and has raised over $10,000 in preorders.In this week's episode, you'll discover·     How to change your mindset about networking·     How to stop worrying about what to say when meeting people·     Tools and tips for building and maintaining relationships in your networkListen in or read the blog version of this episode to gain the courage and tools to connect with people and bless them.Support the show

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the endless task of writing, publishing, and marketing your book? From deciding which software to use for writing to figuring out how to keep track of all the characters in your story, the choices can feel paralyzing, and the number of things that need to be done can be very overwhelming.Besides your writing tasks, you have the business side of things: scheduling meetings, tracking your finances, recording book sales, running ads, and figuring out if your business is actually profitable.If just thinking about your to-do list is raising your blood pressure, it's time for you to take control and reduce your stress by learning a technique called project management.In this week's episode, I spoke with Lorna K. Bailey. She's been an executive author's assistant since 2014, and she's helped many top authors grow their sales and increase their focus on writing.We talked about·      How to organize and prioritize your to-do list·      The benefits and differences between digital and paper calendars·      Tips for effective scheduling that helps you achieve your goalsListen in or read the blog version to discover how project management techniques can help you tackle the overwhelming task of writing, publishing, and marketing your books.Support the show

Your author platform is your ability to spread the word about your book. As an indie author, your platform is directly linked with how large your book launch can be. Bigger platforms lead to bigger launches. All else being equal, traditional publishers always prefer large-platform authors to authors with no platform.So, how do you grow your author platform?This week’s episode is a webinar I recently presented.You’ll learn·      Two myths about author platform·      What you’ll need to build an enduring platform·      Answers to three common questions from authors about email, social media, and money.Listen in or read the blog post to learn why having a solid author platform is crucial for indie and traditional authors. Find out how to build a platform that will give your book the best chance for success.Support the show

Is your website’s Contact page serving your readers and web visitors?In the past, authors simply shared their email addresses on their websites. But that opened the door to a flood of spam, which drowned out real messages from readers.Connecting with your readers is essential to building your readership, so you can’t simply remove your email address from your website. But how do you create an effective Contact page that helps readers connect but keeps spammers out?In this week’s episode, we’ll discuss the best practices for creating a contact page that truly works.You’ll learnWhich “Contact” page elements are necessaryHow to help readers to contact you by their preferred methodHow to keep spammers out of your inboxListen in or read the blog version to learn how to create a successful author contact page and form that helps readers and influencers find you and makes spammers leave you alone.Support the show

Join Seth Ring, an author and worldbuilding expert who co-hosts the WorldCraft Club podcast, as he dives into the art of creating captivating story settings. He discusses how the right backdrop can magnetize readers and even lead to spinoff products. Learn three essential techniques for worldbuilding, the significance of maps in storytelling, and how one-star reviews can unexpectedly boost sales. Explore how immersing readers in well-crafted worlds can enhance their experience and drive book success.