The most common questions posted under the hashtag #SupportIndieWriters vary in exact wording but always seems to have the same gist:
"How do I promote my self-published book without going broke?"
In 10 Step Plan to Promote Your Book, Scott Hughes provides valuable advice for self-published authors and small publishers.
The plan works on any budget. It works for the wealthy busy professional as well as for the struggling artist short on funding.
About the Author ~ As the founder of Online Book Club, Scott Hughes has spent over a decade in this new industry, working with thousands of authors to advertise books online. Scott Hughes has worked in the ebook marketing industry before the Kindle ever existed!
From OnlineBookClub.org, webmaster Scott Hughes has more than ten years of experience helping indie authors (like me) promote our books. In this book, he lays out a pretty simple, straight-forward plan for promoting your book, with stress on taking advantage of the biggest network at your fingertips: social media. The indie author with a limited budget is kept in mind for this plan, so it works for anyone, as long as you're willing to invest the time.
The steps laid out in this book delve deeper than just common sense (quite a few steps I probably would never have thought to tackle on my own), and nothing is sugar-coated. My favorite piece of advice is to not waste your time and money trying to promote a crappy (pun intended... You'll know what I mean when you read it!) book; it's a harsh reality, but one that many new authors need to face.
I would definitely recommend this quick and easy (not to mention a bit funny at times -- how often do you see that with a self-help guide like this???) read to all indie authors, especially newbies who have no clue where to start our with promoting their books online.
This book is a "must-have" for any author who is thinking of self-publishing or who is in the throes of self-publishing. It offers sound advice on the "do's and don'ts" of selling books and becoming known without breaking the bank.
It's short, easy to read and understand, and uses humor to get the point across. Some of the information was surprising and all of it is useful. I found the part about social media particularly interesting.
It won't take long to read and the information is invaluable.
Before I begin this review, readers should be aware that the author is the webmaster for Online Book Club, and he does promote and encourage readers to utilize his business. That certainly does not mean that the book is a shameless promotion of his business. The advice he gives is sound and helpful for the self-published authors. I have used the strategies he presents and can verify they do work. The amount of time to achieve success largely depends on your budget and how much work you are willing to put into writing and marketing. Steps 1 and 2 are the most difficult. Writers need to produce a really good product to compete in today’s market and they must take the time to proofread, correct typos, spelling, and content many, many times. Only after then, can the writer send the book out for professional editing. The rest of the steps involve becoming involved with all platforms on social media, blogging, reading other authors in your genre, interviewing, starting and participating in book clubs. All these things take time to create and build. Writers need to reach out and develop a network of trusted colleagues and friends. I agree with Hughes that twitter is very effective and that Facebook has steadily become less reliable for marketing. Of course, the value of social media is largely determined by other factors such as personality and genre. To sum up, the author has presented a concise program of steps to guide a writer through the competitive world of self-publishing if the reader commits the time, dedication and resources to his project.
This concise and handy guide on self-publishing is an invaluable tool for those who need that little extra insight and direction in the world of book publishing. Scott Hughes, webmaster at OnLineBookClub, has taken years of experience and summed it up in a useful handbook which is easy to read and more importantly, to remember. The intro is succinct and sets the scene as to where we were and where we are in the publishing industry. Following this are 10 steps-many make you wonder why you never realised them sooner. Sage advice and vital info ranging from reviews, to social media, to editing, to royalties, is broken down and explained in an inspiring manner. The humour injected into this, takes what was potentially a lecture, to a quirky and ingenious guide. And while Scott does refer to OnLineBookClub quite a bit, it shows exactly how the advice can and has worked in the real world. A gem of a book filled with suggestions, that will be remembered for Scott's emphatic quote-" Good is not good enough".
This is a simple to follow, concise book about the 10 rules that people need to follow if they want to self publish what they feel is the 'great American novel'. Of course, rule #1 is to write a great book but even if you write a great book and don't follow the other 9 rules, no one will ever read your book. Rule #2 addresses my pet peeve - proofreading and editing. I don't care how good a book is, if it is full of typos and misspelled words, I won't read it. If you've written that great book, read Scott's guide to how to get it noticed and more importantly sold to readers.
