Becky Robinson's Blog, page 3

Episode 144: Breaking Up the Digital Book Monopoly

Photo by lightfieldstudios / 123rf.com

Click here to listen on your device and subscribe! 

Welcome to Season 5 of The Book Marketing Action Podcast with Becky Robinson, where we give you information you can immediately implement to increase your influence and market your books more successfully. 

In today���s episode, Becky delves into the world of digital book ownership with Joshua Stone, CEO of Book.io���a platform that allows readers to buy ebooks and audiobooks and sell them on a global secondary market, with publishers and authors earning royalties on the sales. The conversation centers around the limitations of current ebook licensing models, championed by platforms like Amazon, which prevent true ownership of digital content. Joshua sheds light on how Book.io is disrupting this monopoly, offering a solution that restores the rights of authors and the autonomy of readers.

Key Points From This Episode:

[01:41] Joshua shares about himself and his work in the world.

[02:49] Why is digital book ownership such a messy endeavor for authors? Joshua explains.

[07:17] Joshua talks about what the current ebook and audiobook market is like for both readers and authors.

[15:00] Learn more about what Book.io is and how authors and publishers are using it as a new way to experience digital book ownership. 

[20:17] Joshua elaborates on how Book.io is non-exclusive, allowing authors to publish their digital books in traditional formats as well. 

[23:02] Joshua talks about the digital exchange of ebooks and audiobooks on Book.io and the benefits of passing digital books from owner to owner. 

[26:32] How does Book.io work for first-time authors who might be struggling to find an audience for their work? Joshua explains how it could help those authors.

[30:06] (AD) Learn about our Book Marketing Strategy Live Course.

[31:30] Joshua discusses the value of borderless knowledge sharing.

[35:00] Joshua reveals whether or not he thinks it���s possible to truly break up the digital book monopoly.

[39:25] Joshua shares how new technology options within Book.io can help authors combat the worries they have about AI. 

Action Steps:

Explore the possibility of publishing and distributing your book digitally through Book.io. Fill out the form and someone from their onboarding team will contact you. Explore Book.io as a reader and purchase a book from the platform. Experience the difference of actually owning the content and being able to resell it.  

Resources:

Follow Book.io on X (formerly Twitter) and join the Discord.Follow Joshua on X (formerly Twitter).  

Key Quotes:

Consumers don’t actually own their digital books. They are just effectively buying a rental license to look at the book. ���Joshua Stone

Technology hasn’t evolved in the ebook and audiobook space, basically since it was invented. And I feel like it’s definitely time that occurs, and it’s going to usher in a lot of new changes. ���Joshua Stone

That’s really what we’re doing���taking the freedom and the transparency, and the ownership and agency that you have when you purchase a physical item, and having that exact equivalent exist on the digital side as well. ���Joshua Stone

The books on Book.io are not like any digital book has been in the past. They are more like a physical book, except they don���t deteriorate, and you can always see exactly who owns them. ���Joshua Stone

I see AI as a tool set, just like Photoshop or even just like a word processor. ���Joshua Stone

Sign up for the bi-weekly newsletter to connect with Becky Robinson and gain access to ongoing learning and conversation. 

Explore our archives! Listen to Becky���s five favorite episodes:

Episode 125 with Michael Bungay StanierEpisode 121 with Juliet StarrettEpisode 112 with Clint Pulver Episode 108 with  AJ HarperEpisode 106 with Jane Friedman

The post Episode 144: Breaking Up the Digital Book Monopoly appeared first on Weaving Influence.

Are You Producing a Book in 2025?

Book Production Insights From Our Self-Publishing Specialist

The experience of being an author has dramatically changed in recent years.

Publishing, editing, and online marketing are easier than ever to access, allowing more voices to share their messages with diverse audiences. Conversely, confusion has increased, as there are numerous options for independent authors to choose from���creating overwhelm for many authors.��

Many authors find themselves with manuscripts or plans for manuscripts but have no idea how to navigate the publication process. We���re here to help. Lori Weidert, our self-publishing specialist, answered some frequently asked questions about the book production process to help guide your journey.

What are the standard book production steps?

Each author���s journey will vary a little, but there are some standard steps they can all expect to take on their production path with Weaving Influence: 

Manuscript review and contracting��Design of cover and custom interiorCopyediting��Author review and approval of editsTypesetting��ProofreadingCorrect/reviseIndexing, if desired��Additional proofreading and corrections��Print proof and any changesDistributionHow long does book production at Weaving Influence typically take?

The length of book production depends on the nature of the book and the author���s available time and could be influenced by the content and length of the manuscript. Producing a book with many design elements���tables, boxes, graphics, extracts, quotes���may take a bit longer, as each of those items has to be assembled and then ���fit��� into the text in a logical manner.

If everything goes smoothly and the author meets their timeline commitments, 16-20 weeks is a very comfortable schedule.

What common misconceptions do you see from self-published authors?

After working so hard to complete their manuscripts, authors are often unprepared for the amount of work left to do and the number of decisions to make. A review of edits, further writing, design and specification decisions, etc., is still pending.

