Podcast: Nurturing Creativity and Marketing Mindsets for Authors
We invite you to listen to the podcast, highlights below:
Embracing Author Conferences
Jennifer recently attended two significant conferences: NINC (Novelist, Inc.) and AuthorNation. Both events served as excellent platforms for authors to collaborate, network, and learn from each other. Jen highlighted how these conferences provide an opportunity to witness a diversity of author business models and trends, offering new ways to be effective and profitable.
Trends in Book Marketing for 2025
The book marketing landscape is constantly evolving, and Jen shared some emerging trends that both fiction and nonfiction authors should consider for 2025. One key trend is the innovative ways authors can market their books, including serialization and leveraging platforms like YouTube and podcasting. While platforms like Amazon’s Vela program are phasing out, new opportunities continually arise for creative storytelling and reaching readers.
Lessons from Romance Authors
Romance authors are particularly adept at staying ahead of the curve in the book industry. Jen discussed how romance authors are not only meeting their readers’ high demand but are also exploring cross-genre storytelling. These authors often embrace a business-minded approach, thinking strategically about launching and maintaining their writing careers.
Navigating the Challenges of Book Marketing
Authors often struggle with marketing because it can be overwhelming and intimidating. Jen emphasized the importance of distinguishing between strategy and tactics. Effective book marketing requires planning and experimenting, akin to the thorough research and testing large corporations undertake before launching a campaign. Authors need to allow themselves the grace to experiment and learn from their marketing efforts.
Social Media: Connection vs. Outreach
Social media remains a valuable tool for authors, but its role is shifting. Instead of solely focusing on broad outreach, authors might consider using social media as a way to connect with their existing fan base. Jen suggests repurposing content and using platforms to create meaningful interactions with readers interested in their work.
Nurturing Creativity
Creativity is a skill and a resource that needs nurturing. Jen shares that fostering creativity involves self-care, setting boundaries, and surrounding yourself with supportive people. Authors should recognize creativity as something that can be cultivated and protected through practices like stretching, taking breaks, and engaging with a like-minded community.
Resources and Support for Authors
If you’re interested in taking your writing or marketing to the next level, consider reaching out to Jennifer Greybeal. She offers a free 30-minute coaching session for new clients to explore whether her services align with your needs. Jen also provides a six-week coaching intensive aimed at helping authors refine their strategies and overcome overwhelm.
In conclusion, whether you’re an aspiring writer or a seasoned author, embracing the evolving nature of creativity and marketing can be a significant force in your literary journey. Remember, it’s not about being perfect but continuously learning and adapting to find success in your writing career.
About Our Guest: Jen Graybeal (she/her) is dedicated to empowering authors through encouraging feedback, collaborative problem solving and gently-applied tough love. In ten years of coaching, workshops, and editing projects, she has helped over a thousand authors create stories they are proud of and businesses that align with their individual vision of success. Jen is a Certified Creativity Coach with a degree in English, an ever-expanding TBR pile, and a furball assistant that is usually on her lap. Visit her website for client testimonials at www.jengraybeal.com or follow her on Instagram, Threads, Blue Sky, and TikTok: @JenTheEditor.
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