Great Sources of Advice

One of the best sources of book marketing advice may be something you already listen to every day—podcasts. Book marketing podcasts are filled with practical ideas, publishing trends, and real-world experiences from authors and industry professionals. I regularly listen to several publishing podcasts, including Mark Dawson’s. Here is advice from episode #382: “You must market your book with Honorée Corder.”

Honorée Corder is the author of more than fifty books. On podcast episode #382, she discusses her new books that focus on nonfiction (some of her advice will also apply to fiction). Here are a few nuggets:

Practical Book Marketing Advice

One idea that stood out immediately was this:

• Use your nonfiction book as a calling card. It sets you apart.

I completely agree. One of my author clients uses his book to generate new businessopportunities and establish credibility in his field. A well-written book can become much more than a product—it can become a marketing tool, a conversation starter, and a professional introduction.

• Three ways to market your book that move the needle:
1. Be on a podcast.
2. Create a high-content newsletter (email) in small bites.
3. Meet people (leave the house)! Get face-to-face.

Simple advice, but extremely effective.

Honorée’s formula for writing

Her second book is also geared to nonfiction. I think her ideas listed below are important to any genre:

1. Make your book easy to read

Aim for clarity and readability. Many successful books are written at approximately a seventh-grade reading level, making them accessible to a broader audience.

2. Make your book easy to remember

Readers should easily recall your name, your title, or your characters. Memorable branding matters.

3. Make your book easy to share

Word-of-mouth marketing is still one of the most powerful forms of promotion. Readers are more likely to recommend books with titles and concepts that are easy to explain and remember.

Based on my experience as a book designer

1)  Use Microsoft Word to check readability and level statistics. There are other reading-level products, too. You might need to do this if you’re doing a children’s or a technical book.
2)  Example of a title: The Last Helicopter is easy to remember. The author used a focus group and beta readers who came up with this great title.
3)  Refer books you enjoy to friends. How many times have you done this? I have, many times!

Finally

Although I haven’t read Honorée Corder’s books yet, I gained valuable insight from her interview. After listening to the episode, I immediately followed her work and subscribed to her email list. I’m glad I took the time to listen because the conversation was filled with practical, substantive advice I can share with the authors I work with.

Podcasts continue to be one of the easiest and most accessible ways to learn about publishing, marketing, and writing craft. Sometimes a single interview can spark an idea that changes the way you approach your entire book marketing strategy.