There are a lot of outstanding questions and needs throughout the production process. While there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, there’s still a fair amount of work after you’re done writing.

Additionally, most authors believe that once the book is live on Amazon, the work is done, and marketing should start then. Authors should be working on their marketing plans while the book is still being produced. We often see authors put the marketing piece on hold during the production process, but that delay will limit the success of their book during and after launch.

What is the difference between design and typesetting?

The word ���typesetter��� conjures images of metal letters and a giant press to most people, and ���compositor��� draws a complete blank. I���ve taken to explaining it with an analogy: the designer works as the ���architect��� of the project, mapping out the appearance and the beautiful elements, and the typesetter is the engineer, or construction worker���building the book to the specifications in that ���blueprint.���

Typesetting involves ensuring that every word or paragraph has a proper appearance���a head, a bullet, or a graphic���that spacing around elements is correct, and that word, line, and page breaks are proper.

A good book designer and typesetter will always keep the reader in mind. It should be aesthetically pleasing and assembled so as not to break a reader���s stride.

What is the difference between copy editing and proofreading?

Copy editors will clean up typographical and grammatical errors. They also check for consistency and cohesiveness throughout the book and ensure that the writing is coherent and the text flows easily.

While proofreaders do check for typographical errors, this is the least of their jobs. Proofreaders check that all elements have been styled correctly, that lines, paragraphs, and pages break properly, and that every chapter has been typeset correctly.

What are the biggest benefits of self-publishing?

Self-publishing truly offers a number of benefits, including: 

More control over the process��A larger profit on individual books sold, as the author retains all royalties��Full decision-making control about the book��Author retains the copyright to their work��Faster timeline than traditional publishingWhat are the biggest challenges in self-publishing?

Because millions of books are released yearly, self-published authors may find difficulty connecting with their audiences and breaking through the noise. It���s important to be clear about the audience you���re writing for and how you want to reach them. You also need to set realistic expectations around what success looks like. Nonfiction authors who tie their books to their company services or offerings often find the book can be a productive tool for landing new clients and work.

Authors often find marketing and sales to be challenging because they���re juggling their day-to-day work with production and promotion. Marketing a book often takes more time, energy, and money than authors tend to expect and will include numerous tactics, including websites, public relations, social media, emails, and advertising. It���s important to identify which tasks you can take on yourself and which tasks you may need to outsource to a reputable partner who can manage your book marketing. 

I���ve also seen firsthand that it can be challenging for authors to receive feedback on their manuscripts. Authors pour their heart and soul into their books, and it can be hurtful or frustrating if we say it needs to be changed. I always want authors to remember, though, that we give feedback because we care. We want you to have the best possible outcome, and we know it can be hard sometimes to receive that feedback���but it���s important and will ultimately create a better end product. 

how do you pick the right self-publishing partner?

I would recommend that you evaluate the experience of the team, and that there is a complete team���that there is someone who is a copy editor, a typesetter, a proofreader. You want to ensure every critical role is filled by an experienced specialist. 

Beyond the production aspect, I think it’s important to understand what you are responsible for and what your publisher is responsible for. You���ll want a partner who clearly identifies those roles, pieces like copyrights and permissions, to ensure you have a partner who meets you where you are. If you need that extra assistance, make sure that they can give it to you. If you���re nervous or confused, find a partner who can hold your hand through the process and will make you feel comfortable every step of the way. 

Weaving Influence is proud to have produced a number of books���from manuscript to publication���for our clients. Take a look at some of our recent projects: 

Beyond: Create a Life You Love After 50, 60, 70, and More Becoming a Leader Worth Following: A Practical Guide for Leading Self, Teams, and Organizations STOP! Shift the Energy at Work: A New Approach for Leaders & Teams Unleash Love: The Joy of Christmas��

We recognize that writers and authors give everything to their books and that, after finalizing a manuscript, the next steps can be intimidating and scary. My favorite part of working with our authors is the cartwheels and tears that occur the day an author opens the first bound copy of their book. Our objective at Weaving Influence isn���t just to ���crank out��� a book for an author but to lovingly hold their hands during the process.

If you want to learn more about Weaving Influence���s unmatched book production support, fill out this form. 

The post Are You Producing a Book in 2025? appeared first on Weaving Influence.

Episode 143: Pre-Order Campaigns for Self-Published and Hybrid-Published Authors

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Click here to listen on your device and subscribe! 

Welcome to Season 5 of The Book Marketing Action Podcast with Becky Robinson, where we give you information you can immediately implement to increase your influence and market your books more successfully. 

In the final part of this two-part series, Becky is again interviewed by Franchesca Conner���a PR specialist at Weaving Influence. They take a deep dive into the nuances of marketing Print on Demand (POD) books, highlighting benefits, challenges, and strategies surrounding pre-order campaigns. 

