Penny C. Sansevieri's Blog

Reading Time: 3 minuteshttps://www.buzzsprout.com/664939/episodes/17504313-your-book-isn-t-enough-how-to-develop-a-platform-media-responds-to.mp3

Publishing a book is a tremendous accomplishment, but in today’s competitive market, it’s no longer enough to automatically position you as an expert. Media outlets and readers alike expect more. If your goal is to secure interviews, features, and speaking opportunities, you need to demonstrate real-world expertise, professional credibility, and a strong author platform.

Why Media Outlets Are Selective

Modern media gatekeepers have become increasingly careful about who they feature. Whether it’s a local paper, podcast, or national TV program, producers want guests who can bring unique insight and proven authority to their audience.

Your book can serve as supporting evidence of your expertise, but it cannot be your only credential. To understand how to get more media coverage, you must first establish yourself as a trusted voice in your field.

Building the Foundation of Your Author Platform

Start by cataloging your professional experience, education, and relevant training. Go deeper than the obvious:

Leadership roles

Public speaking engagements

Awards or honors

Professional memberships or associations

Even credentials that feel tangential can help reinforce your authority and demonstrate your long-term commitment to your subject.

Start Local to Grow National

One of the most effective ways to get more media coverage is to begin with local outlets. Local radio, newspapers, and community TV provide valuable opportunities to practice interviews, refine your messaging, and build your press portfolio.

Success here can snowball into bigger opportunities—media coverage often leads to more media coverage. By the time you pitch national outlets, you’ll already have polished clips to prove your credibility and capability.

Crafting Relevant and Timely Hooks

When pitching media, don’t just focus on your book itself. Instead, ask: How does my expertise connect to what audiences are talking about right now?

Tie your message to:

Seasonal topics (back-to-school, summer travel, holiday stress)

Current events in your field

Broader cultural conversations

Creating these “hooks” ensures journalists see you as a resource for timely stories, not just someone promoting a book.

Timing Is Everything

Media outlets plan weeks or even months ahead. By the time a holiday or seasonal event arrives, it’s too late to pitch. Pay attention to retail and cultural cues—for example, when stores roll out holiday decorations in September, that’s your sign to pitch related content for late fall coverage.

Planning ahead ensures your pitch arrives at the perfect moment for editors and producers.

Prepare Like a Pro

When opportunities come, preparation sets you apart. Practice delivering concise, engaging soundbites that make you memorable. Record yourself answering likely interview questions and evaluate your clarity, energy, and authority.

Avoid rambling or filler words, and focus on short, impactful statements that can stand alone as quotable lines.

Create a Media Kit That Works for You

A professional media kit shows journalists that you’re serious about being a reliable expert. At minimum, your kit should include:

A professional bio

High-resolution headshot

Book details

Defined areas of expertise

Links to past media appearances

By making it easy for the media to vet you, you increase your chances of being chosen over someone who makes the process harder.

Authority Is the Path to More Coverage

If you want to know how to get more media coverage, the answer is simple: build authority, demonstrate credibility, and present yourself professionally. Media opportunities go to those who are prepared, relevant, and trusted.

In the long run, it’s not about publishing as many books as possible—it’s about positioning yourself as the go-to expert in your field. When you invest in building your platform and authority, every media opportunity becomes easier to secure, and your influence grows far beyond the page.

Resources & Free Downloads

What is book bundling and how does it work?

How book marketing fundamentals drive sales.

Avoid these common book title mistakes.

Understand if Kindle Unlimited is right for your book.

How do Amazon ads work for books?

What’s the best pricing strategy to hit a bestseller list?

Check out all the episodes of our book promotion podcast anywhere you listen to podcasts!

Be sure to sign up for our newsletter on the right-hand side of our blog homepage. If you haven’t opened a recent one your registration may have lapsed.

Follow us on Instagram for book marketing tips and some much-needed levity

The post How to Get More Media Coverage: Why Real Authority Matters appeared first on Author Marketing Experts, Inc. .

Reading Time: 3 minuteshttps://www.buzzsprout.com/664939/episodes/17504317-stop-wasting-money-on-amazon-ads.mp3Why Genre Alignment Matters in Amazon Ads

As authors, we’re often so close to our books that we lose perspective on how they fit into the marketplace. This fundamental disconnect leads to one of the most expensive mistakes in book marketing: targeting the wrong readers with Amazon ads.

The problem is more common than you might think. We’ve observed countless authors investing significant time and money in Amazon ads only to be disappointed with the results. The issue isn’t necessarily poor ad copy or unattractive covers – though those matter too. The core problem is a genre mismatch that puts your book in front of readers who simply aren’t interested in what you’re offering.

The Bookstore Analogy

Think about a physical bookstore for a moment. If you found a tax preparation guide shelved in the health and fitness section, you’d be confused. Yet authors unknowingly do this all the time with their Amazon ads by targeting keywords or categories that don’t truly align with their book’s content or reader expectations.