Scott Hughes' "10 Step Plan to Promote Your Book: Online Book Marketing on Any Budget" is a comprehensive guide that delivers exactly what the title promises—a pragmatic, accessible plan for authors navigating the bustling world of online book marketing. Through a well-structured and clear format, Hughes demystifies the often daunting process of promoting a book, making it approachable even for those with limited budgets and minimal marketing experience.
One of the book's great strengths is its straightforward, step-by-step layout. Hughes breaks down the complex task of book marketing into manageable chunks, each chapter building on the last. This methodical approach ensures that readers are not overwhelmed but rather equipped with a clear roadmap that guides them through every essential component of a successful marketing campaign.
Hughes also excels in understanding and addressing the financial constraints many authors face. The emphasis on budget-conscious strategies is a refreshing departure from other marketing guides that often assume unlimited resources. Practical tips on utilizing social media, leveraging free online tools, and tapping into the power of author communities are particularly valuable. These actionable insights empower readers to make significant strides in their marketing efforts without draining their wallets.
Another highlight is Hughes' inclusion of real-world examples and case studies, which illustrate the principles discussed in a relatable and engaging manner. These stories serve to both inspire and provide tangible proof that the strategies outlined in the book can lead to real success. The inclusion of these examples makes the advice feel not only theoretical but proven and practical.
The book also doesn't shy away from the more nuanced aspects of marketing, such as building an author brand and cultivating an email list. Hughes emphasizes the importance of creating genuine connections with readers and maintaining consistent engagement, which are key to long-term success. His advice in these areas is both insightful and actionable, painting a full picture of what it takes to thrive as an author in the digital age.
However, it should be noted that while the book is extremely thorough, some readers may find the range of tasks and strategies suggested to be a bit overwhelming if they try to implement everything at once. The beauty of Hughes' plan, though, is its flexibility; authors can start with the basics and gradually incorporate more advanced tactics as they become more comfortable and proficient.
In conclusion, "10 Step Plan to Promote Your Book: Online Book Marketing on Any Budget" by Scott Hughes is an invaluable resource for authors at any stage of their marketing journey. Its clear
"10 Step Plan to Promote Your Book: Online Book Marketing on Any Budget" by Scott Hughes is an valuable resource for authors seeking to navigate the complex world of online marketing. The book is designed to provide clear, actionable strategies that novices and experienced writers alike can implement to enhance their book’s visibility and success. Hughes’ methodology is broken down into manageable steps, ensuring that the reader never feels overwhelmed by the wealth of information provided.
The author begins by emphasizing the importance of understanding your target audience. This foundational step is crucial, as it sets the stage for the myriad of marketing tactics that will follow. Hughes stresses the need for precise audience identification, which can significantly enhance the efficacy of any promotional effort. With a solid grasp of who your readers are, the subsequent steps become straightforward and far more impactful.
Another key element of Hughes’ plan is the use of social media platforms. He offers detailed insights into how to harness the power of social media to create a buzz around your book. From Facebook to Instagram, Hughes provides tailored strategies for different platforms, enabling authors to leverage their strengths and reach a broader audience. The book also discusses the importance of engagement and consistency in maintaining a strong social media presence.
Email marketing and networking are additional focal points in Hughes' guide. The book underscores the value of building a robust email list and how to effectively communicate with subscribers to foster a loyal reader base. Additionally, Hughes delves into the significance of networking within the writing and publishing community. By collaborating with other authors and participating in writing groups, authors can expand their reach and gain valuable support.
The reason this book merits a 5 out of 5-star rating is its practicality and accessibility. Hughes has managed to distill complex marketing concepts into a streamlined process that anyone can follow, regardless of their budget. His step-by-step approach demystifies the daunting task of book promotion, making it accessible and achievable for all authors. The book’s practical advice, combined with Hughes’ clear writing style, makes it an essential tool for anyone serious about successfully promoting their book online.
Concise, Compelling, and Chock-Full of Pure Wisdom.
Scott Hughes certainly knows the business of writing, publishing and selling books. His rather quick read, “10 Step Plan to Promote Your Book: Online Book Marketing on Any Budget”, was not only easy to read, but it was written without any fluff, useless “filler” type information, or anything else other than direct, accurate and extremely useful information for anyone looking for guidance in promoting their book.
