Becky Robinson's Blog, page 4

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.

Four Benefits to Having a Partner in Business (and Life)

Over the years of leading Weaving Influence, I’ve worked closely with others. Though I am the only owner working in the company, I consider my team members to be partners in my work.

These days, I work most closely with Amy Driehorst, our Chief Operating Officer. She’s been an important member of the Weaving Influence team for nearly 12 years.

I’ve been thinking about how amazing it is to have a strong partner and how much more we can accomplish together.

Having a partner is great because:

A partner provides accountability. Amy and I keep a running list of company priorities and we check in with each other about progress. Because we are handing work back and forth, we each need to complete our parts in a timely way. I’ve love the accountability of running partners as well, because knowing someone is meeting me at a certain time to run gets me up and going.

A partner gives encouragement. When you win with a partner, you win together. Or when things are challenging, you can encourage each other. Partners can cheer each other on and celebrate together.

A partner can energize and extend my ideas. I love having a sounding board for my ideas. More than that, I love the way Amy’s strengths balance mine. She brings me down to earth and grounds me in assessing situations by looking at the data and patterns. I can bring energy Amy’s ideas and help her extend them. seeing even bigger possibilities.

A partner means that I have someone to share the work. Working with a partner means being able to share the load, both actually and emotionally. There are times when I am stronger and can support Amy and times when she’s stronger to lift me up. Our strengths complement each other.

Tell me something! Why are you glad to have a business partner? What have you accomplished with a partner that you couldn’t have completed alone?

The post Four Benefits to Having a Partner in Business (and Life) appeared first on Weaving Influence.

Making an Impact Beyond Launch Day: Long-Term strategies for Marketing Your Book

Once your book has launched, you may be unsure of how to continue marketing over time. 

One of my favorite approaches is to incorporate new, creative initiatives at least quarterly, planning with pen and paper.  

Start with a blank piece of paper and fold it into quarters. Unfold the paper and label each quarter with the upcoming quarters on the calendar (Q1/year, Q2/year, etc.) so that both sides of the paper are labeled for two years of book marketing initiatives. 

Then, look at your calendar for any existing events or holidays that would inspire creative approaches to marketing your book, identifying one idea per quarter. The goal is to keep your book top of mind for potential readers by initiating a quarterly promotion to attract new attention. 

For example, in the fourth quarter of the year, you may want to do a holiday or gift promotion. During the month in which your book initially launched, you may want to do a book birthday or anniversary promotion. 

Here are some additional ideas to plug into each quarter: Apply for book awards , then celebrate them as you receive them, adding the award logos to your website and sharing about them on your social media channels. To add value to others, consider highlighting other recipients of the awards whose content may be of interest to your audience.Run a discount promo on your ebook, temporarily lowering the price, and apply to have your discounted ebook featured through ebook sales sites like BookBub. Showcase your audiobook by sharing audiobook snippets of key messages from your book.Use a pre-existing awareness month to talk about your book���s topics through articles or social posts. For example, Mental Health Awareness Month (if your book���s messaging aligns with it).Host a live virtual event to discuss your book���s topics and build community around your ideas. Bringing people together is a great way to help them remember the value of your book and to add additional value by interacting with them about any questions they might have about your content. Create a new resource to support people���s learning. This could be a discussion guide, book club guide, or workbook. Give this away to grow your email list and find out who is reading your book. Create and release a new resource with updated thinking regarding a topic in your book, and use promotion of the content in the resource to renew interest in your book. Do a book giveaway on Goodreads or through your own channels to get your book into more people���s hands. Follow up with the winners to request additional Amazon reviews. Create a series of short videos to reinforce your book���s key messages and share those intermittently with your audiences. Invest in social media advertising, such as LinkedIn or Instagram ads, to reach new audiences for your book.

By choosing to implement one new idea each quarter, you will keep your book top of mind for your followers while taking an approach that may be more sustainable for your available time, energy, and money over time. If you find that you have more resources for marketing your book, you could choose one initiative per month instead of one per quarter. 

As you consider these ideas, you may have resistance or feel like people are tired of hearing about your book. It���s natural for you to feel this way, so if you encounter this difficulty, try to focus on the value your book brings to others. By continuing to share your book, you are increasing the likelihood that the people who need it will find it. 