When this happens, your ads may get impressions and even clicks, but those clicks won’t convert to sales because the readers aren’t finding what they expected.

The Algorithmic Consequences

The consequences go beyond wasted ad spend. Amazon’s algorithm is sophisticated and punishing. When your ads receive clicks but no purchases, Amazon interprets this as your book being irrelevant or low quality. This damages your relevancy score and visibility, making future marketing efforts more difficult and expensive.

This cycle illustrates why paying attention to Amazon ad changes for authors is essential. Every tweak to targeting, category selection, or keyword strategy directly influences how the algorithm views your book.

Genre Confusion Across Fiction and Nonfiction

Genre confusion manifests differently across fiction and non-fiction. In fiction, authors might classify a romantic suspense novel as a thriller, not recognizing that thriller readers expect significantly different levels of tension and suspense.

In non-fiction, a business book for seasoned entrepreneurs might be marketed to beginners, leading to disappointed readers who leave reviews saying “this wasn’t what I expected” – a major red flag that your marketing is misaligned.

Science fiction presents particular challenges with its multitude of sub-genres. Readers who enjoy space operas with alien civilizations may have little interest in near-future dystopian stories set on Earth. As one successful indie author wisely noted at a writers’ conference, you can’t “sell a cat to a dog person” – you need to identify and target the specific reader group for each book you write.

Research Is the First Step

The solution begins with research. Analyze the top 20 books in the category where you believe your book belongs. Does your cover match their style? Do the descriptions share similar tones and highlight comparable elements?

For non-fiction, consider the reader’s current situation and what they hope to gain from your book. A business guide for established companies needs different positioning than one for side-hustlers hoping to quit their day jobs.

Building Smarter Amazon Ad Campaigns

When building your Amazon ad campaigns, start small and focused. Rather than trying to be everything to everyone, identify your core reader group and target them specifically. Use long-tail keywords related to your specific niche rather than broad terms like “mystery” or “business book,” which are not only expensive but attract too broad an audience.

The more precisely you target your ideal readers, the less expensive your ads will be and the better your conversion rate. Keeping an eye on Amazon ad changes for authors will also help you stay ahead of shifts in best practices.

Regular Adjustments Are Essential

Remember that Amazon ads require regular attention and adjustment. What works today might not work six months from now as market conditions change. However, the investment is worthwhile because Amazon ads are one of the few marketing tools that work 24/7, continuously introducing new readers to your book even while you sleep or work on your next manuscript.

The 30-Minute Challenge for Authors

The most valuable step you can take today is to spend 30 minutes studying the bestsellers in your genre and comparing them honestly to your book. Are you really in the right place? If not, consider adjusting your marketing approach, book description, or even cover to better align with reader expectations.

When your Amazon ads target the right readers with the right message, they become one of the most powerful tools in your marketing arsenal rather than a frustrating money pit.

Resources & Free Downloads

What is book bundling and how does it work?

How book marketing fundamentals drive sales.

Avoid these common book title mistakes.

Understand if Kindle Unlimited is right for your book.

How do Amazon ads work for books?

What’s the best pricing strategy to hit a bestseller list?

Check out all the episodes of our book promotion podcast anywhere you listen to podcasts!

Be sure to sign up for our newsletter on the right-hand side of our blog homepage. If you haven’t opened a recent one your registration may have lapsed.

Follow us on Instagram for book marketing tips and some much-needed levity

The post Amazon Ads Gone Wrong: The Genre Mismatch Problem Costing Authors appeared first on Author Marketing Experts, Inc. .

Reading Time: 3 minutesWhy Influencer Relationships Matter

Crafting a book is hard. Promoting it? Even harder. In today’s crowded publishing landscape, book influencers—bloggers, reviewers, and social media creators—can amplify your visibility and help you reach new readers. But there’s a catch: many authors unintentionally damage these relationships before they even begin.

If you want to succeed at pitching book influencers, you need to understand their perspectives, respect their boundaries, and build partnerships based on authenticity—not demands.

1. Influencers Aren’t Employees

Some authors treat influencers as though they’re obligated to deliver a glowing review on command. But influencers are independent voices, not marketing contractors. Telling them how to review your book, asking them to edit their posts, or expecting only five-star content is a surefire way to lose trust. Authenticity is their currency, and they guard it carefully.

2. Don’t Send Unedited Work

Influencers aren’t beta readers. Sending an unfinished or poorly edited book is unprofessional and disrespectful of their time. Before you pitch, make sure your manuscript is polished and ready to be showcased.

3. Never Send Unsolicited Copies

Dropping unsolicited print or digital books into inboxes—or worse, mailing physical copies—without consent is more likely to annoy than impress. And following up with “So, when will you review it?” only compounds the issue. Always ask before sending.

