WAG Marketing Coalition – Reach More Readers for Your Stories

Ah, fellow indie warrior! Book marketing for us independent authors is a different beast than what our traditionally published peers experience. While they have the backing of publishing houses with dedicated marketing teams, we wear many hats, including chief cook and marketing bottle-washer. But fear not, for even without an army, we can be mighty!

Here’s the core difference:

Traditionally Published Authors:

Marketing muscle: Publishing houses handle major marketing campaigns, including advertising, book tours, and media outreach. The author plays a supportive role, attending events and promoting within their existing network.
Control and budget: Limited control over campaign specifics and budget allocation. Costs are often covered by the publisher, but royalties might be affected.
Focus: Can concentrate on writing and connecting with readers directly, leaving promotion to the professionals.

Indie Authors:

DIY heroes: We orchestrate the entire marketing show! From crafting compelling descriptions to navigating social media, building an author website, and even running ads, it’s all on us.
Flexibility and freedom: Complete control over the message, brand, and budget. We experiment, adapt, and personalize campaigns to our audience.
Hustle and heart: Requires significant time, effort, and strategic thinking. Success hinges on our creativity, resourcefulness, and ability to connect with readers authentically.

It’s a trade-off. Indie authors have less firepower but more agility. We wear the marketing hat but also reap all the rewards (and challenges) that come with it. It’s a path paved with self-reliance, data analysis, and a whole lot of grit.

That grit will pay off! So, remember, fellow author, the marketing journey may be different, but our passion for storytelling and the thrill of reaching readers burns just as bright. Let’s keep hustling, keep learning, and keep those books in the hands of readers who love them!

How can the Marketing Coalition Help?

Whether you are traditionally published or indie there are certain things you will have to do to market your books. One of those is to have your website. That is the place you want readers to come back to time and time again. That is YOUR space on the internet, and no one can take it from you. Next, you must find some social media platforms where book readers go and join in on the fun. We will go over each of the “major” social media platforms and show you what they are all about. Not all of them will be your cup of tea and that is okay. The Writers Alliance of Gainesville’s Marketing Coalition is designed to help you at whichever stage you are currently at. We want to be a “street team” for each of our members and provide support. With each other’s support we can ALL gain more readers, have a little bit of fun learning, and share what we have learned with someone new.