As you expand your audience over time, there are likely to be people who encounter you who have not heard of your book yet. If you are not talking about it, they may not discover it. By consistently sharing the key messages of your book over time, you will ensure that you continue to reach the people who are most interested in it. 

To learn more about adapting your book marketing efforts post-launch, listen to this episode of The Book Marketing Action Podcast featuring Hesha Abrams. 

The post Making an Impact Beyond Launch Day: Long-Term strategies for Marketing Your Book appeared first on Weaving Influence.

Unlocking the Power of Media Exposure for Authors:��Lessons from an Experienced Media Coach

Photo by liudmilachernetska / 123rf.com

Information in this article is pulled from Episode 138 of The Book Marketing Action Podcast featuring Mary O���Donohue. 

Just the thought of securing media exposure for a book can be daunting for authors. Feelings of fear and anxiety are completely normal, but it���s important to take the necessary steps to overcome those feelings and get your message in front of the audiences who need it most.

Keep these lessons in mind as you navigate the world of media to amplify your work and increase your impact:

Start with Intention and Expertise

Start with a clear intention when pursuing media exposure. As an author, you must understand why you want to be in the media and identify the audience you aim to serve. By shifting the focus from self-promotion to serving others, you can approach media opportunities with authenticity and purpose.

With so many books launching every day, it���s best practice to pivot away from trying to just promote your book. Instead, showcase your expertise, unique perspectives, and personal experiences. Media outlets are more interested in the value you can provide to their audience than in the release of a new book. By honing in on your expertise and crafting compelling narratives, you can attract the attention of major media shows and connect with a broader audience. 

It’s so important that an author is really prepared to tell their story in a clear and concise way that’s going to make sense to the viewer or listener. ���Mary O���Donohue

Don���t Aim Right for the Top of the Mountain

Once you���ve finalized your area of expertise, start pitching local, or more obtainable, media���like newspaper features, interviews with news outlets, or even guest features on well-established podcasts���to start building your social proof. Larger media outlets are not going to take a risk on you unless you have real, tangible evidence of successful interviews or proof that journalists have previously vetted you. Highlight interview clips and other impressive media placements on your website to make them easily accessible. 

If, eventually, your goal is to be featured on a major media outlet, like The Today Show, keep your eye on the calendar. Relating your expertise to timely events is a key way to attract the interest of the show���s producers who are looking for relevant guests related to the latest breaking news stories in the media. 

If you, as an author, are pitching a great idea to a major national show and you don’t have actual video that shows you can do this, the associate producer is not going to take a risk on you. ���Mary O���Donohue

Take Up Space

For women authors in particular, it can be more challenging to fully show up in the media���whether it has to do with internalized fears or societal barriers. A mindset shift is a crucial first step in breaking through those barriers. 

Understand that your book deserves to be in the world���that you have a point of view and a perspective that is important and needs to be shared. If you are bold enough to write and publish a book, don���t hesitate to take up the space and time needed to share your expertise in the media. Somebody out there needs you and needs to hear your message. Your journey and experiences can make a true difference for others. 

Embrace your expertise. Don’t hide from it. ���Mary O���Donohue

Navigating Fear and Anxiety: It’s Not About You

When it comes to addressing the common fear and anxiety authors experience when approaching media exposure, consider this reframing technique: Media exposure is not about you, but about the message you have to share. Viewing media opportunities as a platform to serve and connect with your audience is a powerful way to overcome your fears and convey your message with confidence.

If you���re seeking extra guidance when it comes time to pitch your message to the media, pay attention to the shows and outlets you aspire to be featured on. By studying the patterns and content of successful authors or thought leaders in your field, you will learn valuable strategies and insights for securing media exposure. Your attention is a valuable asset, so by paying attention to other experts in your space, you���re going to hear: 

The types of questions they���re askedHow long the interviews areHow they answer certain questionsWhat keywords they use

And so much more. They are leaving you a lot of clues that will help you on your journey. 