4. Respect Their Schedules

Many influencers plan their reading and content calendars months ahead. They juggle jobs, families, and personal obligations. Expecting them to drop everything for your release date shows a lack of empathy. As one reviewer put it: “We love to read, but we are not machines.”

5. Don’t Take Criticism Personally

Not every review will be glowing. Some influencers may decide not to review your book at all. That doesn’t mean your book is bad—it just wasn’t the right fit for their audience. Reacting with anger or defensiveness can damage your reputation across the community, as bloggers often talk to one another.

6. Your Book Isn’t the Only Book

Influencers are inundated with pitches and ARCs. Acting like your book should be their top priority—or guilt-tripping them if they don’t respond—won’t get you far. Patience and humility go a long way.

7. Do Your Research Before Pitching

Nothing frustrates influencers more than irrelevant pitches. If someone doesn’t review sci-fi, don’t send them your time-traveling alien romance. Take five minutes to read submission guidelines and tailor your outreach. Personalized pitches show you respect their work and readership.

8. Don’t Expect Stars for Kindness

Yes, being polite matters. But kindness alone doesn’t guarantee five-star reviews. Influencers are trusted because they’re honest with their audiences. Expect authenticity—not flattery.

9. Swag Won’t Buy You Credibility

Sending extra gifts, bookmarks, or personal notes in hopes of influencing a review can backfire. Most influencers see through this. Focus on building genuine relationships rather than transactional ones.

10. Always Say Thank You

Perhaps the simplest but most overlooked step: gratitude. Influencers pour hours into reading, reviewing, photographing, and posting about books—usually without pay. A thank-you email, a social media share, or even a comment on their post goes a long way.

Final Thoughts: Relationships, Not Transactions

At its core, successful pitching to book influencers is about respect and partnership. Influencers want to support authors, but they also deserve appreciation and professional courtesy. Treat them as collaborators, not tools, and you’ll stand out in a crowded inbox for all the right reasons.

When you pause before hitting “send” on your next pitch and ask yourself, Am I respecting their time, talent, and boundaries?—you’ll be on your way to building lasting, mutually beneficial relationships that can elevate your author career.

Resources & Free Downloads

Children’s book marketing and tips for summer

Building early reader groups and superfans for longterm success

How to drive more sales if you have a “summer read”

Why brand marketing matters so much more than you realize

Getting more book reviews and why your reaction matters

Check out all the episodes of our book promotion podcast anywhere you listen to podcasts!

Be sure to sign up for our newsletter on the right-hand side of our blog homepage. If you haven’t opened a recent one your registration may have lapsed.

Follow us on Instagram for book marketing tips and some much-needed levity

The post Pitching Book Influencers: What Authors Need to Know appeared first on Author Marketing Experts, Inc. .

Reading Time: 3 minuteshttps://www.buzzsprout.com/664939/episodes/17504273-marketing-your-book-for-holiday-gold.mp3

The holiday season represents a massive opportunity for authors to boost their book sales, but the secret to holiday marketing success lies in preparation. Waiting until November or December to start your holiday marketing campaign is simply too late. By then, media outlets have finalized their gift guides, promotional spots are booked solid, and consumers are already overwhelmed with marketing messages from every direction.

Why Holiday Book Marketing Starts in Summer

Understanding the critical timing of holiday book marketing can mean the difference between disappointing sales and a successful season. Retailers start shifting to Valentine’s Day promotions just days after New Year’s, which shows how far ahead seasonal marketing must be planned.

For authors, the summer months are the perfect time to begin preparing for holiday book sales. Starting early gives you time to update your website, increase your review count, schedule promotional content, and pitch to gift guides—all essential parts of a winning holiday book marketing strategy.

Holiday-Themed vs. Gift-Appropriate Books

One of the first decisions in planning is whether your book is holiday-themed (like a Christmas romance or holiday cookbook) or simply a book that makes a great gift.

Holiday-Themed Books: Emphasize timeliness and seasonal relevance.

Gift-Appropriate Books: Focus on who would love receiving your book. Instead of generic “makes a great gift” messaging, specificity wins—such as “perfect for your sister who loves thrillers” or “ideal for a friend traveling over the holidays.”

This targeted approach helps buyers quickly connect your book to someone on their shopping list.

Website Prep for Holiday Sales

Website preparation is an essential early step in holiday book marketing. If you plan to offer holiday bundles, signed editions, or book-plus-merch packages, your website must be ready to handle these promotions and any e-commerce needs.

Since designers get busier as the holidays approach, booking updates in summer ensures everything is implemented and tested well before the buying rush. Even if you’re directing sales to Amazon or other retailers, your site should reflect seasonal messaging and make it easy for visitors to find purchase links.

Book Promotions and Gift Guide Opportunities

Promotional opportunities around Black Friday and Cyber Monday can be powerful, but the best spots fill up months in advance. Likewise, if you want your book included in holiday gift guides, summer is when to start researching and pitching outlets.

