For many indie authors, hitting ‘publish’ is where the story ends, and it shouldn’t.
Why? Because you’re doing a disservice not only to yourself but, more importantly, to your potential readers.
Welcome to the indispensable concept of the Marketing Mindset for Authors—an approach that champions marketing not as a necessary evil but as an essential partner to your creative process.
The Myth of Marketing as a ‘Dirty Word’
Let’s debunk a myth: Marketing is not a betrayal of your art.
It’s not a distraction from your ‘true calling.’
You’re not selling out; you’re reaching out.
Think of it this way—your book might be the missing puzzle piece in someone’s life, the story they didn’t know they needed. How will they ever discover your masterpiece if you’re shy about sharing it with the world?
Be a Guiding Light for Potential Readers
Imagine your book as a lighthouse, its narrative a guiding light.
Now think of your potential readers as ships navigating through a dense fog of options.
If you don’t turn on the lighthouse, how can you guide them safely to shore?
By not focusing on marketing, you’re essentially switching off that light, and your book—no matter how brilliant—fades into the mist of obscurity.
It’s not just your loss; it’s a lost opportunity for someone who might have found solace, entertainment, or enlightenment in your words.
The Symbiosis of Creativity and Marketing
Don’t regard marketing as a chore; treat it as another outlet for your creativity.
Just as you chose the perfect words for your novel, choose compelling language for your book’s description.
Apply your storytelling skills to engage with readers through newsletters, social media posts, or even video content.
Let the Marketing Mindset extend your creative frontier, transforming your readers from mere audience members into the characters of a larger community narrative that you’re building around your work.
Plough the Same Creative Energy into Marketing
Here’s some actionable advice on how to inject creative energy into your marketing strategies:
- Understand Your Audience: Just as you understand your characters’ motivations, get to know your readers. What are they looking for in a book? What platforms do they frequent?
- Craft a Narrative: Your marketing campaign should tell a story. What journey will the reader embark upon by choosing your book? Create content that teases this narrative.
- Use Visuals: Leverage cover art, custom illustrations, or stylised quotes from your book to create shareable social media content.
- Interact: Respond to comments, messages, and reviews. Make your readers feel seen and valued, and they’ll become ambassadors for your brand.
- Be Consistent: Your marketing should reflect the tone and style of your writing. Maintain this consistency across all platforms to establish a cohesive brand.
Marketing doesn’t mark the end of your creative journey—it’s a vital part of it.
By embracing the Marketing Mindset, you’re not just selling a product; you’re sharing an experience, guiding readers to the stories that could profoundly impact their lives.
Marketing and creativity can go hand in hand, each enhancing the other in ways that make your book not just a product, but a beacon for those searching for something special.
What’s one marketing strategy that has helped you connect with readers? Let’s discuss how we can all shine a brighter light on our work.
CherryEdits 