Whether you have a lot of money to spend on promoting and marketing you book, or you have next to nothing to spend, he gives you ways to get your book promoted and sold either way. As he repeats throughout the book, you can invest time or money in getting your book promoted and sold. He also makes clear that if you are not willing to dedicate either time or money to the promotion or sale of your book, then you are probably in the wrong business.
I also love how his first step in the book’s 10 step plan was basically to write a great book. If you can’t or don’t do that in the first place, then donating or dedicating all the time or money in the world may not be of any help to you if at the end of the day, the book you are promoting is junk, or literary garbage. If you wrote a book that no one would want to invest their time or money in to purchase and then read it, then even his very well thought out and practical steps 2-10 will be of little to no use and you need to start over and write a great book that people will actually enjoy reading, or perhaps pick a new career or hobby.
To sum up, this book is a great read, and I highly recommend it to anyone who is in the business of writing, publishing, and/or selling books in this era where self-publishing has become not only possible, but popular.
I found the book a perfect read, especially as my second children's book, The Journey, came out this week. I learned precisely what I must do thanks to Scott's advice and valuable helping hand. I will be using his Level 4 package because his book makes it clear that he works with real readers rather than 'bots'. Would anyone in the community like to comment on their experience of following this path? I look forward to engaging with other authors, and we can read each other's work. All my best to Scott and his circle, Fleur Rossdale fleur@fleurrossdale.com Book: The Journey by Fleur RossdaleTHE JOURNEY: BOOK TWOTAKEN BY STORMe Fleur Rossdale www.soot.cloud
This short book is packed with useful advice. Avoid the pressure of feeling like you must use everything stated in the book. There is obvious advertising for onlinebookclub. A Google search of reviews for onlinebookclub yields mixed reviews. For some authors it works. For others it doesn't.
Two things useful from the book: 1) Edit and re-edit your book prior to submitting to any external reviewers. Using text to speech to hear your book read aloud is an excellent option. Also try reading the book aloud yourself. See how the sentences sound in your own voice. 2) The cover-you may not have money to spend on an expensive cover. Use resources like shutterstock, or Open AI to explore some cover options. Seek feedback from friends and family. Getting feedback on your cover is just as important as getting feedback on your manuscript.
As the book discusses, review your marketing strategies and be willing to adapt and modify over time. It's a dynamic process.
The 10 points could be distilled down to a few points: - Write well (and work through multiple rounds of editing) so you can sell at least 100 copies, the silver standard of self-publishing
- Communicate well, by obtaining reviews and connecting with others on social media
- Engage well, by offering the digital equivalent of food samples in a grocery store (guest blogs) and becoming a trusted resource with others who share your hobby of words. Join a book club, or create one.
The advice in the first 20 pages probably can’t be over-emphasized- that even if your book is your ‘baby’, it still needs periodic baths and diapers to make it presentable. To ho out into public without offense, put age-appropriate clothes on the baby (book cover), change the diaper (editing), and get baby moving and visible in a stroller (social media posts).
Some of the points are really just extrapolations of previous points (or promos for OnlineBookClub), but overall this is a quick digestible read.
Since I dislike marketing, I need encouragement to do it, I've read a lot that reinforces my view that it is drudgery. Trying to check out all of the advice out there fits the metaphor of drinking from a fire hose better than anything I've ever done. Further, I detest self promotion.
I've created my author page on FB, written a blog, joined Twitter, and participated in an anthology giveaway providing me with an email list. After reading this book I understand for the first time that I do like the writing of my blog, writing snappy things on Twitter and FB, reviewing books I've read, and that this is in fact the best way to sell readers. I like this kind of marketing Sam I am.
I may have been aware of most of this before, so there's nothing others haven't said, but this short book makes me want to do it.
These are really general, lazy guidelines that seem more common sense that actual insights.
I loved the quote about the Facebook's of tomorrow. However, it was kind of ironic that in that list of social media avenues, the author doesn't use one of the biggest options around--Goodreads.
Yes, the fact that this review is on Goodreads is just furthering the hilarious irony.
Step 1. Write a great book... I mean well, yeah. But this could have been examined so much deeper and actually been helpful.
Look up popular books in your genre, write to your audience, look up common themes or tropes. Join a group catered to your genre.
No where in this book did it even address that different genres pull audiences from different places. If you're writing a historical non-fiction book about WWII airplanes, you're probably not finding your readers on TikTok or Tumblr.
