Becky Robinson's Blog, page 4

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

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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.

Episode 137: Marketing Your Book as a Marginalized Author

Photo by Olena Yakobchuk / 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 Caroline J. Sumlin���writer, speaker, and educator with a passion for helping all people reclaim their self-worth and their humanity. Listen as Caroline shares insights into her book’s powerful message and the challenges she faced while marketing as a first-time author. The discussion delves into the journey of marketing a book as a marginalized author, the struggles of balancing personal beliefs with marketing expectations, and how important it is for authors to connect authentically with their audience.

Key Points From This Episode:

[01:50] Caroline shares about herself, her book We���ll All Be Free, and her work in the world. 

[04:46] Caroline talks about how some of the beliefs she is trying to counteract in her book have negatively impacted her book marketing journey. 

[07:20] Caroline elaborates on the realities of marketing a book as someone with a marginalized identity. 

[11:18] Discover what Caroline���s expectations were going into the launch of her book and how those have shifted since its release. 

[15:32] (AD) Learn about our Book Marketing Strategy Live Course.

[17:26] Caroline discusses her approach to sharing her personal stories and experiences in online spaces to connect with potential readers.

[20:31] While reflecting on the first year since launching her book, Caroline reveals which marketing strategies have been the most effective and which ones weren���t as effective as she hoped. 

[26:13] Caroline shares how using the anniversary of her book���s release as a milestone for continued marketing has helped her stay energized and passionate about her work. 

[28:25] As a full-time homeschooling parent, Caroline talks about the struggle of balancing those responsibilities with her career ambitions and book marketing efforts.

[34:10] Caroline shares some final advice for first-time authors who are preparing to market their books.  

Action Steps:

Think about ways that you can bring more attention to marginalized voices in your community. How can you show up intentionally to amplify their work? If you have not yet explored Instagram Stories, take a look at what Caroline shares and try to start creating your own. Share your journey in real-time with the people who are most interested in your message. Think about the constraints of your life commitments, like being a full-time parent, and make peace with them. Write them down and elaborate on how they impact your book marketing efforts, then send them to becky@weavinginfluence.com.

Resources:

To celebrate the one-year anniversary of Caroline���s book, purchase a copy of We���ll All Be Free today!If you���re in the Washington, D.C. area and would like to partner with Caroline for an event, or if you would just like to reach out to her, email hello@carolinejsumlin.com. Follow Caroline on Instagram and Threads. To explore more of Caroline���s writing, subscribe to her Substack, or take a deep dive of her website. 

Key Quotes:

It’s crazy just how much I’ve had to reckon with the white supremacy culture in the marketing of my book. ���Caroline J. Sumlin

Society has placed strategic barriers in the way of most marginalized bodies. ���Caroline J. Sumlin

Impact is impact, no matter how big or small. ���Caroline J. Sumlin

People who are following us don’t only want the content that we’re creating, but they also want that connection with us and our humanity. ���Becky Robinson

I’m reckoning with and I’m surrendering to what’s doable based on my lifestyle. ���Caroline J. Sumlin

If I had to pick the one thing that has been the best for me, it’s connecting with my audience. ���Caroline J. Sumlin

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 137: Marketing Your Book as a Marginalized Author appeared first on Weaving Influence.

Plan Your Book Launch Like a Wedding:��8 Connections to Create Momentum for Your Book Launch

I���ve often used the analogy of a wedding to describe the planning and preparation required for a momentum-filled book launch. I recently traveled to Kentucky for the wedding of my niece, which inspired even more connections between how we involve our communities when we get married and how we can involve them on the occasion of a new book release. 

Here are a few connections and some action steps you can take to increase your success at launch. 

Photos, photos, photos (and video, too)

One of the ways I���ve shared the joy and anticipation of my niece���s upcoming nuptials was through her photos all along the journey: from her engagement at the Chicago Art Museum to her engagement photo shoot, and through her bachelorette weekend. 

At the wedding itself, my niece ensured that photographers and videographers meticulously captured every moment of the ceremony and reception. She had two photo booth opportunities, including one connected to a printer, instantly printing photo strips as a cherished party favor. Photos and videos extend the moments and include people not present in the excitement.

As you move from idea to writing to publishing and launching, photos and videos along the way will include people in your journey and give them a glimpse of your life and work. Here���s a powerful example from Sara Taylor, who shared her response to unboxing her latest book.��

Action Step: Take and share more photos to capture your journey as an author. 

