Novel Marketing

Thomas Umstattd Jr.
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Apr 3, 2024 • 35min

AI for Authors in 2024 - The Good, Bad, and Ugly

The tools we use for writing have evolved over the centuries, from quill and inkpot to the printing press, to the word processor to AI. Recent developments in AI tools for writers have sparked everything from laughable images to controversy and fear.Is AI evil? Is it safe?In this week’s episode, we’ll discuss what you need to know about AI in our current day. You’ll learnHow (and how early) it developedWhat threats it poses to writersWhat advantages it offersHow to wield it for good in the worldListen in or check out the blog version of this episode to learn what to watch for and how AI can increase your writing output and improve your craft.https://novelmarketingconference.com/ https://novelmarketingconference.com/Support the show
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Mar 27, 2024 • 18min

Pros and Cons of Pre-Orders

Almost every traditionally published book goes up for preorder before it comes out. However, the advice surrounding preorders can be confusing for indie authors. Some indies say preorders are critical. Others say having a preorder for your book can hurt sales.Who is right?Should you set up a preorder for your book? Are preorders a good idea or a bad idea?Preorders can help or hurt, depending on what kind of author you are.In this week’s episode, you’ll learn:What kind of author is helped by a preorderWhy preorders are so important for some authorsHow to make the most of your preorder windowListen in or check out the blog version of this episode to learn the benefits and drawbacks of making your book available for preorder before its launch date.https://novelmarketingconference.com/ https://novelmarketingconference.com/Support the show
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Mar 20, 2024 • 31min

Marketing 101: Place

You’ve heard me talk about the Five Ps of Marketing, and in this week’s episode, we tackle the third P: Place. In other words, where should you sell your book?Many authors struggle to find the right place to sell their books. Whether you're an indie or traditional author, you must discover the best places to sell.So, how can you unlock the power of place for your book?In this episode, you’ll learn:Why the location where you sell your book is important and powerfulThree case studies on authors who have maximized sales in the right placesOnline and offline places where you can sell your bookSelling your book in the right place is important for connecting with the right readers and making sales. Listen in or check out the blog post to find out how place impacts your book sales.https://novelmarketingconference.com/ https://novelmarketingconference.com/Support the show
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Mar 13, 2024 • 44min

How to use Reedsy to Independently Publish Your Book

The term "self-publishing" doesn't mean that you sit in a cabin in the woods all by yourself and emerge with a published book as if you'd done it all singlehandedly.It's rare to find one person who has all the skills required to turn an idea into a physical book. We need cover designers, formatters, web designers, assistants, and more. You might be self-publishing, but you will need some help.But what if you don't know anyone who can help? Where can you find skilled professionals who can produce the high-quality work your book deserves?I asked Ricardo Fayet, the cofounder of Reedsy, a curated community of book professionalsIn this week's episode, you'll learnHow to search Reedsy to find experienced professionals who specialize in your genreHow Reedsy vets the professionals in their marketplaceHow Reedsy makes money and saves you money at the same timeListen in to discover how Reedsy can help indie and traditional authors create beautiful, compelling, and marketable books, and find all the related links in the blog version.https://novelmarketingconference.com/ https://novelmarketingconference.com/Support the show
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Mar 6, 2024 • 51min

Book Launch Secrets

This year marks the end of an era.The Book Launch Blueprint is entering its seventh and final year. Since we began offering it in 2018, it has been one of our most popular courses.Launching a book is one strategy that works well for indie and traditional as well as fiction and nonfiction.But why is a book launch so important?In this week’s episode, you’ll discoverWho needs a book launch (and who doesn’t)Other methods that work for some authorsWhat a successful book launch does for your book and your careerWhat we'll cover in this year's final Book Launch BlueprintRegistration for the final cohort of the Book Launch Blueprint course is now open.Registration Closes: Friday, April 12Live Student Orientation: Friday, April 12.Course Begins: Monday, April 15Course Concludes: Friday, May 10Listen in to learn a few book launch secrets and get an overview of the course, or check out the blog version of this episode.https://novelmarketingconference.com/ https://novelmarketingconference.com/Support the show
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Feb 28, 2024 • 36min

