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Catch the Unicorn: Demystifying Book Marketing for Fiction Authors

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Feel as if success as a fiction author is as elusive as trying to catch a unicorn? Discover winning strategies that will save you time and money while selling more books!

Do you love writing but hate marketing? Wish there was an easier way to promote your work while still having time to write? If you're like many other self-published authors, you've come across hundreds of methods to get exposure for your book (most of them outdated or ineffective). Worse yet, there's plenty of companies out there that offer nothing but false promises and vague claims. Because of this, it can be difficult to know where to put your money.

Denis, an author and book marketing expert, has coached thousands of authors to sell more books. For the first time, he has packaged up all his experience and knowledge into a book. A no-fluff guide to save you time, money, and rejection by showing you exactly what you need to do to build a successful author business (and just as importantly, what not to do).

By following the fictional story of Jane, you'll witness how she builds her successful author business from scratch. Catch the Unicorn gives you the tools you need to get a steady stream of buyers to click the Buy button every single day. In this book, you'll discover how to:

● Use proven and easy ways to get your book noticed (even from the millions of others on Amazon)
● Target thousands of readers in less time than it takes to make a cup of coffee.
● Maximize your marketing budget by using only tested methods that get results.
● See what’s bottle-necking your sales (the #1 simple-fix that’s holding authors back)
● Avoid the surprisingly common pitfalls that plague new and experienced authors alike.
● Build your list of invested fans ready to buy your next novel.
● Bonus: Market if you only have one book published.
● Bonus: Downloadable checklist to help you stay on track.

Finally, you no longer have to take on the challenge of marketing alone. Let the secrets in this book help you navigate the stormy waters of book marketing and help you finally catch your unicorn. Take advantage of this fool-proof method and realize your author potential today.

Click the "Buy Now" button now because you and your book deserve success.

104 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 14, 2020

34 people are currently reading
35 people want to read

About the author

Denis Caron

2 books6 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for Martin Svolgart.
Author 16 books28 followers
September 14, 2020
I feel like I can run a bit faster after reading this book. Maybe I can soon catch my unicorn, then...

I like how this book does a complete walkthrough without being preachy. Some how-to books can be, yet Denis Caron spends more time looking at and weighing options and tools. He does this through a little story of sort that is ongoing from start to finish, and that’s quite entertaining. I certainly related a lot to this main character…in a factual book. But hey, it works! That spin was quite catchy.

This book is by no means a how-to at every level. In fact, the emphasis on the author (not Denis, us, the reading authors) and the journey makes this roughly 25K book a good overall layout for topics to delve further into. Denis Caron has collected a lot of marketing tools, touched upon related topics, debated the use of several methods, and thus laid a foundation for me (an author in need of more skills) to know where to search and where not to waste my time.

I did find a few of the topics a bit rushed, but then again, going to the website linked throughout the book, you find a course, directed at authors who have problems with marketing. In that regard, this book is a taste of or a superficial run-through of what the Denis Caron will then delve into in more detail. That’s kinda neat, since we now know what he has to offer – an author who’s managed what he teaches and one who has years of experience teaching. That’s a qualified combo.

Other than that, Denis Caron manages a pep-talk. I think it truly is almost universal that authors doubt themselves a lot – sometimes even to a crippling point – so the pep-talking was a positive side that I appreciate because this unicorn is one that I’m still to catch. I feel more prepared now, though.

Thank you to the author for a chance to be on the ARC team. I received a free copy in return for my honest review.
Profile Image for Una Tiers.
Author 6 books374 followers
August 16, 2024
This book had a few new ideas that I will use for the launch of Judge vs Pearls. I think you need to read as much about marketing as you can and then apply what is comfortable for you.
Profile Image for Danielle Apple.
58 reviews3 followers
September 15, 2020
Add this to the list of books on writing I wish I had read early on! It's a simple, step-by-step guide to setting up the needed pieces for book marketing. I highlighted several places noting studies done which actually show the influence correct or incorrect marketing has on sales.

I appreciate the candid humor and the story about the relatable author (Jane) who goes through her first book writing and marketing adventure. Further assistance via free, helpful videos and handouts is available through the link in the book. Each visit to the landing page requires you to sign up (then in) to unlock the content, so for easy access I bookmarked the resulting resource page and can navigate there quickly.

I'd recommend this book to all new authors and ones struggling with their marketing.

I recieved an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for A.R. McKinnon.
Author 13 books47 followers
September 15, 2020
Let’s face it writers write. It doesn’t mean we know the first thing about how to market, and I’ll let you in on a secret we say we write because we love it; and that’s true but we ALL want to be the next name to go viral at your book club.

