A successful writer builds her marketing and promotion platform long before a single word is written. When a story idea settles into the writer’s heart and mind, she considers how the story content can draw in readers. This doesn’t mean the writer looks to the latest trends to mine book topics, but it does mean she actively seeks opportunities to share her story in ways that provide inspiration and encouragement for her readers.
The focus on marketing and promotion doesn’t divert from creating a quality project. It adds value with fresh writing and enhances the ability to propel the project into the reader’s hands.
When developing a marketing and promotion program, consider all that drives a book to the retailer’s shelf: readers’ specific needs, dreams, strengths, challenges, and desires.
How can story content meet those criteria? Develop blog themes, contests, memes, book signings, speaking events, hashtags, giveaways, podcasts, Pinterest board(s), posting tips, videos, speaking topics, and whatever other social media platforms that will fit into the writer’s brand.
Agents and editors are attracted to writers who embrace a can-do attitude to marketing and promotion. The following are a few items to consider in proactive marketing and promotion.
• When a writer has a grasp on how to approach readers with a targeted topic or genre, every thought has value.
• Each scene or section of a book has potential. Look to the subject matter for distinct possibilities to draw attention to the writing project.
• At the completion of the book, the writer is able to compose and calendar blogs, contests, memes, hashtags, tweetables, giveaways, and events.
• The writer can request guest blogs months in advance, ensuring the exact date of the book release corresponds with the blog post.
• Promotion events can be scheduled, planned, and perfected months ahead of the designated time.
• A successful writer who has mastered marketing and promotion is eager to begin the next project.
For example: Bonnie Bestseller is writing a novel about a heroine who works as a coffee barista in Telluride, Colorado. The story takes place in January when the town is filled with skiing enthusiasts. Business is booming, and the coffee shop centers as a conversation spot. Bonnie has sworn off dating and refuses any of the male flirting tactics.
In the midst of keeping customers happy, the coffee shop is sold to a single man who knows nothing about roasting coffee beans, making delicious drinks, or keeping patrons happy. He’s shy, extremely good looking, knows nothing about snow or skiing, doesn’t drink coffee, and requires the heroine’s help to make the coffee shop a continued success. The thought of working for her boss is detestable, but she has no choice.
The writer creates a spreadsheet titled: Marketing and Promotion. She lists the ideas that pop into her head with the understanding some will be tossed and others will be valuable. For example:
Blog:
Skiing Tips the First Day on the Slopes
Coffee Addicts are Fun
Memes or Instagram:
A photo of someone reading your book and drinking coffee - “Common Grounds is the best romance ever!”
Facebook:
In my new novel Common Grounds, my heroine is a barista who works for a man who hates coffee or tea. What is your favorite go-to beverage when it’s cold outside?
Tweet:
Love #coffee and #romance? Common Grounds @BonnieBestseller will thrill you. (click to tweet)
Videos:
A humorous video on grinding coffee.
Contest Giveaways:
Coffee
Gift card to Starbucks
Speaking Topics:
Coffee Research
Pinterest:
Board about coffee roasting, brewing, etc.
Board about skiing tips
Board about what to see and do in Telluride
Where I find story ideas.
Re-visit and complete this process when the story is in the galley stage while the contents are fresh on your mind. The technique saves time and is filled with numerous ways to promote your next book.
Click on this link where you’ll find a spreadsheet titled Proactive Marketing and Promotion to assist in the process of marketing and promotion during the writing phase.
With a little forethought, traditional and Independent publishing efforts become enjoyable and simplified.
Are you ready to accept the challenge?
 |
| https://diannmills.com/books/high-treason/ |
High Treason
When someone attempts to assassinate a Saudi Prince on U.S. soil, FBI Agent Kord Davidson and CIA Operative Monica Alden head up a task force to keep the Prince safe and find those responsible to avoid an international incident that could have devastating consequences.
When someone attempts to assassinate a Saudi Prince on U.S. soil, FBI Agent Kord Davidson and CIA Operative Monica Alden head up a task force to keep the Prince safe and find those responsible to avoid an international incident that could have devastating consequences.
DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels.
Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. Firewall, the first book in her Houston: FBI series, was listed by Library Journal as one of the best Christian Fiction books of 2014.
DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. She is co-director of The Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference and The Mountainside Marketing Conference with social media specialist Edie Melson where she continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.
DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.
DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on Facebook: www.facebook.com/diannmills, Twitter: https://twitter.com/diannmills or any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.
73 Comments on Seekerville: The Journey Continues: Proactive Marketing and Promotion
on February 21,
2018 | 07:16 DiAnn Millssaid :
"Thank you! Congrats on your December release! Yes, i'll be at ACFW in September. See you there." Comment #1 
on February 21,
2018 | 07:15 DiAnn Millssaid :
"Thanks, Trixi, you're right! The thrill is always there." Comment #2 
on February 21,
2018 | 07:14 DiAnn Millssaid :
"Thanks, Kelly, we writers need easy!" Comment #3 
on February 21,
2018 | 07:13 DiAnn Millssaid :
"Thanks, Nicki, You are so welcome!" Comment #4 
on February 21,
2018 | 07:11 DiAnn Millssaid :
"Hi Amy, congrats on your November release. Pinterest is a fun way to promote your book to a different audience. Here is mine for High Treason - https://www.pinterest.com/diannmills/high-treason-novel/" Comment #5 
on February 21,
2018 | 06:39 DiAnn Millssaid :
"Hi Connie, So glad you found the information helpful! I'm not a marketing wizard - I was just desperate. :)" Comment #6 
on February 20,
2018 | 22:55 CatMomsaid :
"Hi DiAnn! Sorry I'm so late stopping in but wanted to thank you for sharing this post today. Since my first book just released in December, I'm eager to learn (and apply!) all the marketing strategies I can. :) Comment #7 
on February 20,
2018 | 22:32 Trixi said :
"Hi DiAnn,welcome! Since I'm a reader, I don't need marketing tips, but these are terrific for our writers here :-) You've broken things down to a level anyone can understand!
Comment #8 
on February 20,
2018 | 22:13 Kelly Blackwellsaid :
"What sensational tips. I love how you broke this down. Creativity definitely doesn't stop at the book. Thanks!" Comment #9 
on February 20,
2018 | 21:31 Nicki Chapelwaysaid :
"This is an excellent post, DiAnn! Thanks so much for all this information!" Comment #10 
on February 20,
2018 | 21:10 Amy Anguishsaid :
"Great example. My book that came out in November had my couple meeting at a smoothie shop so I did a lot of smoothie related things when it first came out. I really need to figure out how to use pinterest more in marketing. And definitely need to start earlier for my next book. Thanks for the tips. " Comment #11 
on February 20,
2018 | 20:43 Connie Porter Saunderssaid :
"Wow! You are not only a fabulous author, you are also a marketing wizard. I loved your ideas! Thanks for sharing. Comment #12 
on February 20,
2018 | 20:13 DiAnn Millssaid :
"I'll see if that works." Comment #13 
on February 20,
2018 | 20:11 Missy Tippenssaid :
"And, actually, it doesn't do that to me anymore. I'm not sure why you're getting the captcha thing unless Blogger is acting up. We have our settings set to allow anyone to comment, even allowing anonymous commenting." Comment #14 
on February 20,
2018 | 20:10 Missy Tippenssaid :
"DiAnn, I usually just skip that and it works anyway. See if that works for you." Comment #15 
on February 20,
2018 | 20:10 Missy Tippenssaid :
"Thanks, DiAnn! Mary, I wish you could come visit my dentist! :)" Comment #16 
on February 20,
2018 | 18:56 DiAnn Millssaid :
"Kathryn, sounds like a plan! Glad I was able to help." Comment #17 
on February 20,
