Fresh Start Strategies for Authors in the New Year
What can authors do to keep their book and brand fresh in the New Year? As the calendar turns, take the opportunity to refresh your author brand, invigorate your book marketing efforts, and plan for a successful year ahead. Here are actionable tips to help you make the most of the new year:
- Areas of your Author Brand to Refresh
The new year is a great time to refresh your author website, bio, and press materials and update changes to reflect your accomplishments over the past year. Review and update:
- accolades, book awards, and milestones,
- new education or certifications, clients, case studies, testimonials, blurbs, reviews,
- upcoming engagements,
- media placements and their links/logos, and
- expert and speaking topics to reflect new areas/research/trends.
- Reinvigorate Your Social Media and Content Strategy Presence
Social media is a powerful tool for connecting with readers and promoting your book. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Audit your profiles to ensure consistency in branding across platforms.
- Refresh bios, headshots and update links.
- Plan a content calendar for the next quarter(s) with themes and goals tied to your book and areas of expertise.
- Leverage Reader Feedback
Collect testimonials or feedback from readers to use in future promotions. The wise AJ Harper, author, editor, and publishing strategist, shares a creative idea:
- Create a holiday-themed post that starts with, “All I want for [insert holiday of choice] is Amazon reviews!”
- Explain why Amazon reviews are crucial for authors and encourage readers to write a review—emphasizing that it doesn’t need to sound professional or fancy. A heartfelt review is the ultimate gift.
- Plan for Events and Speaking Opportunities
Position yourself as an expert and keep your book’s momentum alive:
- Research conferences, webinars, and workshops to present or speak at in the new year.
- Reach out to the media arms of organizations (e.g., newsletters, podcasts, magazines) and pitch yourself for Q&As, articles, or interviews.
- Update your bio to include speaking topics and availability.
- Collaborate With Professionals
Collaboration can expand your audience and introduce you to new networks:
- Identify authors and experts in complementary fields to collaborate on podcasts, joint Q&A sessions, webinars, co-authored articles, or panel discussions.
- Podcast swaps—appearing on each other’s shows—is a particularly effective strategy for audience building.
- Tailor collaboration pitches to highlight mutual benefits and fresh perspectives.
These strategies will not only help you refresh your brand but also set you up for a fresh and impactful year. For more information about working with Smith Publicity, email moc.yticilbuPhtimS@ofnI or for more tips and insights, sign up for our newsletter or listen to our All Things Book Marketing podcast.