HARO (Help a Reporter Out) often posts gift guide requests.

Buzzfeed and online outlets publish dozens of themed gift lists annually, like “Books for True Crime Fans” or “Gifts for the Foodie Dad.”

Print magazines finalize holiday content during summer, so pitching now gives you a better chance of inclusion.

Doing this research early ensures your book is top-of-mind for editors before deadlines close.

Build Reviews and Warm Up Your List

Holiday shoppers rely heavily on reviews, especially when buying books as gifts. Starting review-building efforts in summer gives you several months to gather authentic, impactful feedback.

If you have an email list, begin warming it up now with consistent, value-driven communication. Don’t wait until December to suddenly appear in inboxes with a holiday promotion—consistent engagement throughout summer and fall will increase trust and open rates when it matters most.

Holiday Book Marketing Success Comes from Planning Ahead

Ultimately, successful holiday book marketing depends on early planning, clear messaging, and professional presentation. By starting your prep in summer, you position yourself to fully benefit from the year’s biggest buying season.

When December arrives, you’ll be ready with polished campaigns, secured promotions, and engaged readers—while other authors scramble to throw together last-minute efforts. In both shopping and book marketing, the early bird not only gets the worm but also enjoys a lot less stress.

Resources & Free Downloads

What is book bundling and how does it work?

How book marketing fundamentals drive sales.

Avoid these common book title mistakes.

Understand if Kindle Unlimited is right for your book.

How do Amazon ads work for books?

What’s the best pricing strategy to hit a bestseller list?

Check out all the episodes of our book promotion podcast anywhere you listen to podcasts!

Be sure to sign up for our newsletter on the right-hand side of our blog homepage. If you haven’t opened a recent one your registration may have lapsed.

Follow us on Instagram for book marketing tips and some much-needed levity

The post Holiday Book Marketing: Why Summer Prep Matters for Authors appeared first on Author Marketing Experts, Inc. .

Reading Time: 2 minuteshttps://www.buzzsprout.com/664939/episodes/17360427-beyond-boredom-your-book-could-be-every-parent-s-summer-solution.mp3Summer Challenges and Opportunities for Authors

As summer vacation kicks into full gear, parents everywhere face the same challenge: keeping their children engaged, entertained, and preferably, not glued to screens all day. This presents a golden opportunity for authors of children’s and young adult books to connect with an audience that’s actively seeking solutions.

Parents Value Books Over Screens

Jennifer Garner recently shared her parenting approach to screen time, telling her children they can have social media access once they provide articles proving it’s beneficial for kids—a brilliant strategy that resonates with parents who understand that books offer a healthier alternative to digital entertainment. Despite technological advancements, parents still value reading as a fundamental activity for their children’s development and summer enjoyment. This parental mindset creates a market that’s particularly receptive to book recommendations during these long summer months.

Positioning Your Book for Summer Success

For authors, the timing couldn’t be better to promote your work, regardless of when it was published. The key is positioning your book as the perfect solution for summer entertainment. Parents are making decisions about how to keep their children occupied, and they want those decisions to be easy ones. By clearly communicating why your book will captivate young readers and provide value during summer break, you’re offering harried parents exactly what they need—a simple “yes” decision that solves multiple problems at once.

Children’s Book Marketing Strategies for the Season

Marketing strategies can include temporary price discounts (especially during the first weeks of summer), reaching out to parent bloggers and social media influencers who are actively compiling summer activity lists, updating Amazon book descriptions to highlight your book as an ideal summer read, and utilizing targeted advertising on platforms like BookBub and Goodreads. These platforms allow you to specifically target parents looking for summer entertainment options, making your children’s book marketing dollars more effective during this seasonal opportunity.

Leveraging Local Community Events

Don’t overlook local opportunities, either. Summer is filled with community events, library programs, camps, and recreational activities where children spend significant time. Consider approaching these venues about book signings, readings, or simply leaving signed copies for sale. Places where kids experience downtime—like gymnastics centers, YMCAs, or even hair salons—can be perfect spots to introduce your book to captive audiences. When a child begins reading your book during a break and asks their parent to purchase it upon pickup, you’ve achieved marketing gold.

The Power of Series in Children’s Book Marketing

Remember that children, particularly elementary-age readers, are drawn to series books. They develop attachments to characters and worlds, making them eager to continue reading through a collection. If you’ve written multiple books or a series, summer break provides the perfect opportunity for young readers to dive deep into your literary universe without the time constraints of school-year schedules. Parents appreciate series too, as they solve the “what’s next” question when a child finishes a book and wants more.

Resources & Free Downloads

What is book bundling and how does it work?

How book marketing fundamentals drive sales.

Avoid these common book title mistakes.

Understand if Kindle Unlimited is right for your book.