Your attention, if it’s placed on the right things, can be very helpful to you as an author. ���Mary O���Donohue

Embrace the Path Forward

Through active engagement with media and continuous learning from other successful authors in your field, you can unlock the power of media exposure to amplify your message and expand your reach.

Media exposure for authors is not just about securing a spot on a prestigious show or garnering attention for a new book. It’s about connecting with an audience, sharing valuable expertise, and making a meaningful impact in the world.

Mary O���Donohue is a Media Coach for Women Nonfiction Authors, a #1 Bestselling Parenting Author, and a former Post Producer for The Oprah Winfrey Show. She has worked in high profile television for decades, including years on The Today Show, Meet the Press, and NBC Nightly News. 

As the Founder of Authors In Media, Mary teaches women nonfiction authors how to get national publicity and do media interviews that sell books, grow their impact, and change the world.

The post Unlocking the Power of Media Exposure for Authors:��Lessons from an Experienced Media Coach appeared first on Weaving Influence.

Episode 138: Insider Tips for Getting Your Message in Front of the Media��

Photo by liudmilachernetska / 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 Mary O���Donohue���Media Coach for Women Nonfiction Authors, a #1 Bestselling Parenting Author, and a former Post Producer for The Oprah Winfrey Show. Listen as Mary shares valuable insights from her extensive career in television and her expertise in media coaching for authors. She emphasizes how important it is for authors to understand the media landscape and showcase the value they have to offer the audiences of major media outlets. Through real-life stories and practical advice, Mary provides guidance on how to overcome fear and anxiety when trying to get your message in front of the media.

Key Points From This Episode:

[01:36] Mary shares about herself, the work she has done throughout her career, and her book, When You Say ‘Thank You,’ Mean It.

[09:02] Mary reveals how her career in television contributed to the work she is doing now as a media coach for authors.

[12:30] Learn how Mary helps set authors��� expectations about the reality of what it takes to get on a major broadcast media show. 

[17:35] Mary talks about what makes a guest ���bookable.��� 

[25:30] (AD) Learn about our Book Marketing Strategy Live Course.

[27:11] If you���re a woman nonfiction author and you want to get your message or book in front of the media, Mary shares some of her best advice for growing your impact. 

[30:00] Mary explains why podcasts are such a crucial part of marketing and book promotion today.

[35:43] Mary outlines some tips for authors on how to tackle the fear and anxiety they may experience as they approach the world of media. 

[39:41] Mary shares some final encouragement for authors who dream of being on a major media show. 

Action Steps:

Consume the media. If there’s a show you’ve always wanted to be on but it’s not a show you regularly watch, or an outlet that you’d like to be featured on but it’s not one you regularly read, start to consume that media so that you can have a better idea of the content they’re looking for. Think about the expertise that you can share in the media. Major media shows aren���t interested in your book itself, they���re interested in the value you, the expert, will share with their audience. Pay attention to other experts in your field. For example, if you’re in the parenting space, what other parenting authors have had successful media placements? Follow that person on social media and don’t look at them as competition���look at them as a guide.

Resources:

Explore Mary���s website and join her mailing list to stay connected.Follow Mary on LinkedIn.Sign up for Mary���s courses/programs: Media Success Blueprint��� and Published to Prime Time��� (this is exclusively for women nonfiction authors and requires a prior meeting with Mary). 

Key Quotes:

It’s so important that an author is really prepared to tell their story in a clear and concise way that’s going to make sense to the viewer or listener. ���Mary O���Donohue

If you, as an author, are pitching a great idea to a major national show and you don’t have actual video that shows you can do this, the associate producer is not going to take a risk on you. ���Mary O���Donohue

If you want to be on the Today Show, then your content needs to tie into current events in some way. ���Mary O���Donohue

It’s not news that you have a book anymore. The newsworthy aspect is that you’re an expert who wrote a book. ���Mary O���Donohue

Understand that your book deserves to be in the world, that you have a point of view and a perspective that is important and needs to be shared. ���Mary O���Donohue

Embrace your expertise. Don’t hide from it. ���Mary O���Donohue

Consume the media that you want to be on. ���Mary O���Donohue

Your attention, if it’s placed on the right things, can be very helpful to you as an author. ���Mary O���Donohue

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 138: Insider Tips for Getting Your Message in Front of the Media�� appeared first on Weaving Influence.