With the rise of self-publishing and hybrid-publishing models, many authors face unique hurdles in timing and planning their book launches. Becky emphasizes the importance of pre-orders in establishing a book���s credibility, building anticipation for launch, securing retailer links, and facilitating planned marketing efforts. Becky also reveals some of the key reasons why an author of a POD book might choose not to make it available for pre-order, focusing primarily on first-week book sales and post-launch marketing efforts. 

Key Points From This Episode:

[01:06] Becky reveals what is different about marketing POD books. 

[04:25] Becky talks about IngramSpark���a book distribution platform where authors can set up their POD books for pre-order.

[06:25] Becky explains some of the main reasons for setting up a POD book for pre-order. 

[08:05] Discover how setting up a POD book for pre-order can benefit book awareness, sales, and marketing initiatives. 

[10:37] For POD titles, why would an author want to focus more on the first week of sales after the book launches? Becky explains. 

[12:34] (AD) Learn about our Book Marketing Strategy Live Course.

[14:11] Becky shares whether or not it���s a good idea for an author with no pre-order period for their book to switch up their categories on Amazon. 

[16:24] Becky talks about how hybrid publishers typically approach pre-order campaigns for POD books and the limitations authors might face in that scenario. 

[20:00] Becky shares some final advice for self-published and hybrid-published authors who are preparing to market their POD books and/or launch a pre-order campaign. 

Action Steps:

Make a list of questions for your hybrid publisher. Write down as many questions as you can think of���for example, will the book be set up for pre-order?���and educate yourself about the process so that you can request the support you need from the service provider you’ve selected.Take a deep breath and think about your long-term book marketing. If you chose a POD model to publish your book and didn���t do a lot of marketing prep before it launched, now is the time to plan your long-term marketing efforts. Check out this blog featuring long-term book marketing strategies! 

Resources:

Follow Becky on LinkedIn and Instagram. Connect with Franchesca on LinkedIn. 

Key Quotes:

In recent years there has been a big increase in people self-publishing books, and most self-publishing is a Print on Demand model. ���Becky Robinson 

One benefit of setting your book up for pre-order is the ability to know the day your book will be live and available for people who want to buy it. ���Becky Robinson 

It’s not really that useful to be looking at your Amazon rank constantly. It’s better to just try to execute your marketing plan in a consistent way to keep your book out there in the conversation. ���Becky Robinson 

You want to allow enough time between when your book is made available on Amazon and when you do any kind of launch week outreach to ensure that your book is registering and ranking. ���Becky Robinson

Ask as many questions as you can of your hybrid publisher so you know what to expect. ���Becky Robinson

If you feel like you missed the boat because you didn’t have a pre-order period to prepare your marketing efforts, you also have the lifetime of your book to be able to share it with others. ���Becky Robinson

Keep showing up over time with the core messages of your book. ���Becky Robinson

Sign up for the bi-weekly newsletter to connect with Becky Robinson and gain access to ongoing learning and conversation. 

Read this blog post for more information on pre-order campaigns for self-published and hybrid-published authors.

Explore our archives! Listen to Becky���s five favorite episodes:

Episode 125 with Michael Bungay StanierEpisode 121 with Juliet StarrettEpisode 112 with Clint Pulver Episode 108 with  AJ HarperEpisode 106 with Jane Friedman

The post Episode 143: Pre-Order Campaigns for Self-Published and Hybrid-Published Authors appeared first on Weaving Influence.

Episode 142: Pre-Order Campaigns for Traditionally Published Authors

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Click here to listen on your device and subscribe! 

Welcome to Season 5 of The Book Marketing Action Podcast with Becky Robinson, where we give you information you can immediately implement to increase your influence and market your books more successfully. 

In part one of this two-part series, Becky is interviewed by Franchesca Conner���a PR specialist at Weaving Influence. They explore the vital topic of pre-order campaigns for traditionally published authors, discussing when and how authors should start engaging their audience, the significance of one-to-one outreach efforts, and strategies for creating pre-order incentives. 

Stay tuned for part two of this series, which will focus on pre-order campaigns for self-published and hybrid-published authors!

Key Points From This Episode:

[02:05] Franchesca introduces herself and explains her role at Weaving Influence.

[02:55] Becky explains some of the key differences between pre-order campaigns for traditionally published authors and pre-order campaigns for self-published authors. 

[06:14] Get a better understanding of the recommended timeframe for setting up pre-orders for traditionally published authors. 

[08:33] Becky emphasizes why it���s important for authors to drive sales for their books in order to honor the investment of their traditional publisher. 

[09:12] Becky reveals which platforms are typically favored for setting up print books for pre-order and what challenges authors might encounter when using those platforms. 

[11:47] Will a publisher usually recommend retailers for an author? Becky explains. 

[13:00] Becky talks about how authors can enhance their pre-order campaigns through one-to-one outreach efforts.

[14:43] (AD) Learn about our Book Marketing Strategy Live Course.

[16:20] Becky shares some of the key strategies for authors to promote pre-orders of their books. 

[19:14] Becky discusses Amazon bestseller status and outlines ways that authors can create pre-order incentives. 

[25:45] Are there specific pre-order incentive strategies that are more successful than others? Becky reveals the answer based on her own experience working with authors. 