The Wedding Website/Your Book Marketing Website

Because I got married before the widespread adoption of the World Wide Web (I didn���t even have email), we did not have a wedding website. My niece���s wedding website has all the information anyone needs to participate in her wedding, including a countdown to the celebration. 

Every book also needs a dedicated web presence, usually a page on your existing website. The page can include everything people might need to know about your book. It could include a countdown to release, as well.

Action Step: Instead of only looking to other book marketing websites for inspiration, look at some wedding websites to refresh your idea of engaging the audience for your book.

The Wedding Planner/The Book Launch Strategist 

Just as a wedding planner is an invaluable resource to a couple and their families because of their experience with all the details needed to pull off the perfect wedding, an experienced book launch strategist demystifies the components of a successful book marketing campaign. 

I watched the wedding planner at my niece���s wedding in awe. From early morning until the sparkler send-off at the end of the event, she quietly and carefully attended to every moment of the day. She anticipated needs and filled them. 

Your book launch strategist or project manager plays that same role, ensuring that your book marketing efforts roll along seamlessly, reminding you of important milestones and deadlines, and anticipating your needs throughout the campaign.

Action Step: Enlist the support of a book marketing strategist to help plan and execute your launch campaign. If you are looking for someone to play this role during your upcoming book marketing campaign, the Weaving Influence team stands by, ready to help.

The Wedding Party/The Launch Team Inner Circle 

Many brides and grooms select a wedding party ��� those close family and friends who are more involved in the wedding (and pre-wedding festivities.) Depending on the size of the wedding, this could be a select few or a dozen people who you can���t imagine doing it without. These people provide moral and practical support on one of the most special occasions of your life. 

As you plan for your book launch, consider whether you want to identify a VIP team, people who make an extra commitment to supporting your launch activities. You may involve these people throughout your preparation for launch, your inside circle. They may also be the ones who speak at your launch party. You���ll probably mention them in your book’s acknowledgments, and you may want to give them a launch gift as a thank-you for their support along your journey. 

Just as bridesmaids and groomsmen may have special, matching attire, why not gift your inner circle with branded clothing to represent your book during launch week? 

Action Step: Identify an inner circle to support your launch activities. Make the experience special and meaningful for them. Find out more about how to mobilize your network in support of your book marketing efforts.��

Gift Registry/Launch Team Assets and Asks 

People getting married usually have a gift registry, and people launching books have a list of ways for others to help. Without a gift registry, people guess at what you want. Without a list of asks, people may not know how to support you with your launch. 

We recommend authors make it as easy as possible for people to participate in supporting their launch activities by providing specific instructions on how to help and creating graphics and social media posts as assets that are easy to copy, paste, and share. We typically create a Google folder and provide the link to the Google folder to the author���s launch team. 

In addition to providing assets to make it easy for your networks to help share your book through social media, you can also create your ���wish list��� of ways people can support you. Your list could include:

Write an Amazon reviewWrite a Goodreads reviewInvite me to be on your podcastIntroduce me to podcast hosts you knowHost me for an online discussion of my bookHost an in-person eventShare about my book on your newsletter or blogBuy my book in bulk 

Action Step: Create your own wish list for ways people can support your book marketing efforts. 

The Reception/The Virtual Launch Party

Involving people in your celebration (either a wedding or your book launch) is powerful and memorable. People are honored to be included. 

Consider how your virtual launch celebration can bring people together to celebrate your important milestone. Your event gives you the opportunity to rally the support of your community on your special launch day. An event focuses people���s attention on how they can help and support you. 

Action Step: Plan a virtual launch event and invite as many people as possible. See an example of a virtual book launch event here.��

The Honeymoon is Just the Beginning

While every couple looks forward to the honeymoon, an author may experience a honeymoon of sorts during the month of the book���s release, with exciting opportunities to share about the book and lots of attention from their communities in amplifying the book.

Once the honeymoon is over, a lifetime of building a relationship begins for the couple. In the same way for an author, once the excitement of launch dims, the author can begin to consider how to continue to incorporate the book in their work over a long period of time.

Action step: Plan beyond launch for a lifetime of sharing your book���s message. 

Investment

A book launch, like a wedding, can be a bigger investment of time, energy, and money than you expect. Evaluating and identifying available resources before you start planning is helpful. 

Be realistic about what your budget can accomplish, and focus not only on the quantitative metrics (which may lead to disappointment) but also on the quality of your launch. Because, like a wedding, what���s more important than the event is the meaning you create and the joy you spread. 