How do Amazon ads work for books?

What’s the best pricing strategy to hit a bestseller list?

Check out all the episodes of our book promotion podcast anywhere you listen to podcasts!

Be sure to sign up for our newsletter on the right-hand side of our blog homepage. If you haven’t opened a recent one your registration may have lapsed.

Follow us on Instagram for book marketing tips and some much-needed levity

The post Children’s Book Marketing: Reaching Parents During Summer Break appeared first on Author Marketing Experts, Inc. .

Reading Time: 3 minutesSuperfans vs. Street Teams—What Sets Them Apart

Every author dreams of having a loyal following, but not all readers play the same role. Superfans are your core audience—those who buy every book, share your posts, and advocate for you naturally. They provide constant, organic support.

Street teams, on the other hand, are your promotional force. They boost visibility through targeted actions like posting reviews, sharing on social media, and helping you hit launch-day goals. Unlike superfans, they’re actively mobilized for marketing.

The Power of an Early Reader Group

Before cultivating superfans or street teams, consider launching an early reader group—people who read your book ahead of time and provide valuable feedback. They can help polish your manuscript and serve as your first wave of reviewers at launch.

An author’s marketing funnel often begins with discovery, moves through deliberation and investment, and ultimately reaches endorsement. Early reader groups play a vital role in that “endorsement” stage—nudging hesitant readers toward a purchase decision.

Real Results from Organized Teams

The difference between casual fans and organized teams can be extraordinary. One author mobilized her street team strategically and garnered 4,000 ratings and reviews within just 48 hours of launch—turning buzz into measurable success.

That matters, especially considering that up to 95% of books are sold via personal recommendation, fueled by networks of engaged readers.

Recruiting Smarter, Not Harder

Quantity doesn’t always equal quality when it comes to street teams. Start by inviting your most engaged followers—newsletter readers, social media commenters, and early reviewers.

Set clear expectations and deliver meaningful rewards—like exclusive content, naming characters, or private online events—to keep team members committed and motivated.

Organize, Communicate, Repeat

Effective street teams need structure. Begin planning at least 90 days before launch. Use a dedicated newsletter or communication channel to outline tasks and deadlines. If someone becomes inactive, consider transitioning them back to your superfan list—gently and respectfully.

And don’t forget your early reader group—offer them sneak peeks, solicit feedback, and build trust before the official release.

Why These Relationships Are Mission-Critical

The impact of these strategies is clear:

A mere 1,000 superfans can help propel your book toward bestseller status.95% of purchases come from personal recommendations—not ads or mass promotion.The indie publishing market is booming. Self-publishing is up, digital marketing is widespread, and authors are earning serious revenue—some even reaching six-figure royalties.Word-of-mouth remains king—social media, street teams, and superfans all amplify your visibility and credibility.Conclusion: Start Small, Think Big

Begin with a trusted group of early readers to build energy and feedback. Cultivate superfans through consistent engagement. Scale with street teams who understand your vision and goals.

Strategically building each layer creates a foundation for long-term, sustainable success—transforming readers into advocates and launches into movements. With the right structure in place, your author journey becomes not just about having readers—but building a community.

Resources & Free Downloads

When to pay for book reviews and media coverage

How to use ChatGPT to streamline your author admin work

Marketing a self-published novel the correct way

How unrealistic expectations will sabotage your publishing career

What you can learn from other authors’ mistakes

How to get your books into libraries

How to prepare for your next podcast interview

Substack for authors, how to use it, how to grow it

Optimize your Author Central page in 10 steps

Check out all the episodes of our book promotion podcast anywhere you listen to podcasts!

Be sure to sign up for our newsletter on the right-hand side of our blog homepage. If you haven’t opened a recent one your registration may have lapsed.

Follow us on Instagram for book marketing tips and some much-needed levity

The post Early Reader Groups and Superfans: How to Build a Loyal Author Following appeared first on Author Marketing Experts, Inc. .

Reading Time: 3 minuteshttps://www.buzzsprout.com/664939/episodes/17360431-from-beach-reads-to-bestsellers-marketing-your-book-in-summer.mp3

Summer is here, and readers everywhere are looking for their next great beach read. But what exactly makes a book a summer read, and how can authors position their work to capture this lucrative seasonal market? In our recent podcast episode, we unpacked strategies for authors to make their books shine during the summer months without breaking their marketing budget or completely overhauling their work.

What Defines a Summer Read?

The traditional perception of summer reads typically gravitates toward lighter genre fiction—romance novels, thrillers, mysteries—anything that provides escapism during vacation time. However, in 2021 (and beyond), the definition of a summer read has expanded considerably.

With many people opting for staycations due to rising travel costs and lingering pandemic concerns, books that offer at-home experiences are gaining traction. This includes craft books, cookbooks, local exploration guides, and even activity-based children’s literature. Parents are constantly seeking books that will keep their children engaged and reading throughout the summer months, making children’s books a particularly hot commodity during this season.