Action Steps:

Set a goal for pre-orders of your book. Have an idea of the number of pre-orders you would like to achieve, and then think about the different strategies you can use to reach that goal.Look at book launch campaigns that are currently in progress. Take notes on what you see other authors doing with their pre-order incentives and brainstorm ideas of what you might use for your campaign. 

Resources:

Learn more about bookshop.org, an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores.Explore Alison Fragale���s book incentives to get an idea of what is possible for obtaining pre-orders. Follow Becky on LinkedIn and Instagram. Connect with Franchesca on LinkedIn. 

Key Quotes:

When it comes to pre-orders for traditionally published authors, the key difference is the timeline. ���Becky Robinson 

I advise that authors start asking for pre-orders only about two to three months before the publication date. ���Becky Robinson 

I highly recommend that authors share their author journey through their social channels leading up to the release of their book. ���Becky Robinson 

It’s important to honor the investment that a traditional publisher is making in you and do everything you can to drive sales for your book. ���Becky Robinson

The more authors can lean into individual outreach to their networks, the more successful they will be. ���Becky Robinson

It’s so important for authors to think through who they are, what they’ve done, what their goals are, and then identify what will uniquely work for them because everyone brings a different set of resources to their campaigns. ���Becky Robinson

Sign up for the bi-weekly newsletter to connect with Becky Robinson and gain access to ongoing learning and conversation. 

Explore our archives! Listen to Becky���s five favorite episodes:

Episode 125 with Michael Bungay StanierEpisode 121 with Juliet StarrettEpisode 112 with Clint Pulver Episode 108 with  AJ HarperEpisode 106 with Jane Friedman

The post Episode 142: Pre-Order Campaigns for Traditionally Published Authors appeared first on Weaving Influence.

Expand Your Book���s Global Reach: Tactics for Unlocking International Success

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Information in this article is pulled from Episode 141 of The Book Marketing Action Podcast featuring Margaux Weisman. 

Many authors dream of seeing their books translated and distributed worldwide, but run into challenges as they navigate the complexities of international licensing. 

Fortunately, there is a simpler way to connect with foreign rights buyers and achieve international success. DropCap Marketplace is an innovative platform that is breaking down those barriers for self-published and independent authors, as well as traditional or hybrid-published authors, helping them showcase their work to rights buyers around the world.

Determining if a Book Has Global Appeal

Listing a book on DropCap Marketplace is not just a way to facilitate potential licenses with foreign publishers���it���s a way to gauge international interest. This data collection is a great first step toward understanding the global appeal of your work. 

If you sign up and see that publishers from all over the world are interacting with your book, that gives you important data about other marketing efforts you might want to make in order to expand your reach to those areas of the world. Alternatively, if your book is not seeing any activity, it may be a sign that the audience is more domestic. 

If you don’t know whether your book has global appeal and it’s something you’re curious about, DropCap Marketplace can also be an excellent tool for data collection, and I think it’s just a great first step.  ���Margaux Weisman 

Connecting Authors with Foreign Markets

For self-published and independent authors in particular, connecting with foreign markets without the backing of a traditional publisher or agent can be intimidating. DropCap Marketplace acts as a matchmaking service between authors and rights buyers, simplifying and automating the acquisition process.

By vetting all foreign publishers, editors, agents, and rights buyers before giving them access to the marketplace, DropCap ensures that authors are engaging with legitimate partners, not only building trust but also fostering a safe environment for rights transactions. 

Once a book is listed, the platform’s matchmaking algorithm comes into play. This algorithm prioritizes books based on their genre, themes, and the specific preferences of rights buyers. For example, a rights buyer specializing in Science Fiction will see recommendations tailored to their interests within that particular genre, as opposed to only being exposed to books in the most popular genres. This level of personalization ensures that books are showcased to the right audience, increasing the likelihood of successful licensing deals. 

Authors who are not represented by agents, or who are working with publishers that are smaller and don’t have a robust subsidiary rights (sub-rights) department, have very limited capability when it comes to achieving global reach. Even for an author who is traditionally published, most agents and sub-rights managers don���t have enough time or bandwidth to invest in connecting them with extensive foreign markets. DropCap opens these doors, providing a structured platform where authors can explore international markets without the need for industry connections.

Even the best agent in the world is not necessarily going to be able to hit every single market or identify every single particular buyer for your particular project. And we���re trying to make sure that we do that. ���Margaux Weisman 

Future Developments and Opportunities

DropCap is continuously evolving to better serve authors. Some exciting developments on the horizon include:

The introduction of more educational resources. These resources will help authors understand foreign rights and licensing, providing valuable insights even if they don’t secure a license within their first year on the platform.Book fairs are a huge part of connecting authors to foreign rights buyers, and DropCap is working on new promotional opportunities that reach those book fairs and beyond. These initiatives will offer authors new ways to highlight their books and reach international audiences throughout the year.

