The Marketing Coalition was established to help authors who are members of the Writers Alliance of Gainesville (WAG) to market their works.
WAG is happy to have Jolene MacFadden serving as the new volunteer coordinator of the group, which meets by Zoom* at 10:00 a.m. on the third Monday of each month. The Zoom address is the same each month (see below).
As Jolene says: “Most authors prefer to just write! But marketing is a necessary aspect of the business of writing. The more we learn and are willing to share, the better each of the Marketing Coalition sessions will become, and our businesses will grow.”
The 2025 calendar follows this article.
At each meeting, Jolene or a volunteer will discuss different aspects of marketing. Speakers will share what has worked for them and tips and ideas that other authors can try. Most of all, we want to harness the power of the group to help each of us build our businesses as authors.
The meetings are for general information, and in between, members of the group may send out pertinent marketing strategies they have learned since the previous meeting. They will also share links to upcoming learning sessions that are available on the web.
For more information on the Marketing Coalition, take a look at WAG’s YouTube Channel that Jolene set up. If you wish to join the group, sign up on the YouTubeChannel or here. Also, for anyone who does not know, WAG has a private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/347111752667996/
Jolene’s talents and interests are eclectic. She excels in writing, website design, crafts, and marketing, and she is an active blogger and podcaster who is committed to assisting aspiring writers.
She also manages multiple online businesses. On Books and More, you will find her published works and a vast collection of new and used books. Learn about her website design services on Jolene’s Websites and More.
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*Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81913659127?pwd=a1hTQWl1WVphTUxBOWdVWE9oV2ljQT09
Meeting ID: 819 1365 9127
Passcode: 119030
2025 calendar
Here’s the calendar with the date and descriptions for each Writing Business Presentation, key points to highlight, social media post ideas, and photo suggestions to boost engagement and participation. These topics are tailored to help Writers Alliance of Gainesville members grow their following, gain more readers, and achieve success in the writing business.
March 17, 2025
Navigating the World of Book Reviews
Description:
We’ll discuss how to get honest and impactful book reviews from readers and reviewers and how to use them effectively.
Key Points:
- Where to find book reviewers (Goodreads, Bookstagram, bloggers).
- How to approach readers for reviews.
- Responding to reviews: handling negative vs. positive feedback.
- Using reviews to build credibility and boost sales.
- The importance of review aggregation sites (NetGalley, Edelweiss, Storygraph, Goodreads).
April 21, 2025
New Places to Sell Your Books in Person
Description:
Explore unconventional places where authors can sell books directly to readers, from farmers markets to local shops, and how to approach these venues.
Key Points:
- Identifying local spots for book sales (coffee shops, bookstores, markets, fairs).
- Pitching your book to local businesses for consignment.
- Building relationships with community spaces to host events.
- Leveraging local libraries and schools for book talks.
- Benefits of small, direct sales versus online sales.
May 19, 2025
Hosting Book Signings in Local Bookstores
Description:
Learn how to approach local bookstores to host a book signing, and what makes an event successful.
Key Points:
- How to pitch a bookstore owner effectively.
- What makes a great book signing (timing, promotion, audience engagement).
- Building a fanbase before the event (via social media and newsletters).
- Creating an event atmosphere that draws in readers (decor, music, snacks).
- After-event follow-up: thank-yous, pictures, and reviews.
June16, 2025
Must-Haves for Self-Publishing Success
Description:
This month, we’ll break down the essential tools, resources, and strategies every self-published author needs to succeed.
Key Points:
- Choosing the right self-publishing platform (Amazon KDP, IngramSpark).
- Formatting and designing your book for print and ebook.
- Creating a professional cover design that sells.
- Setting up your book for distribution and marketing.
- Legal considerations: ISBNs, copyright, and taxes.
July 21, 2025
How to Attract a Literary Agent
Description:
Learn how to get the attention of literary agents, from crafting the perfect query letter to networking in the industry.
Key Points:
- Researching and identifying the right literary agents for your work.
- Writing a strong query letter and synopsis.
- How to handle rejections and feedback.
- Networking at writing conferences and events.
- What agents are looking for in a manuscript.
August 18, 2025
Content Marketing for Authors: Blogging & Beyond
Description:
Explore how blogging, podcasts, and video content can enhance your author platform and attract more readers.
Key Points:
- Starting a blog: choosing topics, writing styles, and frequency.
- Using video platforms like YouTube or TikTok to connect with readers.
- How podcasts can help you establish authority in your genre.
- Cross-promotion strategies for different content types.
- Leveraging your content to build your mailing list and sales.
September 15, 2025
Building Your Newsletter & Growing Your Subscriber List
Description:
In this presentation, we’ll discuss strategies to grow your newsletter subscriber list, craft engaging emails, and maintain regular contact with your readers.
Key Points:
- The importance of an email list for authors.
- How to incentivize sign-ups (exclusive content, free ebooks, etc.).
- Effective newsletter formats and frequency.
- Tools for managing newsletters (e.g., Mailchimp, Substack).
- Best practices for growing a subscriber list.
October 20, 2025
Effective Social Media Strategies for Authors
Description:
Learn how to build your brand on social media platforms, create engaging content, and convert followers into readers.
Key Points:
- Choosing the right social media platforms for your audience.
- How to post consistently without burnout (content batching, scheduling tools).
- Engagement strategies: polls, questions, and direct interaction.
- Using visuals (graphics, book covers, behind-the-scenes) to attract followers.
- Collaborating with other authors, bloggers, or influencers.
November 17, 2025
Preparing for Book Festivals as a Vendor
Description:
This session will guide you on how to prepare for a book festival, from setting up a booth to engaging festival-goers and making sales.
Key Points:
- What to include in your festival booth setup.
- Engaging with attendees: pitches, signing, and giveaways.
- Best practices for marketing before, during, and after the festival.
- How to network with other authors and publishers at events.
- Tips for standing out in a crowded festival environment.
December 2025 – No meeting