7 TIPS TO SELF MARKET YOUR CHRISTIAN BOOK
By Nicky Hackett
So you’ve written your book--and now you want people to read it! Marketing a book can be intimidating and expensive, but it’s very important. God has given you a powerful message that you want to be heard. If you do not have the money to pay for a professional marketing team (as many of us don’t), you should consider self marketing your book. Think of it as an exciting challenge, and lean into it. Although writing is our area of expertise, we have observed some effective self marketing tips we’d like to share:
1. PRIORITIZE FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Most self-published authors use online sales as the primary means of selling books. Unfortunately that means that potential readers will absolutely be judging your book by its cover, website, Amazon page, etc. Focus on the look of your cover. Do you have a look that would grab your attention? How enticing is the blurb for your book? It’s as important as any chapter. Stimulate the reader’s curiosity, introduce characters and concepts, and leave them wanting more. Is your book polished and ready to launch? Mistakes are jarring and disrupt your story like a clanging bell. Readers expect grammar, spelling and formatting to be smooth and consistent. I know you want to be done already, but don’t skimp here!
2. CREATE A SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE
Social media is the main marketing tool of the 21st century, so if it’s not your thing, we highly recommend you FIGURE IT OUT. If this feels too daunting, which young, savvy person in your life might be willing to help you out? Set up an Instagram account and a Facebook page for your book and share the page with everyone you know. Then ask them to do you a solid and share the page with THEIR social media contacts. Remember: This is effective, expected and totally free. After a year, you’ll retire the page until the next book.
3. BUILD A LAUNCH TEAM
Invite a team of 20-30 people to be on your launch team for your upcoming book launch. This should be a group of people who you know have your back and love everything you do. Make an advanced copy available to them for purchase and have them all read it. Send out a weekly email with updates on the upcoming launch and how they can be praying for you and your book. Have them start spreading the word via social media and inviting people to the launch party (more on that in a second) that they think would resonate with the message God has put on your heart.
4. THROW A LAUNCH PARTY
Launch parties build excitement, especially when someone captures the event and posts it on social media. Does throwing a party for yourself feel awkward? Maybe you have a socialite friend who will throw a party for you. Invite everyone you know, and HAVE THEM POST ABOUT IT. Hype the party up on social media before the event, so people who can’t be there will tune in to check it out. This can be a super effective way to get the word out and bring a surge in sales right as your book releases. (During social distancing, think about Zoom parties and drive-by's and other creative alternatives.)
5. ASK AS MANY PEOPLE AS YOU CAN TO POST A REVIEW OF YOUR BOOK ONLINE
Strong, thoughtful reviews build credibility with readers more than anything else. Be obvious and intentional about asking people to post reviews of your book. Readers who would never think to write a review are often willing to post if they know it’s important to you. Try to have a number of reviews ready to go at launch. Be willing to send free copies of your book to book reviewers and bloggers in exchange for a review.
6. START GUEST TEACHING AND SPEAKING EVERYWHERE
Many churches and organizations want to partner with interesting teachers and speakers. Connect with them and offer your services. This can punch your book way beyond your own circle of friends and networks. It’s no coincidence that many authors who sell a lot also speak a lot! Are you uncomfortable with public speaking? Mahatma Gandhi was TERRIFIED. Ask people you know who seem comfortable with speaking, and you will find out that most are actually very nervous! Public speaking is consistently a number one fear, but PUSH THROUGH IT. People want to hear an authentic, deep person like you share from the heart. It inspires us and draws us closer to our own mission.
How do you get teaching and speaking engagements? Let’s assume you are publishing a Christian book, like most of the authors we work with. Do you know a pastor who might let you speak and plug your book? What large men’s, women’s, teen, (etc.) ministries in your area might benefit from you speaking at their gatherings? Who might you approach to find out? Is an organization nearby holding a conference that will bring together leaders of your target audience? For example, is Biola hosting a conference for pastors? How might you get on the speaking circuit for camps and retreat centers? Who do you know with a podcast or a YouTube channel?
7. SEARCH FOR MORE SELF MARKETING IDEAS ONLINE
Many generous authors and marketers have shared their trials and triumphs. Here are some posts I like. I recommend you read these and more, because I have only scratched the surface of self marketing here.
All this may sound exhausting, but you have a powerful word God put in your heart that needs to be known. Get your strength and power from Him and everyone else who supports you. And feel free to contact us. We love connecting inspiring authors to people in our network the same way that others have helped us.
“If you don’t go after what you want, you’ll never have it. If you don’t ask, the answer is always no. If you don’t step forward, you’re always in the same place.” —Nora Roberts, author
Let us not grow weary of doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. —Galatians 6:9
Dream. Do. Done.