2018 | 18:55 DiAnn Millssaid :
"Missy - hope you are feeling better. I love my dentist but I hate going." Comment #18 
on February 20,
2018 | 18:54 DiAnn Millssaid :
"Sherida, Really glad to give all of you new ideas to market and promote - and yes, I'm a coffee snob." Comment #19 
on February 20,
2018 | 18:53 DiAnn Millssaid :
"Jeanne and Missy, Really glad I've been able to help." Comment #20 
on February 20,
2018 | 18:51 DiAnn Millssaid :
"It is easy!" Comment #21 
on February 20,
2018 | 18:51 DiAnn Millssaid :
"Jan, it is fun! Once you dive into it, you'll think about all you've missed in the past." Comment #22 
on February 20,
2018 | 18:44 DiAnn Millssaid :
"Hi Jackie! Love Common Grounds! When my son attended Baylor, that was a fav spot for us." Comment #23 
on February 20,
2018 | 18:42 DiAnn Millssaid :
"Hi Debby, thank you so much! Glad to help!" Comment #24 
on February 20,
2018 | 18:41 DiAnn Millssaid :
"Pam, I have a blog post regarding using Goodreads - and I teach a class on it. Sigh. Wish we could do Seekerville Live. Email me for the blog post! diann@diannmills.com" Comment #25 
on February 20,
2018 | 18:35 DiAnn Millssaid :
"Pam and Jan, you are doing it girl!" Comment #26 
on February 20,
2018 | 18:33 DiAnn Millssaid :
"Hi Mindy, Waving back! Need help creating a meme? I suggest www.thewriteconversation.com or wwwblueridgeconference.com and type in "Meme" Too bad this format doesn't allow a love session, or we'd do it all together!" Comment #27 
on February 20,
2018 | 18:22 DiAnn Millssaid :
"Karen and Jan, I've been there, and it's overwhelming!" Comment #28 
on February 20,
2018 | 18:17 DiAnn Millssaid :
"Thanks Kathy and Ruth, it took a little time to set up, but now it's a gem whenever a new book is ready to promote." Comment #29 
on February 20,
2018 | 18:15 DiAnn Millssaid :
"Hey sweet friends, every time I comment, I'm asked to go through a lengthy process to verify I'm not a robot. Is there a way to simplify the steps? Thanks!" Comment #30 
on February 20,
2018 | 18:13 DiAnn Millssaid :
"Hi Glynis, You are so welcome. And it is fun." Comment #31 
on February 20,
2018 | 18:12 DiAnn Millssaid :
"Hi Glynna, thank you so much! Glad these are of help to you." Comment #32 
on February 20,
2018 | 18:10 DiAnn Millssaid :
"Ruth, the process completed in the editing stage makes it all easier when the time comes to Marketing and promote." Comment #33 
on February 20,
2018 | 18:04 DiAnn Millssaid :
"Hi Erica, we have to work smart, which doesn't always equate to how many dollars we spend." Comment #34 
on February 20,
2018 | 18:00 DiAnn Millssaid :
"Missy! I love the creative aspect of marketing and promotion. I hope your readers take a look at my spreadsheet." Comment #35 
on February 20,
2018 | 17:37 Mindy Obenhaussaid :
"Actually, we aren't that far from each other, Ruthy. Maybe an hour, which considering the nearest Target is 45 minutes away from where I am, that's close. And so what if the road is Interstate 10, it's all flat so she'll still be able to see me. :P" Comment #36 
on February 20,
2018 | 17:29 Mary Connealysaid :
"I usually end up with a new dentist every few years because I end up HATING my dentist...through absolutely no fault of their own." Comment #37 
on February 20,
2018 | 17:11 Kathryn Barkersaid :
"Wow...I'm crazy about your approach to marketing, DiAnn! Thanks so much for information! The examples are especially helpful! I like the unified approach. I don't have a book to promote, but I'm going to try this strategy with my antique mall! " Comment #38 
on February 20,
2018 | 16:44 Missy Tippenssaid :
"Isn't that interesting, Sherida! Is aw that in her bio. DiAnn, I would love to learn how you do that!" Comment #39 
on February 20,
2018 | 16:38 Missy Tippenssaid :
"I've been absent most of the day. I had oral surgery. Ugh. But it went well. I love my dentist. He's an old friend from our previous church.