The Surprising Popularity of True Crime in Summer

What’s particularly interesting is how true crime continues to maintain its popularity as a summer genre despite its heavier subject matter. The escapism factor remains strong—readers want to immerse themselves in something completely different from their daily lives.

Meanwhile, politically charged books and celebrity memoirs, which dominated 2020’s reading lists, are experiencing a fatigue factor. Readers are seeking a break from the intensity of world events, creating an opportunity for books that offer lighter, more positive content.

This doesn’t mean serious books can’t sell during summer, but authors of heavier content might want to conserve their marketing budget for seasons when their work naturally resonates more with readers’ mindsets.

Summer Book Marketing Made Simple

The beauty of summer book marketing lies in how simple yet effective small pivots can be. You don’t need to redesign your cover or rewrite your book—subtle tweaks can make a significant difference.

Update Your Amazon Description: Add seasonal references like “perfect beach read,” “ideal for summer vacations,” or “finally make time for yourself this summer.” These phrases can dramatically increase conversion rates.

Leverage Seasonal Content: Create short videos showing your book in summer settings or demonstrating a summer-appropriate activity from your book. Use these across Amazon and social media for a cohesive campaign.

Using Amazon Author Central for Seasonal Visibility

Don’t underestimate the power of Amazon’s Author Central—a platform that receives over one billion visits annually yet remains underutilized by many authors. Keeping your Author Central profile updated with seasonal content can significantly distinguish your book from competitors.

Consider running season-specific Amazon ads using product placement, keywords, and automatic options. If you have a dedicated fan base, engage them by organizing a photo contest where readers share images of themselves enjoying your book in summer locations. Repurpose these authentic images across your marketing channels for added reach.

Reviving Backlist Titles with Summer Book Marketing

These seasonal marketing strategies aren’t just for newly released books—backlist titles can experience remarkable revivals with the right positioning. One author mentioned on our podcast had a six-year-old sourdough starter book that suddenly started selling again without any promotional push, simply because the content became seasonally relevant.

The key is to continually reinvent why your book fits into readers’ current lives and needs, regardless of when it was published. Best of all, once you develop a seasonal marketing template, you can easily adapt it for different times of the year—from back-to-school to holiday promotions—maximizing your return on investment for each marketing strategy you implement.

Resources & Free Downloads

What is book bundling and how does it work?

How book marketing fundamentals drive sales.

Avoid these common book title mistakes.

Understand if Kindle Unlimited is right for your book.

How do Amazon ads work for books?

What’s the best pricing strategy to hit a bestseller list?

Check out all the episodes of our book promotion podcast anywhere you listen to podcasts!

Be sure to sign up for our newsletter on the right-hand side of our blog homepage. If you haven’t opened a recent one your registration may have lapsed.

Follow us on Instagram for book marketing tips and some much-needed levity

The post Summer Book Marketing: How to Capture Seasonal Readers appeared first on Author Marketing Experts, Inc. .

Reading Time: 3 minuteshttps://www.buzzsprout.com/664939/episodes/17360425-the-author-s-identity-crisis-why-brand-marketing-matters-more-than-you-think.mp3

Brand marketing and book marketing are two distinct yet deeply interconnected strategies that every author should understand. As we’ve seen through countless conversations with writers, one of the most common questions is: “My book isn’t out for months—what should I be doing now?” The answer lies in a balanced approach to book marketing and author branding.

Why Author Branding Matters Long Before Launch

Author branding is the foundation that supports your long-term career—not just a single book release. It includes cultivating your online presence, identifying and expressing your unique voice, and forming lasting relationships within your genre and community. Unlike book marketing, which centers on promoting a specific title, author branding is about building a reputation that readers come to trust and follow.

In other words, book marketing and author branding go hand in hand. Your brand makes your book easier to market, and your book strengthens your brand. Together, they form a powerful marketing ecosystem.

The Power of Pre-Launch Networking

One of the most overlooked yet powerful aspects of author branding is networking—especially when you’re not actively selling a book. This may feel counterintuitive, but it’s precisely when you’re not in promo mode that you’re best positioned to listen, learn, and connect authentically.

Use this pre-launch time to observe reader preferences, discover rising voices in your genre, and begin engaging with other authors and influencers. Comment on their posts, share content when it aligns with your message, and begin cultivating genuine rapport. These small efforts now can lead to powerful connections later—particularly when it’s time to activate your book marketing strategy.

Your Brand Is Your Book’s Trust Signal

Retail platforms like Amazon are saturated with new releases every day. When your book finally launches, an existing author brand gives you a distinct edge. If readers find your book intriguing, they’ll often search your name next. A fully developed author platform—your website, social media profiles, and newsletter—serves as a trust-building signal that can convert casual browsers into committed readers.