One of the things we offer to our subscribers is the opportunity to send their books to the fairs, but I want more promotions and more opportunities for authors to highlight their books to our rights buyers that are not necessarily tied to the fairs. ���Margaux Weisman 

Whether you���re an independent author or traditionally published, DropCap Marketplace is a necessary resource for growing in your career and unlocking global success for your work.

Take Action

Start gaining exposure to publishers and editors around the world. 

Weaving Influence consistently looks for new ways to support our authors, which is why we are excited to partner with DropCap Marketplace to offer authors discounted access to the platform and all of its benefits.��

Sign up using our co-branded page and the code ���weave��� at checkout to save 20% on your first year.

With over 10 years of experience in the book publishing industry and an MFA in fiction, Margaux Weisman is a content expert and a storytelling enthusiast. She has published a range of critically acclaimed and commercially successful titles, including New York Times bestsellers, National Book Award longlisted novels, and Whiting Award winners.

Margaux is passionate about bringing stories to life, positioning content in the marketplace, and helping authors reach their potential and their readers. She is currently the Director of New Business Development at DropCap Marketplace. 

The post Expand Your Book���s Global Reach: Tactics for Unlocking International Success appeared first on Weaving Influence.

Episode 141: Expanding Your Book���s Global Reach

Photo by bee32 / 123rf.com

Click here to listen on your device and subscribe! 

Welcome to Season 5 of The Book Marketing Action Podcast with Becky Robinson, where we give you information you can immediately implement to increase your influence and market your books more successfully. 

Have you always dreamed of seeing your book translated and distributed around the world? In this episode, Becky talks to Margaux Weisman, Director of New Business Development at DropCap Marketplace, a groundbreaking platform designed to help authors expand their books globally through rights licensing. 

Margaux explores how DropCap Marketplace simplifies the international licensing process for authors by connecting them with vetted foreign publishers. She provides an insightful overview of the user-friendly platform and its matchmaking algorithm and outlines the new partnership between DropCap Marketplace and Weaving Influence.

Key Points From This Episode:

[01:35] Margaux introduces herself and discusses her role at DropCap Marketplace. 

[03:11] Learn some of the basics of DropCap Marketplace and how to get started on the platform. 

[05:47] Margaux reveals some common challenges that authors might face when they are trying to expand their book���s reach to international markets.

[07:27] Margaux provides details about how the matchmaking algorithm on DropCap Marketplace helps to connect authors��� books with the best foreign rights buyers on the platform.

[09:34] Hear some of the success stories of authors who have listed their book on the DropCap Marketplace and accessed foreign rights sales as a result.

[10:00] Margaux talks about how the pricing of DropCap Marketplace works. 

[14:58] (AD) Learn about our Book Marketing Strategy Live Course.

[16:23] Margaux describes what happens for an author when there is a buyer who���s interested in purchasing the rights to their book.

[19:15] Hear Margaux���s advice for authors who want to see their books expanded throughout the world. 

[20:48] Margaux explains the partnership between DropCap Marketplace and Weaving Influence and the benefits of signing up through the co-branded landing page. 

[21:37] Margaux discusses the future of DropCap Marketplace in terms of growth and new features for authors. 

[23:27] Margaux shares some final insights about working with DropCap Marketplace to expand the reach of your book.

Action Steps:

Explore DropCap Marketplace to learn more. Then, start gaining exposure to publishers and editors around the world who are looking to purchase translation rights for books. Sign up for DropCap Marketplace using our co-branded page to receive a discounted rate. Use the code ���weave��� at checkout. 

Resources:

If you have any further questions about DropCap Marketplace, feel free to contact becky@weavinginfluence.com or margaux@dropcap.com.Connect with Margaux on LinkedIn.Follow DropCap Marketplace on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter). 

Key Quotes:

I wanted to work with people who were trying to solve problems within the publishing ecosystem and also trying to do things a little differently. ���Margaux Weisman

DropCap Marketplace is a cutting-edge platform intended to remove the barrier for indie authors and publishers to have their books licensed across borders. ���Margaux Weisman

DropCap Marketplace is particularly useful for authors who otherwise would have no means of taking their book global. ���Margaux Weisman

When I first joined the company, I had an author sign up who received a license within less than a month after joining the marketplace. ���Margaux Weisman

We’re trying to make sure we leave no stone unturned by leveraging tech to create matches between rights buyers and projects. ���Margaux Weisman

If you don’t know whether your book has global appeal and it’s something you’re curious about, DropCap Marketplace can also be an excellent tool for data collection, and I think it’s just a great first step.  ���Margaux Weisman

We’re trying to provide more education for authors, not only about foreign rights and licensing but about other areas of publishing as well. ���Margaux Weisman

Sign up for the bi-weekly newsletter to connect with Becky Robinson and gain access to ongoing learning and conversation. 

Explore our archives! Listen to Becky���s five favorite episodes:

Episode 125 with Michael Bungay StanierEpisode 121 with Juliet StarrettEpisode 112 with Clint Pulver Episode 108 with  AJ HarperEpisode 106 with Jane Friedman

The post Episode 141: Expanding Your Book���s Global Reach appeared first on Weaving Influence.

