Like raising a child or watching an oak tree grow, creating a book takes a long, long time. Once the process is finished, euphoria fills the mind and spirit. Authors have been known to become so giddy with joy once they’ve completed a project, the celebration goes on for weeks.

Yet the truth is, the work has only begun. Now, the author must publicize and market the book.

This transforms a typically introverted writer into a cringing basket case of fear and insecurity. No more quiet moments creating poetry or prose in front of the computer. Now it’s time to design and find the best price on marketing materials, learn about swag, update information on social media, and send out press releases. Don’t forget to schedule a launch, seek reviews, sign up for in-person and on-line events, arrange interview opportunities, and hold as many signings as possible. A presentation or two doesn’t hurt either (unless nobody shows up, in which case the author must frantically attempt to lure in random browsers). Book tour? That will mean a drive around the countryside to stop at locations kind enough not to bolt the door. Oh yes, and don’t forget about setting up that glorious display table so people will stop to look at your book and maybe even (gasp!) buy it.

With three books releasing during a three month time span, I’m into marketing mode. I can’t pretend to understand the mysterious algorithms of Amazon yet, but I’m working on it.

In case you’re in the same boat, here are five tips I’ve learned (so far) about author marketing.

1. Don’t try to do everything at once. Devote a portion (an hour or so) of your day to marketing/social media efforts. A burned out author (or marketer) cannot be effective, much less retain their sanity.
2. Utilize your network of author friends to cross-promote each other’s work. United we stand, divided we…well, you know the rest.
3. Use the social media platforms you like best. No one can manage them all, unless you have a publicity team. In that case, you don’t need my advice.
4. Focus on ways to connect, entertain, and inform. Many claim social media should be 90% giving, rather than constant “buy my book” posts.
5. Be sincere. You can’t hide fake, so don’t even try. Remember you’re unique and fabulous, so be yourself!

I hope these tips help those who may be suffering from marketing angst. Stay strong and confident, writer peeps. You can do this!

Within the tornado of introducing new books to the world (check my events tab for details), the cool opportunity for a radio interview popped up that I wanted to share. (And by the way, don’t forget radio as a possible place to get the word out.)

St. Louis area peeps, please tune in to 550 KTRS radio on Monday, July 30 at 11:35 a.m. Co-author Sheree K. Nielsen and I will be on the air with Jennifer Blome to talk about Midnight the One-Eyed Cat. Can we get through our allotted eight minutes without a faux pas?

You’ll have to tune in to get the answer.

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Pat Wahler is the author of I am Mrs. Jesse James, releasing August 28, 2018 and Let Your Heart Be Light: A Celebration of Christmas, releasing October 2, 2018. She is co-author of Midnight the One-Eyed Cat, releasing September 4, 2018.