So much has changed in the world and the book business during the last two years. Many writers' heads are spinning, trying to keep up with the publishing industry. What kind of books are selling today? What subject matters? What are agents looking for? How do you market in these changing times? The following articles, columns, and blog posts will help answer these and other questions to assist you in your journey to write and sell your book (no matter what stage you are in).
Understanding some of the concrete changes helps reveal the new landscape:
In terms of marketing:
- Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are the three most common social media platforms used by marketers.
- More than 300 million people worldwide use Pinterest every month.
- Google is the most popular website; YouTube is second.
- TikTok was the fastest-growing social media app of 2020.
In terms of book publishing:
- The number of independent bookstores increased in 2020 and 2021.
- From January to August 2021, bookstore sales were up 39.5% over the same period in 2020.
- Adult fiction had a 24.3% sales increase in October 2021.
Writing Resources
Fortunately, there remain many excellent resources for writers today.
- “How to Like What You Write.” In her Agents and Books column, author and literary agent Kate McKean shares what she did to start loving to write again. She changed her mindset about several aspects of writing that we all know and hate: the fear of failure, others' opinions, and speed, among others. She encourages other writers to put their heads down and stay in their own lane and write.
- Lucinda Literary is a great resource for authors. The literary management firm offers courses, free resources, and up-to-date blog posts covering a wide range of topics for soon-to-be-published and book-launching authors. If you sign up for its newsletters, you'll get unique, insightful, and focused advice on the publishing process. For example, “How to Use Your Literary Agent” suggests key ways to engage your agent and leverage his or her advice. It addresses how to consult your agent on any sweeping editorial revisions and get his or her opinion on your website and social media presence. Involve him or her in your book's key milestones. Most importantly, have frank discussions on what he or she can and can't do for your book. In case you needed any more of a reason to sign up for Lucinda Literary's newsletters, you'll also get access to valuable resources, such as “Your Essential Checklist: 6 Things Every Book Pitch Needs” and “Magnetize Your Social Media: 16 Dos and Don'ts for Authors.”
- The Authors Guild is the oldest and largest community of writers. It protects authors' rights, offers webinars, reports on the latest publishing news, and offers guides for budding and seasoned writers. You can join one of its regional chapters to find other writers who either have been or are currently on the same path as you. The Authors Guild shows how strength in numbers makes for an easier, more pleasant publishing experience.
- “How to Build and Manage a Book Launch Team.” Sarah Gribble at the Write Practice shows how authors don't need to go it alone when launching their new book. With a healthy mix of planning, asking, and engaging, your book launch will be successful as well as fun.
If you know of any other articles or blog posts that can help other writers promote their work, please share them in the comments below.
Copyright © 2021 by Sharon Goldinger. If you would like to reprint this article, please contact the author directly at pplspeak@att.net for permission.
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