Mindset Shift: Finding Joy in the Book Marketing Process

Photo by f8studio / 123rf.com

Information in this article is pulled from Episode 140 of The Book Marketing Action Podcast featuring Julee Balko.��

Navigating the complex world of book marketing can often seem daunting, particularly for debut authors. However, this challenge also presents an opportunity for creative expression and authentic connection when authors shift their mindset to find joy in the process.��

Shifting Your Marketing Approach: From Obligation to Joy

Between her first and second books, Julee Balko made a transformative shift in her marketing mindset. Initially, she approached marketing as a necessary but uninspiring task, treating herself like a client and analyzing her social presence in a way that made it feel like work. 

However, her perspective changed dramatically with the launch of her second book, The Me List. Julee embraced social media as an extension of her artistic passions. Her approach to her content became less analytical and more about creative expression. She wanted her content to inspire others as well as herself.

I started looking at social media as a creative outlet, and that kind of changed everything. ���Julee Balko

Julee���s experience offers a powerful reminder that attitude shifts can profoundly impact an author���s approach to book marketing. By viewing social media as an extension of your craft and creativity rather than an obligation, you will begin to infuse joy and authenticity into your marketing efforts, ultimately reaching a wider audience more effectively.

Start crafting the content that not only promotes your work but also resonates with you as an author. 

Embracing Social Media as an Empowering Tool

Not only is showing up on social media an important strategy for authors to promote their work, but it���s also an opportunity to build community. 

Social media is an empowering, free tool where authors are encouraged to show up as their real selves and can experience impactful results because of it. By sharing personal insights on X (formerly Twitter) and writing daily, Julee was able to craft an authentic online presence that resonated with followers and key industry connections alike, helping her build an engaged community even before publishing her first book. 

Whether it���s through videos, text-based posts, or photos, show up to share your journey and unique experiences with your online audiences. Embracing social media in this way will lead to a community of shared values and consistent support for your work. 

Bridging the Gap: It���s Normal to Ask for Help 

Another important part of Julee’s journey revolves around her experience with small press publishers, which offered the flexibility and collaboration she needed when marketing her second book. 

Julee leveraged her small press’s strengths to engage in joint marketing efforts. These initiatives included hiring professional PR services to secure editorial reviews and maximize outreach. They supported her with the things she couldn���t tackle on her own and helped her realize that it���s okay, and normal, to seek help with book marketing efforts. 

When you’re looking at small presses, definitely ask about the marketing aspect, because no book can make it on its own without some help. ���Julee Balko

Her emphasis on joint marketing efforts and professional assistance highlights the collaborative spirit necessary for successful book launches. By selecting publishers or connecting with agencies that offer marketing support, authors can amplify their voices and extend the reach of their work while saving time to invest in their creative expression.

Take Action

Stop to think about your attitude toward marketing. Is there a way you can shift your approach to bring you more joy and inspire creativity as you connect with your online audiences? Make a list of new initiatives you want to experiment with, and try implementing at least one new approach every month.��

Julee Balko has been a Creative Director, brand builder, and content creator for years ��� while mothering and lassoing her three daughters in her spare time. But she���s always wanted to be a ���real��� writer ��� the kind who has a book with her name on it.

The Things We Keep was her first novel and a dream come true. Julee started writing The Things We Keep after her mother passed away because she was thrust into a world of grief that no one talks about. 

Her second novel The Me List is a touching tale about the complexity of friendship, the importance of reserving judgment, and the rocky path that life takes as we get older. Julee Balko brings snark and heart to this journey of self-improvement with a keen eye for flawed characters. Can a list change a life?

The post Mindset Shift: Finding Joy in the Book Marketing Process appeared first on Weaving Influence.

Episode 140: Shifting Your Book Marketing Mindset

Photo by f8studio / 123rf.com

Click here to listen on your device and subscribe! 

Welcome to Season 5 of The Book Marketing Action Podcast with Becky Robinson, where we give you information you can immediately implement to increase your influence and market your books more successfully. 

In this episode, Becky talks to Julee Balko���Freelance Writer and Author of The Things We Keep and The Me List. Throughout the episode, Julee offers valuable book marketing tips, emphasizing the importance of a positive attitude towards social media and how it can serve as an empowering tool for authors. She also delves into the mindset shift she made from marketing her first book to marketing her second book, highlighting the significance of finding joy and creativity in the book marketing process. 

Key Points From This Episode:

[01:05] Julee shares about herself, her work in the world, and her two fiction books. 

[02:28] Julee reveals when she started to build an online presence and how that contributed to her author journey. 

[03:49] When Julee started building her presence on Twitter (X), did she invest in any other marketing initiatives? She reveals the answer. 

[5:00] Julee talks about the process of writing her first novel, The Things We Keep, and how it helped her navigate the grief and loss she was experiencing at the time. 

[05:56] Julee explains how long it took her to write her second novel compared to the first one. 

[07:19] Learn more about Julee���s second and most recent novel, The Me List. 

