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Welcome to Season 6 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 today’s episode, Becky is joined by Dawn Mann Sanders—author, Bible teacher, and associate minister—to discuss the power of relationships on the author journey. Dawn shares the unexpected turns in her publishing and audiobook experience, how strategic and authentic connections helped her launch her book, and what she’s learned along the way about marketing, podcasting, and trusting the process. If you’re navigating your own book launch, this conversation will leave you inspired to take action and build community around your message.
Key Points From This Episode:
[01:33] Dawn shares about herself, her work in the world, and her book, When Your World Ends: God’s Creative Process for Rebuilding a Life.
[02:33] Dawn reveals that her audiobook is coming in September, one year after the launch of When Your World Ends.
[03:32] What surprised Dawn about the journey of being a first-time author? She talks about her experience.
[04:48] Dawn explains what went better than she expected while marketing her book.
[05:54] She also shares some of the challenges she faced while marketing her book.
[07:12] For authors who may be considering narrating their own audiobook, Dawn reveals what the experience was like for her.
[09:53] Dawn shares how she has continued to engage her audience after launching her book.
[10:34] Dawn talks about what inspired her to start her own podcast.
[11:57] Discover Dawn’s favorite part of the author journey so far.
[12:58] Dawn provides advice for other first-time authors.
[15:13] (AD) Schedule a call with Becky Robinson to discover how Weaving Influence’s custom strategies can support your book launch.
[16:06] Dawn outlines some of her best tips for relationship building.
[18:40] Dawn wraps up by sharing an inspiring story about the power of strategic connections.
Action Step:
- Build relationships in two ways: Form connections with anyone you can, but also choose to strategically invest in the relationships you’re building, not for what you can get out of those people, but for what you can give to others as a result. It’s important to seek relationships that fuel your author journey.
Resources:
- Get a copy of Dawn’s book, When Your World Ends, and stay tuned for the audiobook launching on September 16.
- Explore Dawn’s website and take her quiz, “What’s Your Start-Over Style?”
- Follow Dawn on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Threads.
Key Quotes:
I had to make some new connections in order to navigate the path that I felt led to follow. —Dawn Mann Sanders
I got this idea to build relationships, which has really been instrumental in helping me secure interviews and contacts at media outlets. —Dawn Mann Sanders
There is a comfort level that I have developed, having been on other people’s podcasts, that allows me to have a little more comfort doing my own. —Dawn Mann Sanders
My audience came through my relationships. —Dawn Mann Sanders
No matter when you get your audience, they’re not going to stay with you if you don’t have good stuff to give. —Dawn Mann Sanders
I make a point whenever I can to meet people, because you just never know when you’re going to make a connection. —Dawn Mann Sanders
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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.