• How to put together a marketing plan from pre-publication to launch to post-publication (hint: most marketing is not at all time dependent; you can always try something new no matter how old your book is)
• What elements of your book’s positioning and packaging must be rock solid before you invest in marketing
• A few important tips for Amazon optimization if you’re self-publishing—some of which can be used by traditionally published authors
• Why it’s best build small wins locally and regionally, and move outward
• The importance of relationships and community, and improving your reach through collaborations, partnerships, and influencers
• How to leverage other people’s platform (including their social media following) to help spread the word about your work, and how to pitch these people effectively
• The role of a publicist and who should consider hiring this type of help (warning: it’s expensive)
• Lead generation: what strategies and tools you can use to reach new readers, such as giveaways
• Securing customer reviews: how it’s done (spoiler alert: there is no magic bullet and you shouldn’t pay for customer reviews)
• If and when it’s worthwhile to pay for professional reviews

What this session will NOT cover:

• The mechanics of how to advertise on Amazon, Facebook, BookBub, or similar sites. However, we will discuss use of such advertising, when and how to consider it, and who offers trusted education
• The mechanics of how to plan a book launch event. Instead, we will discuss the role of events and how to avoid doing events that waste your time.
• The mechanics of email marketing. However, we will discuss the role of email newsletters and how they can be used for book marketing.
• How to get on the New York Times bestseller list (there are no sure-fire ways to make this list).
• Secrets that will ensure your success every time. Book marketing and promotion is largely about trying things, failing, and improving for next time.

• First-time and unpublished authors who want to be prepared for their first book launch
• Traditionally published authors who are confused about what to do
• Self-published and hybrid published authors who aren’t sure how to market their books
• Authors writing and publishing books in any genre who want to better understand book marketing
• Creative writing students and graduates of MFA programs who want to learn the principles of book marketing

Who should NOT take this class:

• Published authors who are strong and confident in their marketing approach
• Authors who are seeking social media guidance for book marketing
• Authors who want cutting-edge trend information on book marketing (this session is about the principles that doesn’t really change over time)
• Any author seeking advanced or in-depth strategy for their particular path—e.g., a traditionally published author looking for in-depth and sophisticated guidance on working with their publisher, or a self-published author looking for Kindle Unlimited marketing secrets. This session is broad in scope and meant to help all authors regardless of publishing path or knowledge base

The webinar is broadcast via the internet with live audio delivered through your computer speakers or over your telephone. The live webinar’s visual presentation is displayed directly from the Presenter's computer to your computer screen. The Q&A is managed through a chat-style submission system with questions being read and answered by the Presenter for the entire class to hear. In the event some questions are not answered during the live session, an e-mail with questions and answers will be sent to all webinar attendees.

By attending the live webinar and/or asking questions, your full name may be stated during the live event and captured in the recording.

If you have questions about the program or have any technical difficulties, please contact writingwebinars@aimmedia.com.

Writer’s Digest does not offer any refunds for the webinar. All sales are final.