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Welcome to Season 3 of The Book Marketing Action Podcast with Becky Robinson, where we give you information that you can immediately implement to increase your influence and market your books more successfully.
This episode is about the creative ways fiction authors are marketing their books and how nonfiction authors can utilize the same strategies. Becky is joined by Christina Kann—Co-Owner and Communications Director for Wildling Press—who discusses her work in the world, the mission of Wildling Press, the best marketing approaches that fiction authors are using, the challenges most authors face when it comes to marketing their books, and the importance of having an authentic social media presence.
Key Points From This Episode
[02:20] Christina shares about herself and the work of Wildling Press.
[03:36] Learn about the types of books that are acquired and published at Wildling Press.
[04:55] Christina elaborates on the convergence between people with marginalized voices and the types of stories they can tell through Science Fiction and Fantasy novels.
[05:50] What are some of the best book marketing approaches that authors of Science Fiction and Fantasy are using? Christina shares.
[08:22] Christina explains what authors can do to get more creative with video, even if they don’t like being on camera.
[10:19] Learn more about the challenges that fiction—and nonfiction—authors are facing as they think about marketing.
[11:34] Christina shares her message for authors who refuse to market their work.
[12:49] Christina talks about other best practices that authors can try out on social media.
[15:00] Curious about which authors do a good job of showing up authentically on social media? Christina gives an example.
[17:30] Let’s talk about Taylor Swift. How can an author who isn’t as famous still engage their followers in anticipation of their next novel?
[19:19] Authenticity is one of Christina’s passions, and she reveals how it has played a role in her own journey.
[22:11] Christina explains how her posts “stay real.”
Action Steps:
- Make a genuine ask of your communities. Think about what you need in terms of getting your book to a broader audience and then go to your network with a genuine ask.
- If you’re having a hard time engaging authentically on social media, go to Instagram or Twitter and look up the hashtag of the last book you read. Hop into those conversations that people are already having in the social media book community.
Resources:
- Listen to Becky’s appearance on the How Do I Book? podcast from Wildling Press.
- Learn more about Wildling Press.
- Follow Wildling Press on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
- Follow Christina on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Tweetables and quotes:
If you choose to share on Twitter, don’t forget to tag @beckyrbnsn and @christinakann_ so they know you enjoyed this episode!
I think that people who are trying to explore really heavy themes can find a home doing that in Science Fiction and Fantasy. —Christina Kann
It’s important to remember that your videos don’t have to be of you talking. —Christina Kann
Authors just absolutely have to self-market these days. —Christina Kann
People value transparency so much on social media right now. —Christina Kann
As you’re working on your book, you’ll always have something new to say. —Christina Kann
People who use social media respect transparency and authenticity—they respect your hustle. —Christina Kann
If you found value in today’s episode, we hope you’ll take a moment to share it with someone else who might benefit from it. If you have any questions or topics you’d like us to cover, please email Becky Robinson here.
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I am the founder/CEO of the Weaving Influence team, the author of Reach: Creating the Biggest Possible Audience for Your Message, Book, or Cause, and the host of the Book Marketing Action Podcast. I’m a wife and mom of three kids, and I enjoy running, reading, writing, coffee, and dark chocolate.