Action Step: As you plan for your book marketing, identify the available budgets of time, energy, and money.

Which of these connections stands out the most to you when considering helpful approaches for marketing your book?

The post Plan Your Book Launch Like a Wedding:��8 Connections to Create Momentum for Your Book Launch appeared first on Weaving Influence.

Episode 136: Adapting After a Book Launch

Photo by Anastassiya Bezhekeneva / 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 Hesha Abrams���master mediator, keynote speaker, and author of Holding the Calm: The Secret to Resolving Conflict and Defusing Tension. Listen as Hesha talks about her author journey, the impact of her book marketing efforts, and how she has adapted over the years since her book launch to reach new audiences, define new goals, and find lasting success.

Key Points From This Episode:

[01:44] Hesha shares about herself, her work in the world, and what inspired her to write her book. 

[03:08] Hesha reveals what she was hoping to achieve when she wrote Holding the Calm.

[04:23] How has completing the book and bringing it to life helped Hesha reach her goals? She explains the importance of qualitative results. 

[07:56] Hesha talks about the impact Holding the Calm had on her credibility and the perception of her expertise. 

[12:55] (AD) Learn about our Book Marketing Strategy Live Course.

[14:19] Discover what Hesha did to market her book and which parts were worthwhile in getting her message out to more readers. 

[20:00] Hesha discusses some of the surprises she encountered on her journey as an author. 

[22:34] Hesha shares how her book continues to serve her and the audiences she wants to reach more than two years after launch.��

[25:02] BONUS: Discover one of Hesha���s tips for resolving conflict from Holding the Calm.

Action Steps:

Perform an audit of your book marketing efforts to date. Think about what has brought you joy and results, as well as what hasn���t been successful. Consider whether or not you should stop doing the things that aren���t working for you.If you���re a nonfiction author and your book is primarily for adults, consider adapting it for other audiences. Is there an adaptation for children or teenagers that you could write? Can you repurpose your content to reach new audiences? 

Resources:

Learn more about Hesha���s book, Holding the Calm, by exploring the website.Follow Hesha on LinkedIn and Facebook. 

Key Quotes:

You have to really believe in what you’re doing and then test it. ���Hesha Abrams

I don’t argue with results, I adapt to them. ���Hesha Abrams

What I found drove my book sales was speeches. ���Hesha Abrams

I found small, niche podcasts that don’t have a huge audience but a very dedicated audience. I would get nice book sales from that. ���Hesha Abrams

I would say to everyone: Experiment with your book, your brand, your thing. ���Hesha Abrams

I’m going to test, test, test, and see what resonates with people because I want to be helpful. ���Hesha Abrams

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

Read our latest article based on key takeaways from this episode. 

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 136: Adapting After a Book Launch appeared first on Weaving Influence.

The Art of Experimentation: Adapting Your Book Marketing Efforts Post-Launch

Photo by Anastassiya Bezhekeneva / 123rf.com

Information in this article is pulled from Episode 136 of The Book Marketing Action Podcast featuring Hesha Abrams.��

We frequently talk about how authors should prepare to market their book leading up to launch and during launch week, but what about the months and years after a book is published? The journey is different for every author, and it can feel discouraging at times. For those who want to make a lasting impact, the ability to adapt their book marketing efforts is key. 

The Art of Experimentation in Marketing Efforts

Experimentation and adaptability are important contributors to reaching a wider audience. While traditional marketing strategies may not always yield desired results, being open to trying new approaches and adjusting tactics based on feedback is key to success. Authors who seek to enhance their reach and engagement need to continuously evaluate and refine their marketing strategies for optimal impact.

I would say to everyone: Experiment with your book, your brand, your thing.

���Hesha Abrams

By embracing a mindset of experimentation and continuous learning, authors can uncover untapped opportunities, refine their messaging, and connect with diverse audiences more effectively.

Adapting Content for Diverse Audiences

The concept of repurposing content to resonate with different demographics opens up new avenues for authors to expand their reach and relevance. For example, Hasha’s exploration of creating tailored versions of her book for children and teenagers showcases the versatility and longevity of content that transcends age groups. By adapting the core principles of their message for varied audiences, authors can amplify their impact and address unique challenges faced by different segments of society.

I don’t argue with results, I adapt to them.