This highlights the strategic link between book marketing and author branding: Your brand sets the stage, while your marketing turns curiosity into action.

Experimentation Is Your Pre-Launch Superpower

The time before your book launch is also your best opportunity to test ideas and experiment without pressure. Try different content formats, voice styles, and social platforms. See what your audience engages with—and what they don’t. These early learnings will help you fine-tune your messaging before it’s time for full-scale book marketing.

Connect with Fellow Authors

No branding effort is complete without engaging your writing community. Other authors in your genre are not your competition—they’re your peers, potential collaborators, and even advocates. Relationships with fellow writers can lead to cross-promotions, podcast guest spots, joint giveaways, and behind-the-scenes support that makes your journey less isolating and more effective.

Define Your Ideal Reader Through Branding

Perhaps the most powerful outcome of strategic book marketing and author branding is discovering who your ideal reader really is. Through consistent branding efforts, you’ll begin to notice who interacts with your content, what they care about, and how they engage. These insights are gold when it comes time to allocate your book marketing resources more intentionally and effectively.

From Guest Spots to Speaking Gigs: Building Visibility Organically

Guest blogging, podcast interviews, speaking engagements, and industry partnerships are all extensions of a strong brand. They build your visibility without relying solely on book sales. These activities position you as an expert or thought leader—someone worth following—which in turn makes your book marketing efforts more successful.

A More Authentic Path to Sales

Many authors dread the traditional grind of book marketing because it often feels transactional and filled with rejection. But author branding offers a more sustainable and authentic path. By prioritizing trust, conversation, and long-term connection, you create a platform that actually improves the effectiveness of your sales efforts when launch day arrives.

Resources & Free Downloads

What is book bundling and how does it work?

How book marketing fundamentals drive sales.

Avoid these common book title mistakes.

Understand if Kindle Unlimited is right for your book.

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Reading Time: 3 minutesWhen Review Responses Shape Your Reputation

How authors respond to book reviews speaks volumes about their potential for success in the publishing industry. One memorable case involves an author who incorrectly believed that Penny and Amy’s company posted a three-star review in a Facebook group—and bombarded them with angry demands for its removal. This reaction reveals how easily authors can become emotionally dysregulated when feedback isn’t glowing.

In contrast, this kind of aggressive behavior can seriously damage author reputation—and close doors to future opportunities. It turns a single review into a long-lasting professional misstep.

Turning Feedback Into Market Intelligence

Some authors flip the script. They meticulously analyze feedback—including international reviews—to uncover what resonates, and what doesn’t. Cultural preferences, confusing story elements, or praise for specific themes all inform their craft. This strategic response—with curiosity instead of defensiveness—is a cornerstone of getting more book reviews and building a thoughtful reading community.

Overreacting Online: A Warning Story

Penny shared a cautionary tale about an author leaving nearly 300 comments in response to a negative blogger review. Far from defending the book, the author harmed their own credibility. Bloggers, influencers, and fellow authors talk—and bad behavior travels fast. In the tightly connected world of book marketing, professionalism isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Why a Balanced Perspective Matters

Many authors start author calls by apologizing for negative reviews before even introducing their work. This mindset frames the book through a lens of negativity. While every author dreads criticism, allowing one bad review to overshadow dozens of positive ones can undermine marketing, self-esteem, and long-term success.

The Power of Industry Trends and Data

Here’s the reality check: the publishing world is competitive and often unforgiving. Only a tiny fraction of books earn meaningful sales. For instance, 90% of titles in a year may sell fewer than 2,000 copies—while half sell fewer than a dozen. These stats underscore the value of every review and reader sentiment.

Moreover, in today’s author-driven ecosystem, self-publishing is booming—with over 60% growth and 85% of publishers now embracing digital marketing. Thoughtful engagement with reviews can help authors stand out in this crowded field.

Reviews as Reputation Marketing in Action

Online reviews aren’t just feedback—they’re crucial parts of your brand. Around 70% of consumers trust online reviews, making social proof a powerful factor in readers’ decisions. For authors, this means that how you respond to reviews not only matters—it can drive future visibility and influence reader trust.

Crafting a Healthy Author-Review Relationship

The most successful authors understand:

Not every reader is your reader—and that’s okay.Persistent negative feedback could indicate opportunities for improvement; occasional criticism is part of the creative journey.Extract helpful insights from reviews, then move forward with courage.

Healthy relationships with feedback foster resilience. They enable you to confidently ask for reviews—and respond in ways that attract more.

Wrapping Up: The Real Meaning of Getting More Book Reviews

Chasing quantity of reviews is one thing—but developing a thoughtful, professional approach to engaging with feedback is what elevates an author’s career. Your responses shape how readers, bloggers, and influencers perceive you. They don’t just reflect on your book—they build (or erode) your long-term reputation.