[08:02] Julee discusses the marketing experience of both of her books and which aspects became easier the second time around. 

[10:00] Julee provides information about editorial reviews. 

[10:36] (AD) Learn about our Book Marketing Strategy Live Course.

[12:08] Julee talks about her mindset shift and her new approaches when marketing her second book. 

[13:44] Discover how Becky���s book, Reach, helped Julee think differently about book marketing. 

[15:00] Julee reveals that she is working on her third book and shares about her progress. 

[15:56] Julee shares some of her best book marketing tips for fiction authors and elaborates on her experience publishing her novels through the small press. 

[20:00] Learn more about what a Me List is and how you can get started writing your own. 

Action Steps:

Whether you are a nonfiction author or a fiction author, stop to think about your attitude toward marketing. Is there a way you can shift your approach in order to bring you more joy and inspire creativity as you connect with your online audiences? Craft your own Me List . Email it to becky@weavinginfluence.com or share it on social media, tagging Becky and Julee!

Resources:

Explore Julee���s website. Order your copies of The Things We Keep and The Me List . Follow Julee on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Threads.

Key Quotes:

I thought, one day, I’m going to write a book and use grief as a theme so that anybody going through it wouldn’t feel alone. ���Julee Balko

I wanted my content to be inspiring to me, too. ���Julee Balko

I started looking at social media as a creative outlet, and that kind of changed everything. ���Julee Balko

I’m a writer who writes right from the heart, so I wanted my social media to come from the same place. ���Julee Balko

I am reaching more people just by being a curious, creative person. ���Julee Balko

There are a few authors who have just gone bananas selling right now, and it all started with them being authentic on social media. ���Julee Balko

When you’re looking at small presses, definitely ask about the marketing aspect because no book can make it on its own without some help. ���Julee Balko

Sign up for the weekly newsletter to connect with Becky Robinson and gain access to ongoing learning and conversation. 

Explore our archives! Listen to Becky���s five favorite episodes:

Episode 125 with Michael Bungay StanierEpisode 121 with Juliet StarrettEpisode 112 with Clint Pulver Episode 108 with  AJ HarperEpisode 106 with Jane Friedman 

The post Episode 140: Shifting Your Book Marketing Mindset appeared first on Weaving Influence.

The Art of Openness: Embracing Vulnerability While Marketing Your Book

Photo by taskinceyhan / 123rf.com

Information in this article is pulled from Episode 139 of The Book Marketing Action Podcast featuring Ginelle Testa. 

Authenticity has proven to be a powerful tool when it comes to book marketing. When authors leverage authenticity and vulnerability���both in their writing and their book marketing efforts���they are able to form a deeper connection with their audience.

Sharing raw and often challenging experiences can help authors not only build a robust online presence but also create a community of readers and followers who feel seen and understood.

Leveraging Short-Form Video to Grow Your Audience

For authors looking to expand their reach on social media, understanding the key role of video on each platform is crucial. 

In the accompanying episode of The Book Marketing Action Podcast, Ginelle Testa states that her growth ���has come entirely from videos.��� Ginelle���s experience illustrates that maintaining a regular presence on your selected social media platforms can lead to exponential growth. For instance, her Instagram account boasts over 22,000 followers, a significant achievement she attributes to her consistent and authentic video posts. These snippets not only preview her book content but also cast a wider net for new followers interested in similar themes.

Here are some short-form video ideas to help you get started:

Film your live reaction opening the first copies of your book, or seeing your book on shelves for the first time.If you���re facing any hardships along the author journey, pause for a moment to record your feelings and share about what you���re going through.��If you don���t want to speak directly to the camera, pull together various clips of your author journey. Do a VoiceOver or add music and text to explain what is happening in each clip.Select some key topics from your book that can be explained in 90 seconds or less and create different videos around those topics.��

When it comes to short-form video, the possibilities are endless and can be fine-tuned to suit your comfort level. Embrace this opportunity to show up in an authentic way and build a community of support for your message. 

The Impact of Vulnerability on Audience Engagement

One of the most compelling aspects of any book marketing strategy is a willingness to display vulnerability. Don���t shy away from sharing deeply personal experiences, especially when you know they will resonate with your audience.

For instance, Ginelle���s candidness about challenging themes in her life, such as addiction and recovery, draws her audience into a genuine and heartfelt narrative. While working on her memoir, she found the writing ���to be deeply personal, and the social media to reflect that.���

She exemplifies how author-led vulnerability can have a cathartic effect on the author AND build a strong community of empathetic followers. Sharing real-world stories keeps the dialogue authentic and engaging, which is pivotal to maintaining a committed audience.

Persisting and Adapting on Your Marketing Journey

Continuity, flexibility, and persistence are also vital aspects of writing and marketing a book. Ginelle went from just existing on social media to intentionally growing a targeted audience, which highlights the strategic patience required for effective marketing. 