���Hesha Abrams

This forward-thinking approach highlights the potential for authors to extend the lifespan and relevance of their work by customizing content for diverse readerships. This strategic shift not only augments the book’s longevity but also broadens its influence, contributing to a more inclusive and impactful literary ecosystem.

I’m going to test, test, test, and see what resonates with people because I want to be helpful.

���Hesha Abrams

The book marketing landscape is ever-evolving. By prioritizing experimentation and adaptation after their book has launched, authors can amplify their impact, engage diverse audiences, and foster meaningful connections.��

Take Action

Perform an audit of your book marketing efforts to date. What has brought you joy and results, and what hasn���t been as successful? Consider whether or not you should stop doing the things that aren���t working for you and pivot to other initiatives. 

Hesha Abrams ���master mediator, keynote speaker, and author of Holding the Calm: The Secret to Resolving Conflict and Defusing Tension ��� has written and spoken widely to audiences around the globe who are seeking a better understanding of conflict and pragmatic ways to resolve it. Most people are so afraid of conflict. It raises their blood pressure, makes them nervous or afraid and aggressive when that is their only tool. Defusing this tension and helping create harmony where once there was discord is Hesha���s life���s work. She wrote Holding the Calm as a way to share real tools that actually work so that other people can benefit from her experience and resolve conflict and defuse tension in their corner of the world.

The post The Art of Experimentation: Adapting Your Book Marketing Efforts Post-Launch appeared first on Weaving Influence.

What You Need to Know About Pre-Orders (For Hybrid or Self-Published Print-On-Demand Books)

As an author of a hybrid published or self-published print-on-demand book, you may be wondering if pre-orders are important or how they can fit into your overall strategy for your book. 

If you���ve chosen hybrid publishing and a print-on-demand distribution, your publisher most likely has an established process and point-of-view about pre-order campaigns. In most cases, hybrid publishers do not set up print-on-demand titles for pre-order campaigns, or, if they do, it���s for a limited time or for the ebook only. There���s no sales or distribution advantage to a pre-order campaign for these books because retailers will not be ordering copies in advance of the publication date.

If your hybrid published book does not have a pre-order period, you can instead expect that your publisher will load your files a few days before your planned publication date/launch date. Your book may be available before your launch date, which gives time for Amazon���s algorithms to recognize your product, ensuring that it will show in categories. This may take a few days, and you may feel frustrated by the uncertainty of this process.

There are, unfortunately, a few downsides to this approach: 

You���ll miss the opportunity of adding your retailer links to the book page on your website in advance of launch, which may cause a last minute scramble. If people are curious about and anxiously awaiting your book, it may not seem as real until it���s available through retailers. If you���re pitching for podcast interviews or other media coverage, the journalist won���t be able to find your book through an online search. 

For these reasons, I typically recommend that self-published authors set their books up for pre-order. 

Currently, Amazon���s Kindle Direct Publishing does not allow for print books to be set up for pre-order, only ebooks. As a result, authors who want to set their print books up for pre-order typically select to distribute their books through IngramSpark. This can be a clunky process, sadly, but should allow you to have your book widely distributed to online retailers with the option to pre-order both the print and ebook editions of your book.

Once your book is available for pre-order, we recommend that you:

Add your retailer links to your website Incorporate your retailer links into your social posts, driving people to varying points of purchaseUpdate your social profile links to promote the pre-order call-to-action 

The value of pre-orders for most hybrid or self-published authors is access to retailer links so you can finalize your website and other marketing materials. Once you���ve added your book links to your website and social channels, you���ve established that your book is credible. 

After those assets are set up, you should turn your attention to preparing for launch week. It���s important to clarify that, for a print-on-demand title, I recommend a greater focus on first-week book sale promotion, especially if your goal is gaining bestseller status on Amazon. Launch week is when you should highly engage your network to purchase.

It���s better to have high first-week book sales than high pre-orders. If you spend a lot of energy on getting people to pre-order the book, you may not have enough first-week sales to give you the momentum you need to get the bestseller banner in your category on Amazon. There���s no advantage to you as a self-published, print-on-demand author to get those early orders. 

You can read more about the steps to follow to work toward bestseller status on Amazon here.��

Setting up your self-published or hybrid book for pre-order offers value in building credibility and momentum; however, your emphasis should be on the first-week sales in order to achieve bestseller status on Amazon and further improve sales.

The post What You Need to Know About Pre-Orders (For Hybrid or Self-Published Print-On-Demand Books) appeared first on Weaving Influence.