1. In 2020 I had a book published by a new indie press @beardedbadgerpc There was no advertising budget. Little chance of review in traditional press. Or any press. Yet the book had several hundred pre orders. Sold out its print run. And is still being reviewed 10 months later. 
2. I’m not a big success etc etc and who am I to tell anyone? etc etc but the book wouldn’t have sold any copies without social media. So these are my thoughts on marketing.
Make it personal. Tell your story. This is how I found publisher / how I wrote / struggles / successes.
Make it personal. Tell your story. This is how I found publisher / how I wrote / struggles / successes.
3. Mark the progress of your novel. Cover reveal. Pre-order status. Book arriving. Signing. Unboxing. Signing. First sight in bookshop. And so on. @orlaowenwriting @decenthumanbean @ColinBurnett16
4. Don’t be ashamed to retweet praise. If someone says something nice. Thank the person. Retweet it. @Ofmooseandmen @MumblinDeafRo are great at this. Look at Leonard and Hungry Paul. A word of mouth sensation. By engaging. Being kind.
5. Add a picture to your tweet. If it’s got a dog in it all the better. Twitter is pretty instantaneous. A picture catches the eye.
6. It’s a two way street. Engage with other twitter users. It’s a community. I happen to love indie publishers and their books. I follow loads of publishers and their authors. It’s no surprise that I tilted myself at an indie publisher.
7. The more like minded people you follow the more likely you are to be aware of opportunities. @samatlounge often gives a shout out for promotion @DavidNWriter was promoting those books coming out in lockdown. Brilliant work the pair of them.
8. Be positive. Don’t worry about the books you haven’t sold but enjoy the ones you have. The bookshops you’re not in but the ones you are. Remember, just having a book published is a success!
9. There is a whole book blogging community out there. Look at @elspells13 @RobotPisani (and many others!) Find which ones review the kind of books you write. Approach them. They’re a lovely lot!
10. Twitter is fast moving. Don’t worry about boring people. Most people aren’t going to see most of your tweets. If you do cause ennui the worst someone will do is scroll past you.
11. Book give aways are a good idea. People like free stuff.
Don’t be pushy. Don’t DM someone who has just added you and ask them to buy your book.
Don’t be pushy. Don’t DM someone who has just added you and ask them to buy your book.
12. Make your space unique to you. Familiarity is a nice thing. @Ofmooseandmen wish everyone a good morning every day after walking dog. @bertsbooks ask what everyone is reading. @beardedbadgerpc has a Friday feature.
13. Remember twitter is not the real world but it is easy to get sucked in. So be mindful of your mental health. Sure, make your point. But don’t spend too much time arguing. There are plenty of idiots out there.
14. Also remember. Even threads about marketing are marketing. I have a chapbook coming out soon. It’s about how to get published. Kind of.
15. And if you’re interested in a stay at the Flamingo Hotel your room key is available here - beardedbadgerpublishing.com/online-store/S… - staff are welcoming if a little odd. And mostly drunk.
16. And I forgot.
The MOST important thing.
Inflatable flamingos and matching tote bags!!!
The MOST important thing.
Inflatable flamingos and matching tote bags!!!
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