How to Publish on a Budget

How much money does it cost to become a professional author?Any profession will cost you when you're just getting started. If you're broke, I recommend listening to my episode titled The Starving Author: How to Market Books Without Money.Assuming you have some money, you need a spending plan. But how much money do you need to budget for the first five years of your writing career? I asked Kent Sanders, host of The Profitable Writer Podcast and founder of the Profitable Writer Community, a membership group that serves writers and helps them become more profitable.In this week's episode, you'll learnHow much money to set aside for writing-related expensesWhat writing tools and investments yield the best return for authorsWhich expenses you can avoid early in your career Listen to the podcast or read the blog version, and be sure to ask your questions and leave your comments on AuthorMedia.social.https://novelmarketingconference.com/ https://novelmarketingconference.com/Support the show
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9 snips
Feb 21, 2024 • 27min

How to Write Emails That Readers Want to Read

Learn how to craft engaging emails that capture reader's attention and increase book sales. Discover the importance of subject lines, personal anecdotes, and diverse content. Explore effective email marketing strategies like monitoring click-through rates and optimizing email design. Gain insights on delivering value in emails to enhance engagement and nurture your email list.
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Feb 14, 2024 • 46min

How to Build a Tribe Online And Form a Community of Readers

A few years ago, the popular buzzword in the author world was "tribe." Building a tribe of readers was seen as the key to success. Reader relationships are still important for authors, so why did the term "tribe" go out of fashion?Having a tribe of readers is still an incredible asset that will help you sell your books and raise your profile amongst readers, but you need to know how and where to build a tribe if you want it to grow.In this week's episode, you'll learn:The difference between a platform and a tribeWhy authors need a tribeHow large your tribe needs to beWhere to gather your tribe to ensure a positive experienceIf you've been wondering how to listen to your Timothy or eavesdrop on a conversation between several of your target readers, listen in to find out how and where to build your tribe or check out the blog version of this episode.https://novelmarketingconference.com/ https://novelmarketingconference.com/Support the show
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Feb 7, 2024 • 26min

How to Market With No Money

Two authors recently asked me the same question: “What should I do if I have no money for book marketing?"It’s a question that requires exploration and evaluation. If you have the same question, you may be at a crossroads. You have two options if you want to write but have no money for marketing.In this week’s episode, we’ll examine the two paths forward from the no-money conundrum. You’ll discoverWhether money spent on writing is an expense or an investmentHow to turn the “expensive option” into the “budget option”How and where to invest your time when you don’t have the funds for publishing If you feel stuck because you want to write but you have no money to fund your writing, listen in and discover your next steps forward, and be sure to check out the blog version with all the links and articles I reference.https://novelmarketingconference.com/ https://novelmarketingconference.com/Support the show
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Jan 24, 2024 • 24min

When to Quit

Are you thinking about quitting publishing or writing? You started full of energy and optimism, but it has been a hard road, and you feel tired.Should you quit? My answer may surprise you.Maybe you should.Publishing is an industry where almost everyone has a financial incentive to see you keep going. People in the publishing industry don’t earn money if you quit. But there is a lot of money to be made by telling writers exactly what they want to hear: “You will be the next bestseller and hottest thing in publishing!! Just keep paying for coaching, edits, covers, and conferences! Eventually, you will be a star!”Writing will cost you time and money.How do you decide if it’s time to quit or keep going?Only a handful of writers die at their keyboards, which means we all quit eventually. But how do you know if it’s time?In this week’s episode, you’ll answer five clarifying questions to help you know whether it’s time to press on or bow out.You’ll learn:Two uncomfortable publishing realitiesWhen the time is right (or wrong)What you need to invest or cut to achieve your ultimate goalListen in or check out the blog post to answer these five clarifying questions that will guide your decision.https://novelmarketingconference.com/ https://novelmarketingconference.com/Support the show

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