Comment #40 
on February 20,
2018 | 16:37 Missy Tippenssaid :
"Jackie, that coffee sounds so good!" Comment #41 
on February 20,
2018 | 16:37 Missy Tippenssaid :
"Jeanne, I was really glad to get the spreadsheet!" Comment #42 
on February 20,
2018 | 16:36 Missy Tippenssaid :
"Jan, you're right. It's something we should plan way ahead. I often don't think of it until right before a book releases." Comment #43 
on February 20,
2018 | 16:35 Missy Tippenssaid :
"I removed a duplicate from Jill. It is one that I released from the spam box! :)" Comment #44 
on February 20,
2018 | 15:34 Jan Drexlersaid :
"She actually makes it sound do-able, doesn't she? " Comment #45 
on February 20,
2018 | 14:27 Sherida Stewartsaid :
"DiAnn, your approach to pre-marketing thinking is invaluable! I’ve considered some of these ideas, but you provide many more, along with a fantastic spreadsheet. Thank you! And you roast your own coffee?!?! How fun!" Comment #46 
on February 20,
2018 | 14:15 Anonymoussaid :
"Wow, DiAnn, what a great practical post! I'm not marketing any books yet, but these suggestions make so much sense. Thank you, DiAnn, for sharing great ideas and fun examples of how we can prepare ahead of time for marketing books.
Comment #47 
on February 20,
2018 | 13:53 Jill Weatherholtsaid :
"This comment has been removed by a blog administrator." Comment #48 
on February 20,
2018 | 13:52 Jill Weatherholtsaid :
"Welcome to Seekerville, DiAnn. I've followed you for years and you've always provided helpful information to pre-published and published writers. Thank you for all that you do." Comment #49 
on February 20,
2018 | 13:03 Jan Drexlersaid :
"That's what we thought when we lived in Texas. The cub scout leaders thought nothing of taking a passel of 1st grade boys on a 3 hour trip for a 45 minute activity...and then drive 3 hours back.
Comment #50 
on February 20,
2018 | 12:09 Connie Queensaid :
"DiAnn, I love common sense posts and this is it!
Comment #51 
on February 20,
2018 | 11:29 Pam Hillmansaid :
"Egg-xactly, to quote Audra from last week! :)" Comment #52 
on February 20,
2018 | 11:24 Ruth Logan Hernesaid :
"I think everyone in Texas thinks they're down the road, LOL! But I agree, Mindy!!! Comment #53 
on February 20,
2018 | 11:22 Ruth Logan Hernesaid :
"Kaybee, I agree... it's a packaged deal of marketing and promo. " Comment #54 
on February 20,
2018 | 11:21 Ruth Logan Hernesaid :
"Isn't this a fun examination of a marketing strategy, Glynis???" Comment #55 
on February 20,
2018 | 11:21 Jan Drexlersaid :
"Exhausting. Yes, Karen, you said it perfectly!" Comment #56 
on February 20,
2018 | 11:20 Jan Drexlersaid :
"That's a great idea, Pam! So much better than trying to pull quotes and ideas out after the book is finished!" Comment #57 
on February 20,
2018 | 11:19 Jan Drexlersaid :
"Hi DiAnn!
Comment #58 
on February 20,
2018 | 10:54 Jackie Laytonsaid :
"Hi DiAnn, have you visited Common Grounds in Waco? I've been a few times while visiting my son and daughter-in-law. They have a cowboy flavor coffee (not sure the real name) and it's my all-time favorite. I've tried it hot and cold and like it both ways.
Comment #59 
on February 20,
2018 | 10:46 Debby Giustisaid :
"DiAnn, you've provided an exciting method to reach readers! I'm enthused about marketing my current WIP and will be looking at the story anew...for opportunities to bridge the gap between author and reader. Thanks for providing such great guidelines for marketing and promotion!