By treating reviews as both a marketing tool and a growth opportunity, you invite readers into your community—and turn reviews into your strongest allies in building a sustainable author journey.

Resources & Free Downloads

What is book bundling and how does it work?

How book marketing fundamentals drive sales.

Avoid these common book title mistakes.

Understand if Kindle Unlimited is right for your book.

How do Amazon ads work for books?

What’s the best pricing strategy to hit a bestseller list?

Check out all the episodes of our book promotion podcast anywhere you listen to podcasts!

Be sure to sign up for our newsletter on the right-hand side of our blog homepage. If you haven’t opened a recent one your registration may have lapsed.

Follow us on Instagram for book marketing tips and some much-needed levity

The post Getting More Book Reviews: Why Your Reaction Could Make or Break Your Author Career appeared first on Author Marketing Experts, Inc. .

Reading Time: 3 minuteshttps://www.buzzsprout.com/664939/episodes/17360424-the-pay-to-play-dilemma-paying-for-book-reviews-coverage.mp3

As the pay-to-play landscape in book marketing continues to evolve, authors are facing both new opportunities and complex ethical dilemmas. In the latest podcast episode, Penny and Amy unpacked the shifting dynamics behind paying for book reviews, influencer promotions, and the increasing pressure on authors—especially debut writers—to “buy” visibility in an increasingly crowded market.

The Erosion of Traditional Review Gateways

The core issue stems from a structural shift in the publishing ecosystem. With a new book published approximately every eight seconds, authors are battling a scarcity of one of the most valuable marketing resources: the time and attention of trusted reviewers. As a result, traditional editorial review platforms that once operated on merit alone have pivoted toward monetization models. Similarly, influencers on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube have embraced tiered pricing for sponsored content, creating a new norm where paying for book reviews or promotional coverage is expected.

The Risk of Low-Quality or AI-Generated Reviews

This transformation has triggered a valid concern about authenticity and effectiveness. As one Reddit user shared, paying for book reviews doesn’t necessarily ensure thoughtful or honest feedback. Some authors have received AI-generated blurbs that spoil key plot points or sound robotic—making them unusable for promotion. This is a critical caution: not all paid opportunities are created equal, and some may do more harm than good.

How to Evaluate Paid Opportunities Wisely

For authors exploring paid promotions, due diligence is non-negotiable. Penny and Amy emphasized the importance of looking beyond vanity metrics. Influencers may boast high follower counts, but the real question is: does their audience actually engage? In many cases, paid posts perform significantly worse than organic content—with engagement sometimes dropping by up to 97%. At price points of $3,500–$5,000 per sponsored post, a lack of ROI can be a painful lesson.

This is especially relevant for debut authors who may not yet have an email list, social following, or reader base to fall back on. For them, paying for book reviews or influencer exposure can feel like the only path to visibility. But Amy and Penny stress that it’s not about spending more—it’s about spending smart.

Micro-Influencers vs. Mass Reach

Rather than chasing high-profile influencers, authors may see better results from working with micro-influencers. These creators often have smaller but more engaged audiences, and they’re more likely to form meaningful connections with their followers. A book feature from someone with 10,000 loyal fans often drives more authentic engagement—and more sales—than one from a disengaged influencer with a million passive followers.

Build Relationships Before You Need Them

Long-term, the most resilient strategy blends targeted paid promotions with authentic relationship-building. The authors who have the most success with paying for book reviews are often the ones who started forming connections with bloggers, influencers, and readers well before their book launched. These relationships can’t be bought, but they can be cultivated—with consistency, transparency, and a genuine interest in the reading community.

Due Diligence: A Practical Checklist

If you are currently considering paying for book reviews or influencer promotions, use this checklist:

Review past content: Does the influencer align with your genre, tone, and values?

Request metrics: Ask for engagement stats specific to sponsored content.

Check for disclosure: Make sure paid promotions are clearly marked to maintain FTC compliance.

Test small first: Start with smaller placements before investing in major campaigns.

Final Thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to book promotion. But in a landscape increasingly shaped by paying for book reviews and sponsored placements, strategy and authenticity matter more than ever. Authors who approach these opportunities with both curiosity and caution can find smart ways to boost visibility—without compromising their values or wasting precious marketing dollars.

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Resources & Free Downloads

What is book bundling and how does it work?

How book marketing fundamentals drive sales.

Avoid these common book title mistakes.

Understand if Kindle Unlimited is right for your book.

How do Amazon ads work for books?

What’s the best pricing strategy to hit a bestseller list?

Check out all the episodes of our book promotion podcast anywhere you listen to podcasts!

Be sure to sign up for our newsletter on the right-hand side of our blog homepage. If you haven’t opened a recent one your registration may have lapsed.

Follow us on Instagram for book marketing tips and some much-needed levity

The post The Pay-to-Play Dilemma: Paying for book reviews & coverage appeared first on Author Marketing Experts, Inc. .