Episode 258 - Getting the Word Out: Media Campaigns for Authors with Marie Whittaker
October 1, 2024
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Marie Whittaker discusses GETTING THE WORD OUT: MEDIA CAMPAIGNS FOR AUTHORS, including why press releases remain a valuable promotional tool, the five milestones that deserve a press release, how press releases compare with social media posting, media campaigns for crowdfunding, tips for approaching bookstores and libraries, whether authors can apply these tips to their backlists, and how to maximize the value of your website real estate.
Marie Whittaker enjoys teaching about publishing and project management for writers. She’s Associate Publisher at WordFire Press and Executive Director of Superstars Writing. She started her career writing horror. Marie created The Adventures of Lola Hopscotch, is published in Weird Tales, and habitually adopts rescue animals.
Links
Guest's Links:
https://mariewhittaker.com/
https://www.instagram.com/mariewhittaker_/
https://www.facebook.com/marie.g.whittaker
Matty's Links:
Affiliate links
Events
https://mariewhittaker.com/
https://www.instagram.com/mariewhittaker_/
https://www.facebook.com/marie.g.whittaker
Matty's Links:
Affiliate links
Events
I hope you enjoyed my conversation with Marie! Have you rethought the value of press releases, as I did? What other recommendations that Marie offered most resonated with you?
Please post your comments on YouTube--and I'd love it if you would subscribe while you're there!
Are you getting value from the podcast? Consider supporting me on Patreon or through Buy Me a Coffee!
Summary
This week on The Indy Author Podcast, Matty Dalrymple talks with Marie Whittaker about the evolving expectations of authors in both traditional and independent publishing. The conversation delves into the changing dynamics of the author-publisher relationship and emphasizes the importance of authors taking an active role in the marketing and promotion of their work.
Marie begins by highlighting a significant shift in the traditional publishing world. Gone are the days when publishers took complete control of an author's career and provided comprehensive marketing support. She points out that current publishers look for a partnership with authors. This means that authors are expected to tackle much of the legwork involved in promoting their projects.
Marie notes, "They're looking for a partnership with their authors. The heyday when they're going to do everything for authors and be your big motivation behind your work, that's over."
The discussion underlines that accepting this reality is crucial for authors. Embracing the need for self-promotion is not just advantageous but necessary. In both traditional and independent publishing, authors must be proactive in engaging audiences and driving the success of their books.
This insight into modern publishing highlights several essential actions for authors:
1. Building a Personal Brand: Authors should invest in creating a recognizable and professional personal brand. This can include a well-designed website, active social media presence, and consistent communication with their audience.
2. Engaging with Readers: Authors need to cultivate a relationship with their readers. This can be accomplished through regular updates, newsletters, fan interactions, and leveraging social media platforms effectively.
3. Collaborating with Publishers: A partnership approach with publishers can enhance the marketing strategy. By working collaboratively, authors and publishers can align on promotional activities and ensure that both parties are contributing to the book's success.
4. Learning Marketing Skills: Understanding basic marketing principles and tactics is becoming increasingly important. Authors should educate themselves on topics like SEO, social media marketing, email marketing, and content creation.
Marie’s straightforward discussion provides a reality check for authors aspiring to succeed in today's competitive market. While publishing routes may differ, the core responsibility of promoting one's work remains consistent. Authors must be ready to partner with publishers and readers to elevate their projects.
Marie concludes with a pragmatic perspective: "Might as well embrace that." This statement encourages authors to adapt to these changes willingly and actively participate in the promotion of their work.
In summary, this podcast episode offers valuable insights into the current expectations placed on authors, emphasizing the shift towards a more collaborative and proactive approach to book promotion in both traditional and independent publishing domains. Whether you're a seasoned author or just starting, understanding and embracing these responsibilities is key to achieving success in today's literary landscape.
Marie begins by highlighting a significant shift in the traditional publishing world. Gone are the days when publishers took complete control of an author's career and provided comprehensive marketing support. She points out that current publishers look for a partnership with authors. This means that authors are expected to tackle much of the legwork involved in promoting their projects.
Marie notes, "They're looking for a partnership with their authors. The heyday when they're going to do everything for authors and be your big motivation behind your work, that's over."
The discussion underlines that accepting this reality is crucial for authors. Embracing the need for self-promotion is not just advantageous but necessary. In both traditional and independent publishing, authors must be proactive in engaging audiences and driving the success of their books.
This insight into modern publishing highlights several essential actions for authors:
1. Building a Personal Brand: Authors should invest in creating a recognizable and professional personal brand. This can include a well-designed website, active social media presence, and consistent communication with their audience.
2. Engaging with Readers: Authors need to cultivate a relationship with their readers. This can be accomplished through regular updates, newsletters, fan interactions, and leveraging social media platforms effectively.
3. Collaborating with Publishers: A partnership approach with publishers can enhance the marketing strategy. By working collaboratively, authors and publishers can align on promotional activities and ensure that both parties are contributing to the book's success.
4. Learning Marketing Skills: Understanding basic marketing principles and tactics is becoming increasingly important. Authors should educate themselves on topics like SEO, social media marketing, email marketing, and content creation.
Marie’s straightforward discussion provides a reality check for authors aspiring to succeed in today's competitive market. While publishing routes may differ, the core responsibility of promoting one's work remains consistent. Authors must be ready to partner with publishers and readers to elevate their projects.
Marie concludes with a pragmatic perspective: "Might as well embrace that." This statement encourages authors to adapt to these changes willingly and actively participate in the promotion of their work.
In summary, this podcast episode offers valuable insights into the current expectations placed on authors, emphasizing the shift towards a more collaborative and proactive approach to book promotion in both traditional and independent publishing domains. Whether you're a seasoned author or just starting, understanding and embracing these responsibilities is key to achieving success in today's literary landscape.
