The Secrets To Marketing Fiction
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Writing Speaking -> subcategory Writing.
The Secrets to Marketing Fiction
When my first book, The Cliffhanger, was published nearly seven years ago, I had big expectations for its success. As someone in PR, I thought, "How hard could it be to market fiction?" Well, fiction is tough, and everyone knows it. But I was eager for the challenge, especially with my own book. When The Cliffhanger hit
1 on Amazon, it wasn’t by accident?"it was creativity that propelled it there. Wondering how? Let me share the secrets.
Initially, I followed all the typical strategies: sending review copies, crafting a compelling press release, and scheduling book events. While these efforts were valuable, they weren’t enough to generate the momentum needed for true success. Book signings were decent but lacked excitement, and media interest fizzled after just one feature. I knew I had to find something unique?"a gripping pitch that could truly captivate the audience.
Every piece of fiction has a thread of reality woven through it. Find that element, embrace it, and build your pitch around it. For instance, if your book is about a woman overcoming domestic abuse, leverage your research and expertise to craft a campaign around domestic violence awareness. Whatever the subject, identify the interesting reality within and make it your hook. Become the expert, familiarizing yourself with every statistic and trend.
When The Cliffhanger was released, marketing romantic fiction only took me so far. However, focusing on its unique print-on-demand publishing method became my story. Then, during the infamous 2000 presidential election, I discovered another angle. Spotting a newspaper headline about the electoral "cliffhanger" sparked an idea. I quickly printed labels and postcards with the slogan:
"Getting tired of the Presidential cliffhanger? Try this one. The Cliffhanger, a novel. No politics involved."
I sent out 500 postcards to every media contact I had. Days later, my book was featured on TV, with an anchor encouraging viewers to buy it. That same day, my book soared to
1 on Amazon, even surpassing Harry Potter at one point.
Finding an "anchor" for your campaign can make all the difference. If you've written a crime novel, consider theming your events with police tape or props. The key is to be distinctive and consistent in your marketing approach.
Another trend gaining traction is the use of book trailers. We live in a visual society, and a short, captivating trailer can convey the essence of your book effectively. Studies suggest that book trailers can boost sales by over 30%. Many major publishers have embraced this technique, recognizing its potential impact.
Here are some other creative strategies we've used to promote fiction:
1. Unsolved Mysteries: For a series of detective novels, we pitched intriguing mysteries instead of the books themselves. The author became known as an expert on unsolved cases, earning media attention and engaging audiences at events.
2. Creative Partnerships: For a chick lit book, we partnered with a local cookie company to bring a featured recipe?"Orgasmic Cookies?"to life. This collaboration sparked interest in the book and drove sales.
3. Unique Venues: A romance reading at a local winery created an enchanting atmosphere, drawing in readers and enhancing the book's appeal.
4. Collaborative Events: Two authors with books about Paris partnered for events themed as an "evening in Paris." These gatherings were a hit, attracting large audiences and multiple bookings.
The secret is to stand out in the crowded field of fiction. It’s not just about selling the story, but also entertaining readers and showing them how the book can impact or benefit them. By finding your anchor or unique story angle, you can connect with your audience more effectively.
Mastering marketing in fiction isn’t as daunting as it seems. With the right approach, you can tell a compelling story both on and off the page.
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