Elevate and Inspire:��Book Marketing Guidance for Marginalized Authors��

Photo by Olena Yakobchuk / 123rf.com

Information in this article is pulled from Episode 137 of The Book Marketing Action Podcast featuring Caroline J. Sumlin. 

The author journey is layered, creating a different experience for everyone who chooses to share their important work with the world. Whether the quantitative impact of that work is large or small, what matters is that the message is connecting with the people who need it most. 

There is a lot to consider as you move toward your book launch and the period following launch. This is especially true for marginalized authors who work hard to show up and tell their stories, creating meaningful results and an impact that goes beyond the number of books sold. 

The Power of Personal Connection

Embracing vulnerability and sharing personal experiences or struggles will attract new readers to your work and will also engage your existing audience. Help people see your full story so they can relate and respond. Establishing meaningful connections through personal narratives can set you apart and help you cultivate a loyal following. 

As Caroline notes in the accompanying episode of The Book Marketing Action Podcast, here are some examples of ways you can connect with your audience:

Share stories about various challenges you face throughout the day, like struggling with writer���s block or having difficulty juggling author priorities with life and work. The emotions you experience and the hardships you encounter are part of what makes you human.��Post about a new challenge you have set for yourself, whether it���s something professional or fun, like getting back into tennis or perfecting your latte art. Your content doesn���t always have to be educational or groundbreaking.��If you���re frustrated with certain aspects of the author journey, share those frustrations. Ask questions and seek advice from your community. It could open you up to new opportunities and perspectives and will inspire you to keep moving forward.

By weaving personal stories into your content, you will forge genuine connections and engage with your online community on a more intimate level. This approach resonates deeply with audiences, as it humanizes you, the author, and creates a strong bond based on shared experiences and emotions.

Strategic Marketing Channel Selection

Honing in on a few select marketing channels that resonate with you and your audience will yield more effective results than spreading yourself thin across various platforms. Focus on channels where you feel comfortable sharing your stories, being your authentic self, and making your voice heard. 

The pressure to be present on every social media platform can be overwhelming; this approach serves as a refreshing reminder to prioritize quality over quantity. By intentionally showing up on channels where your audience is and where you feel most heard, you will maximize your impact and engagement.

Making Time for Your Well-being 

Sharing your vulnerabilities, both in your work and in the way you show up online, can be draining. Remember to take care of yourself and give yourself permission to breathe, re-center, and recover from any burnout you may be experiencing. 

Being vulnerable online may also garner some negativity from those who don���t align with your message or choose to show up in harmful ways. There is no shame in taking a step back to distance yourself from online spaces, and it���s crucial to recognize that you are still allowed to set personal boundaries.  

By making time for your well-being and not allowing negativity to get in the way or discourage you from sharing your story, you can cultivate a sustainable and fulfilling creative practice that aligns with your values and priorities.

Re-Engaging After the Book Launch 

Given the barriers marginalized authors face when it comes time to publish their work, it can be especially discouraging if book sales are low or if the numbers don���t meet expectations. 

If you���re feeling disappointed with the results of your book launch, don���t let that be a reason to stop promoting your work and sharing your valuable message. Consider re-energizing your book marketing efforts by coordinating a relaunch campaign to celebrate the anniversary of your book. This is a powerful way to keep your book in the conversation and reignite the passion that made you want to share your story in the first place. 

Ultimately, success does not lie in the quantitative impact of your work but in doing what matters most and sharing your message with unwavering authenticity and purpose. 

Caroline J. Sumlin is a writer, speaker, and educator with a passion for helping all people reclaim their self-worth and their humanity. A former foster child turned adoptee, Caroline brings awareness, healing, and liberation to the topics of toxic white supremacy culture, systemic injustice, mental health, faith reconstruction, and bold, purposeful living to her growing audience. Prior to writing full-time, Caroline served as a special education teacher in the D.C. area for five years. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Howard University. Caroline resides with her husband and two daughters in Northern Virginia.

The post Elevate and Inspire:��Book Marketing Guidance for Marginalized Authors�� appeared first on Weaving Influence.