With five of my own books published and some success, but still not able to quit my day job I am the perfect candidate for this book. Like you am searching for the elusive and magical combination for success.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Denis offers strategies for you to follow in a clear cut easy to understand way. The tips he offers along the marketing journey are invaluable and after implementing just a few of these methods I have seen an increase in my social media following.

There were a few technical items where a print copy of the book might preferable to an ebook and I would have enjoyed a section on alternatives to Amazon Ads since the guidelines are very specific and detailed. However this is a very personal need for my own writing and may not be applicable to every author looking to take their marketing strategies to the next level if they are fortunate enough to have their novel and art work fall within the accepted parameters


The book has clear cut steps to follow to help ensure your success and also offers links to additional resources and truly does demystify the murky waters of navigating a self publishing platform, such as ways to hit those all important keywords and get your book seen by more eyes.

Overall a must have if you’re ready launch a successful marketing campaign. 4/5 stars
Profile Image for Mohammed Al Rahbi.
5 reviews1 follower
April 24, 2023
Denis Caron's "Catch the Unicorn" is an invaluable resource for authors looking to improve their book marketing skills. The book is organized into three parts, each of which offers a wealth of practical advice and actionable strategies that can be easily applied to any author's marketing efforts.

Part one of the book covers the basics of book marketing, including defining your target audience, understanding your competition, and building a strong author brand. Part two dives into specific marketing techniques, such as social media marketing, email marketing, and paid advertising. Part three focuses on more advanced topics, such as launching your book and measuring your marketing success.

Throughout the book, Caron writes in a clear and concise style, with many real-world examples and case studies to illustrate his points. He also includes practical exercises and checklists at the end of each chapter to help readers apply the concepts to their own marketing efforts.

As a publisher, co-author, and editor, I found "Catch the Unicorn" to be an incredibly useful resource. The book is well-organized and easy to navigate, and the advice is both practical and actionable. Whether you're new to book marketing or looking to improve your existing strategies, "Catch the Unicorn" is a must-read for any author looking to reach a wider audience.

Overall, I highly recommend "Catch the Unicorn" to any author looking to demystify the often-confusing world of book marketing and take their marketing efforts to the next level.
1 review
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September 16, 2020
Authors who want to actually sell their books are going to want to read Catch the Unicorn by Denis Caron. He starts by empathizing with authors' artistic process and pre-publishing needs. Then he smoothly switches gears into publishing and sales, a terrifying venture for most authors. By spelling out the steps necessary to publish and make money from our books and holding our hand along the way, he demystifies the process. Then, by following those steps, we can see our way to actually attracting readers and selling our books to total strangers! The best part, I think, is that he doesn't leave us high and dry after reading the last word of his book. He refers to his website for even more details, support, and updated information as Amazon and other organizations change their policies. His website makes this book an infinite, vital, living, breathing source of sales information for both new and experienced authors. NEW AUTHORS absolutely MUST read this book and follow his step by step approach to book sales. Experienced authors will be pleasantly surprised at their increased book sales by following his instructions. And the website gives constant updates. Can't ask for more than that.
Profile Image for Lanie Mores.
Author 7 books102 followers
September 15, 2020
I received an advanced reader copy of Catch the Unicorn in return for an unbiased review.

As an indie author, I'm always searching for the most effective marketing strategies to promote my novels. This book was exactly what I was looking for...it covers all the bases of marketing, from book cover design, to determining who your target audience is, editing, gaining maximum exposure, social media, advertising, how to get free book promotions, and everything in between.

The book has an easy-to-follow format, and is relevant for any author trying to establish their name in this extremely competitive field. I especially appreciated the example of "Jane Writer" which showed how the book's concepts could be applied to create my own success in building my readership and boosting my marketing endeavors. In my opinion, Catch the Unicorn is a must-read for indie authors to help them achieve marketing success!
Profile Image for A.R. Mitchell.
Author 26 books2 followers
February 17, 2025
Best book I’ve read for marketing in a long time!
It’s thorough and reassuring without speaking down to writers and it can be used for a writer at any level of the book process… published or not yet published, or having been published and adding more books to your name.
There are links with resources that will further your book marketing and they are kept up to date on the author’s website. That alone makes the book extremely valuable and keeps it relevant.