If you are almost done with a book then it's time to think about getting it to readers. Some authors have thought about that for a long time, others have focused on writing that book. And there's no point in thinking about marketing until you put your tailbone in a chair and finish something. This is not a sophisticated book, but it does give an overview of most steps to getting your book to readers. It's a broad overview, don't expect bulleted lists of websites to use for marketing. That's okay, you need something that pulls everything together, before you can start thinking about detailed work steps.
This book is meant to be a step-by-step self- help guide to achieving maximum marketing effectiveness at minimum (monetary) cost. Which it does very well, extremely well. But, I found the first hand experiences so insightful. Plus, the author's voice was lighthearted and witty at times, making it enjoyable to read every word of amazing advice. Also, the author had a very kind way of reinforcing common sense. This is a 'must read' for every indie author.
I started reading this book with the expectation that I had done as much as I could possibly do to get my book noticed. It was confirmation that I have done a lot of the right things such as hiring a professional editor and having a book reviewed. It also gave me some new ideas I had not considered such as starting a book club and being a more active participant in the book reading community. It was a great help and I am glad I took the time to read it.
Scott Hughes provides a step by step plan on how to market your book for success. He brilliantly and bravely begins with the author's attachment to their work, and not being objective enough when editing.
Hughes provides insight into marketing your book in a straight forward manner. His marketing plan requires time and effort to accomplish. Authors who are willing to become experts at marketing their books, will find his approach beneficial.
Everything written in this book is on any free website for writers. Furthermore, the author touts the fact that he is the webmaster for Online Bookclub and he encourages authors to pay money to join. I, however, have never had luck with that site. I never got a single review for my $100, although I've received many reviews on Amazon and Bookbub...for free. This book is elementary at best, but a disappointment for seasoned authors.
I love listening to this book as I am busy and always on the go the content was very simple and straightforward. The content is so good that you have to go back over it again just to jot down some notes. My only wish is that Kindle developed a replay button once you finish listening to an audiobook. That’s how good this book content was to me
This is a very helpful book. Every step has something important to learn and was told in a straightforward but friendly manner. If you are an author trying to market your own books, this 10 Step Plan will help you know what you’ve done or are doing well and where you need to improve. This book has good nuts and bolts information that all of us can do. It’s a quick read but one worth referring to again.
How often do you read a book that's so heavy on technical detail, you have put on glasses to find the common sense. Scott has put the common sense out on the street in a no-nonsense book based squarely on the psychology of behaviour, and I think the best point he makes is that sales are based on trust and earning a reputation, and not on relentless self-promotion. In book marketing, networking rather than crude advertising is king. Listen to the man.
A book marketing book with an honest look at what it takes to sell books. WORK! The authors or the professionals the author should hire to make the book worthy of the work it takes to market it. There is no shortcut!
I agree - give what you want to receive. Providing book reviews for others will turn into reviews for your books. Book clubs are good for the mind, body, and soul. Meet people, have deep conversations, and make friends! Eventually, they'll get around to reading your book too.
Some of what this author writes I can relate to however I'm a very private person and going to all these events and marketings and promotions is not really my thing Happy to ride blogs and meet people 1 on 1 but I believe if a book is good Authors are pretty private and 1 of them I'm not a people person at all In fact I hate it So half of this book just was not for me Thanks for sharing I appreciate it.
I found the book interesting and helpful. There are so many pitfalls for the unwary Indie author to fall into. The steps ate clear concise and correct. Marketing is worst than writing and writing is very hard! We'll done for producing a short easy to follow collection of common sense. I recommend it to every author.
I would recommend this book to any indie author. The steps are clear and the mission is concise. Steps 2-9 are easy to implement. The first step is not a step, but the travels taken, made of thousands upon thousands of tiny steps, until the words “the end” are reached.
Well written, step by step process for the Indie author to follow when promoting their book. Scott makes the point repeatedly that the book must be a great book to begin with. What constitutes a great book is well laid out and should be followed by all authors.
This author has obviously been through the trenches in figuring out unique and effective ways to promote books. The steps he gives are a lot of work but also are good ways to engage a community of readers and get sales for a new book. A good quick read for any author who has the time money and/or energy to carry out the ten steps