The Writer’s Weekly Wrap-Up (Issue #17)

This post is part of a weekly series on YWP, aptly titled “The Writer’s Weekly Wrap-Up”.

Each Sunday, I will endeavour to provide you with a curated list of the best articles I have seen throughout the week that relate to building your platform.

The featured articles cover topics on book marketing and promotion, blogging, social media and self-publishing. (I may even throw in a few inspirational and fun posts, just so that it’s not all work and no play!)

“I’m Marketing Like Crazy, But Is It Really Working?”

There’s a saying that “50% of marketing works; we just don’t know which 50%.”

So don’t think you’re alone when you find it difficult to determine what marketing tactics are actually moving you forward. It’s a cumulative effect, and only over time will you see the results and impact of your actions.

The tricky part is identifying and intensifying the things that are increasing your momentum, and discarding those that have no effect. In many cases, it’s trial and error since it can be difficult to tease out what produces results and what is just wasted effort.

That said, having a marketing plan in place where you have outlined your goals and the strategies you’ll use to reach them, is important.

And, as horrifying as it is to some authors, you’re actually working on your ‘start-up’ or small business. A fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants approach is not going to bring you the results you want.

So, instead of trying to implement every marketing strategy and tactic, prioritize and get laser-focused. Who are you trying to reach, exactly? Can you describe your ideal reader–age, interests, values, what social media platforms they use, what blogs they read and so on?

Once you know who you need to reach, it will be much easier to make a plan that doesn’t waste time on irrelevant tactics.

Hopefully this week’s list of featured articles will give you some ideas and inspiration to help you fine tune you’re book marketing strategy and zero in what works.

Featured Articles

Pricing for Launch: Book 1 in a New Series, Go High or Low? from Lindsay Buroker at LindsayBuroker.com

Lindsay outlines her pricing strategy for her new book as well as links to two interviews she did with authors who were successful with alternate pricing campaigns.

How to Create a Custom Facebook Cover Image That Gets Noticed (Without Spending a Dime) from Kimberley Grabas at Your Writer Platform

Can’t afford a designer, but have Facebook cover image envy? Get some tips to make your Facebook cover image stand out from the crowd (video and examples, too!)

Hugh Howey’s ‘DUST’: The Cleverest Book Promotion I’ve Seen In Years from Jonathan Gunson at Bestseller Labs

Jonathan uses a recent promotion by Hugh Howey to show the benefit and effectiveness of reinforcing the uniqueness of your brand with your audience.

Top 5 Panel-Van-Creepy Social Media Tactics from Kristen Lamb at Kristen Lamb’s Blog

Are you a creep on social media? Check out Kristen’s post to see if you’ve used–or are using–these creepy tactics to feign authenticity instead of just being real.

How Searchable are Your Book’s Title and Subtitle? from K.M. Weiland at The Book Designer

Learn what it takes to craft a keyword-rich nonfiction title that grabs your reader’s attention–and helps your book become a nonfiction bestseller on Amazon.

More Thoughts on Being a Hybrid Writer and My Self-Publishing Discoveries from Elizabeth S. Craig at Mystery Writing is Murder

Elizabeth shares her insights on how to manage being a hybrid writer, what she’s discovered, and the importance of branching out.

12 Ways to Build an Active Community by Answering Comments Like a Pro from Gary Korisko at Famous Bloggers

Want to learn how to turn your blog audience into a community? Your comment section into a conversation section? Have a read through Gary’s post and start implementing his tips for “turning your comments into something meaningful and useful for your readers.”

The Author Glaze Factor from Judith Briles at Author U

“Social media is the town hall of book marketing.” Time to remove your frozen self from the glare of the headlights, and get started!

10 Counterintuitive Tips for Self-Publishers from Porter Anderson at Publishing Perspectives

Porter shares a list of insights by bestselling author, Hugh Howey, on what new writers might not expect when considering self-publishing.

Why Your Author Website Should Include a Media Kit from Susan Gilbert at SusanGilbert.com

Not just the why, but also the ‘what’ (9 key elements) to include in your media kit set up.

The Dos and Don’ts of Pitching Journalists on Social Media from Zoe Fox at Mashable

A practical list to keep you from being ‘uncool’ when reaching out via social media.

Now This is How to Launch a Book from Stephanie Chandler at Nonfiction Authors Association

Stephanie shares a fresh example of an exciting and collaborative book launch strategy that builds exposure and email lists at the same time.

Radio Interview Pointers from Carol Wyer at Indies Unlimited

A humorous look at what to do–and what NOT to do–when preparing and giving radio interviews.

Two More Ways for Writers to Milk the Cash Cow from James Scott Bell at Kill Zone

Looking for ways to earn more as a writer? Diversification is the ticket, and as James puts it “…digital and print are not the only games in town.” Find out what else you can do to earn a buck from your work.

How Not to Be a Writer: 15 Signs You’re Doing It Wrong from K.M. Weiland at Helping Writers Become Authors

Great tips on what NOT to do if you’ve chosen the career path of a modern writer, plus the steps to take instead.

Just For Fun

In this amazing TEDTalk video, novelist Chimamanda Adichie tells the story of how she found her authentic cultural voice. She encourages us to look further than just the ‘single story’ of another person to avoid emphasizing differences instead of similarities, and robbing them of their dignity. Click here to watch.

Hope you enjoyed the wrap-up this week! If you have any questions or comments, please add them below!

[ois skin=”YWP Bottom of Post”]

Original top photo by erdenebayar