In addition to being present on social media, authors should also seek out media placements, such as:

Podcast appearances��Guest blog postsArticles for media outlets like Forbes or NewsweekSpeaking engagementsLocal television interviews��

Ginelle emphasizes the importance of bravery when it comes time for an author to pitch their work: ���Submit pieces to places that you know will get you traffic and exposure.���

Having a diverse and adaptable marketing approach will further amplify your message and reach, as well as providing the stability required for long-term book marketing success.

Key Takeaways:Authenticity and vulnerability can significantly enhance your audience engagement and expand your reach on social media platforms.Building a personal connection with your audience over time is crucial for sustained book marketing success.Flexibility and persistence are essential in both writing and marketing your book.

Ginelle Testa (she/they) is a writer originally from Hudson, NH. She has an MS in digital marketing and design from Brandeis University and a BA in sociology from Rivier University, and has been featured in Insider, Byrdie, Tiny Buddha, and other media outlets. She���s a queer person in recovery and the author of Make a Home Out of You: A Memoir . When she isn���t writing, she enjoys doing restorative yoga, playing video games, and thrifting eclectic clothes. Ginelle lives in Boston, MA.

The post The Art of Openness: Embracing Vulnerability While Marketing Your Book appeared first on Weaving Influence.

Episode 139: Bringing the Vulnerability of a Memoir to Social Media��

Photo by Ki’ami King (Depth of Violet)

Click here to listen on your device and subscribe! 

Welcome to Season 5 of The Book Marketing Action Podcast with Becky Robinson, where we give you information you can immediately implement to increase your influence and market your books more successfully. 

In this episode, Becky talks to Ginelle Testa���Author of Make a Home Out of You: A Memoir, which is launching next week. Ginelle shares the inspiration behind writing a deeply personal book and her journey of overcoming addiction and finding self-love. She also talks about how showing up authentically in online spaces helped her grow her social media presence and reach new audiences with her important message. 

Key Points From This Episode:

[01:40] Ginelle shares about herself and her work in the world. 

[02:27] Ginelle talks about the meaning behind her new memoir, Make a Home Out of You, and her publishing path. 

[03:17] Discover what inspired Ginelle to write her memoir, especially one that digs into challenging emotional times in her life. 

[04:17] Ginelle reveals what inspired her to translate that level of authenticity to her social media channels. 

[05:07] Ginelle describes some of the challenges she had to overcome as she was writing her memoir and sharing about intense experiences in her life. 

[06:10] Learn how and why ���edginess��� helped Ginelle go viral. 

[07:40] Ginelle explains how she approaches sharing about her vulnerable experiences���in real-time vs. letting some time pass. 

[09:11] Ginelle shares what she has enjoyed most about showcasing her author journey, even the emotional moments, and how it has helped build momentum for her book.

[09:47] (AD) Learn about our Book Marketing Strategy Live Course.

[11:27] How does Ginelle stay consistent and intentional with her posting? She provides some tips. 

[12:35] Ginelle discusses how creating short-form videos has been a major part of her growth, finding new audiences, and her strategies for creating videos.

[14:14] Discover how long Ginelle has been showing up in online spaces and how much of it was in anticipation of a future book launch.

[15:00] Ginelle talks about how she prioritizes the initiatives she has energy for. 

[15:55] Ginelle shares what she hopes people will take away from the experience of reading her memoir and engaging with her social content. 

[16:39] Ginelle provides some final insights about the author journey and the benefits of promoting her work in an honest, authentic way. 

Action Steps:

Be vulnerable. Showing up online in a vulnerable and authentic way is how Ginelle has grown her following���being exactly who she is. Don���t be afraid to put yourself out there. Experiment with video content. Consistently showing up with video content on any social platform is a key way to expand your reach and connect with new audiences. Do what feels comfortable for you and take that first step in sharing more videos on your social channels.

Resources:

Pre-order Ginelle���s book, Make a Home Out of You: A Memoir , launching on September 3rd. Explore Ginelle���s website. Follow Ginelle on Instagram and TikTok. 

Key Quotes:

I found the writing to be deeply personal, and the social media to reflect that. ���Ginelle Testa 

I think that sometimes in order to go viral, you have to be a little edgy. ���Ginelle Testa 

I love sharing my journey, and being vulnerable is just part of my process. ���Ginelle Testa 

I regularly am on my For You Page on TikTok, or just the Explore Page on Instagram, seeing what other people are posting, and I’ll get inspired by that. ���Ginelle Testa 

My growth has come entirely from videos, and it’s been a really important part of my strategy. ���Ginelle Testa 

A lot of my content is about just the feeling of enoughness. ���Ginelle Testa 

Be flexible and brave, and submit pieces to places that you know will get you traffic and exposure. ���Ginelle Testa

Sign up for the weekly newsletter to connect with Becky Robinson and gain access to ongoing learning and conversation. 

Explore our archives! Listen to Becky���s five favorite episodes:

Episode 125 with Michael Bungay StanierEpisode 121 with Juliet StarrettEpisode 112 with Clint Pulver Episode 108 with  AJ HarperEpisode 106 with Jane Friedman

The post Episode 139: Bringing the Vulnerability of a Memoir to Social Media�� appeared first on Weaving Influence.