Comment #60 
on February 20,
2018 | 10:45 Pam Hillmansaid :
"I would love to figure out how to use Goodreads more effectively, though. That's the shiny new frontier for me. :)" Comment #61 
on February 20,
2018 | 10:44 Pam Hillmansaid :
"Welcome to Seekerville, DiAnn! I have to say that I WANT to be Proactive, but more often than not, I'm Reactive!
Comment #62 
on February 20,
2018 | 10:27 Mindy Obenhaussaid :
"Good morning, DiAnn. (Waving to you from down the road.)
Comment #63 
on February 20,
2018 | 10:25 Karen Sargentsaid :
"Thanks, DiAnn! My first book marketing attempt was willy-nilly, overwhelming, and exhausting. I felt like I had to try every marketing strategy out there...and there are A LOT of marketing strategies! I didn't have the experience to discern which ones had the potential to be most effective. Thank you for sharing your process and your spreadsheet." Comment #64 
on February 20,
2018 | 10:04 kaybeesaid :
"DiAnn, this is a keeper. What a boatload of good ideas. I'm going to start thinking proactively NOW instead of WHEN. Comment #65 
on February 20,
2018 | 09:51 Glynissaid :
"Fantastic tips, DiAnn. Thanks for stopping by Seekerville and sharing this great information!" Comment #66 
on February 20,
2018 | 07:19 Glynna Kayesaid :
"Good morning, DiAnn! Thank you for such creative ideas that tie everything together for a promotion package!!!" Comment #67 
on February 20,
2018 | 06:50 Missy Tippenssaid :
"Yeah, Ruthy, I agree. I love her example. So helpful!" Comment #68 
on February 20,
2018 | 06:49 Missy Tippenssaid :
"Erica, you're right about how important ROI is. Now if I can just figure out how to track it all!" Comment #69 
on February 20,
2018 | 06:47 Missy Tippenssaid :
"TYPO! I meant to say I've never thought about being that creative." Comment #70
Load more comments (71 - 73)Hope to see you at ACFW in September!
Hugs from Georgia, Patti Jo"
By the way, CONGRATS on the new book, High Treason!! I bet it's always fun to see a new one out in the world :-) "
Blessings!
Connie
"
I had a broken tooth pulled and then had an implant put in. I'm home and resting. Now I can finally catch up! :)"
And thanks for the spreadsheet. I think this is something I'm going to keep open on my laptop when I'm writing. :) "
That's when we realized just how big Texas is, and how Texans see their world!"
Thinking of your story from the business side is smart and you don't make it seem scary at all."
"
This post produced a "duh!" moment for me. PROactive in marketing???
See what I mean? I've tended to look at marketing as that chore to do while I'm busy trying to write the next book!
And it isn't that I haven't done any marketing - - but I haven't had a plan. A focus.
Thanks so much for showing me that I need to open this door, and your spreadsheet looks like the perfect place to start."
I'm always impressed with what great marketing ideas you come up with. Thanks for sharing!"
You always provide excellent material in your posts...and your books are must-reads! Thanks for being with us today!"
But, let's see... I do try...
I write in Scrivener, and also have my Marketing & PR file in Scrivener. As I'm writing, I will occasionally add quotes from my wip that would make great memes. At the end of writing, I look over all my research files and add those to the PR file for possible blogging topics. I also add to my "evergreen" tweets file.
For my westerns, I did a lot of cowboy quotes. Then when I started my 1790s series with an Irish hero, I added Ben Franklin quotes, Irish proverbs and quotes, etc.
I'm adding new tweets to my list daily. Quinn (book #2) is a blacksmith. Things like, "A blacksmith has no need of an axe." ~ African Proverb.
Logging, the Mississippi river, river pirates play a big role in Book #3, so I'll add even more quotes and proverbs to my list, so that gives me a lot of fresh content to recycle on twitter as well as new, organic tweets from reviewers, etc."
I am printing this out right now, because I am clueless when it comes to marketing. One of my goals for 2018 is to learn to make a meme. Yeah, it's that bad. But at least you've got me to thinking.
Always good to "see" you, my friend. "
BTW, I used to read your column in Christian Fiction Online.
Kathy Bailey"