Don't Give Up! Proven Strategies to Stand Out and Sell More From a Best-selling Author

Essential Tools and Tactics to Build Your Brand and Boost Book Sales

After the doom and gloom of my previous article, I hope you don’t feel like giving up!

Yes, being an author, regardless of whether you’re self-published or traditionally published, is tough. Let’s not kid ourselves here. However, with the right tools and strategies, authors can overcome the hurdles and carve out a path to success. I mean, it’s possible - because there are successful authors out there. Right?

From building an email list to optimising visibility on Amazon, these actionable solutions, that I use myself, can help you connect with readers, boost sales, and grow their audience.

But, keep in mind, publishing is a marathon, not a sprint!

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1. Gain Reviews

As we discussed in the first article, reviews establish trust and increase your book’s credibility. For self-published authors, gaining those first reviews can be challenging. By the way, I’m going to assume that all the basics are in place. That’s a quality plot, a professionally edited manuscript and a genre-specific cover (because people do judge a book by the cover).

Here’s how to start:

• ARC Distribution: Send Advance Reader Copies (ARCs) to a curated list of readers who enjoy your genre. More on this below…

• Engage Book Bloggers / Influencers: Research and reach out to bloggers specialising in your genre to help spread the word. These days, key influencers on social media, like TikTok, are probably better to track down (depending upon your genre)

• Book Tours: Engage a pro to run a book tour for you. For example, I’ve worked with Zoe at Zooloo’s Book Tours previously

Personal Tip: You could consider putting a universal link (such as GeniusLink) at the end of your book, directing readers to leave you a review

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2. Build an Email List Using Reader Magnets

Email marketing remains one of the most effective ways to connect with readers. I have a reasonable email list (nearly 2,500) I message only when a new book is on pre-order or been published. A compelling reader magnet can help grow your list while building trust with your audience.

To be honest, I’d forgotten this tip - I’ve only recently written a new reader magnet, that’s something not published elsewhere, like a novella. Since offering the magnet my email subscribers have started growing again. Remember, these are people that want information and news from you. They’re engaged and (usually) active readers who may become fans.

Photo by Jessica Pamp on Unsplash

• So, what Are Reader Magnets?