I appreciated the math aspects in figuring out marketing and book pricing. The stats are from 2019, and things have changed a lot since then, so be aware and do updated maths for your own projects.
(Inflation & Amazon updated their pricing/profits ratios ie: how much the author gets vs how much Amazon gets)

It doesn’t cover every social media aspect or every marketing aspect but sticks to the tried and true best.
Profile Image for Corlet Dawn.
Author 13 books24 followers
September 16, 2020
Being a self-published author can be challenging. Marketing is often the most significant piece and one of the most time consuming if you don't know what to hone in on. I have been chasing a lot of unicorns.
Denis does a great job of breaking down the steps Jane, a woman contemplating writing a book, takes to write and market her book.
I liked that there is on-line material available that couples with the book as well as additional add-ons. I've already used a few of the forms with success.
I would recommend this book to every self-published author. It is well worth it not to have to continue spinning your wheels and chasing elusive unicorns.
I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Sherif Guirguis.
Author 20 books121 followers
September 19, 2020
Catch The Unicorn is a very good book for all self-published authors, but it would be a treasure trove for first-time authors, those will benefit the most out of it.

I have read no less than 15 books on the same subject, attended 6 courses, and Catch The Unicorn really stand out.

Denis Caron uses a unique approach by telling the story of an emerging new author, Jane Writer, as the means to guide the reader through the steps of publishing and marketing a new book, and this works extremely well, especially with authors who are fast to get bored with the usual jargon in similar books.

A must-read by all counts.
Profile Image for Scarlette Ash.
Author 8 books5 followers
September 15, 2020
This book is by far one of the most concise, easy to understand and enjoyable writing marketing novels I’ve read by far. This rivals “Save the Cat write a novel” because it not only encourages the individual to believe in their writing, but tackles the difficult beast of marketing your book.



I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I do plan on buying a physical copy because the book is so great!
Profile Image for Harley Reid.
Author 4 books76 followers
June 22, 2021
So much valuable information in one place

I was recommended Denis Caron by a fellos author and buying this book was a great decision. I have a background in digital marketing for ecommerce and technology but was having trouble putting it togethed relating to my books but this book gave me all the information I needed to ensure I can put my best foot forward.
I can't wait to implement what I have learned.
Profile Image for Valerie.
Author 4 books25 followers
March 23, 2024
This was an excellent and informative read. Catch the Unicorn has given me a plan to begin marketing my books. This book is a must for anyone who is planning to be an Indie Author. You should be reading this book as soon as you begin planning your first book. If you have books and are not sure about marketing. Then start now. This book will be the best investment to do so. Easy to read with great advice and resources. I loved it. This will be one of my publishing ‘bibles.’
Profile Image for Peter McKelvie.
Author 14 books10 followers
April 13, 2021
A great book. I read it quickly, implemented some ideas immediately, bookmarked others and I know I will read it again a few times to really draw out all the useful info within it. Highly recommend this book to authors, particularly new authors looking to work through the mass of marketing information out there and get organised.
Profile Image for Marcy       .
5 reviews3 followers
March 25, 2024
Read this before you finish writing your book

Wish I’d read this 6 months before publishing my debut novel rather than 6 months after. Oh well. This how-to guide cuts through the overwhelming mountain of marketing advice to help new authors pull their work from obscurity. I will definitely apply this plan to my second book!
Profile Image for Diane Weiner.
Author 45 books279 followers
September 25, 2021
Excellent resource

This book was clear and easy to follow with great advice on many aspects of marketing including developing a mailing list, using ads, pricing, launching, and developing a fan base. I read it in one sitting.
1 review
April 21, 2024
Quick read with lots of great information!

This book provides a proven, straight forward, and easy to replicate approach to marketing your book, whether you're a first time author or already have a dozen books.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Bell.
Author 4 books99 followers
February 26, 2021
Wasn't very helpful at this point in my author journey--it mostly told me things I already knew. But if you're just starting out as an indie author, you'll probably get more out of it.
Profile Image for Michelle Deerwester-Dalrymple.
Author 166 books561 followers
January 6, 2022
Good info

This book is well organized and directly to the point on some great tactics for publishing a book, both for newbies and published writers
Profile Image for James Flynn.
Author 14 books38 followers
February 6, 2022
A very helpful guide for anyone who wants to self-publish a book. It gets straight to the nuts and bolts of the process.
Profile Image for L.
466 reviews
December 24, 2023
The very basics. A short book. Not new info. Isn't a bad book, well presented info, just not very deep. Should be more clear it's the very basics.
Profile Image for Bellamina Court.
Author 7 books19 followers
February 21, 2024
Pros: Tons of great information, easy to understand, extra resources available
But, it felt a bit rushed in some areas.
Profile Image for Jennifer Thompson.
Author 2 books43 followers
October 1, 2025
Just the tool!

Every author need to have a copy of this on their tool box. The tips and tricks are timeless and always keep you upbeat. Keep writing!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews

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