Category Archives: Marketing your novel

May 1, 2026 · 2:42 pm

Free Advertising Advice to Budding Authors

A fellow writer said the other day,

‘It seems you can only succeed with your first novel if have a lot of money to burn.’

I mumbled some incoherent reply, but dwelt on it for a week or so. I decided I totally disagree, although I know what you do need is

time, determination, a willingness to try different avenues and a bit of personality.

Now, I have been in a bit of a lull since covid for various reasons, but many of the strategies I used before that time, are still pertinent today.

Write a blog

  • Prove to the public that you can write.
  • Keep a dialogue going.
  • Ignore the number of likes and comments, just be pleased when you get them and always reply with thanks.
  • Check stats from time to time.
  • Don’t span but be creative as to how you advertise your own book, books. (background to writing, inspiration, location, similar books.
  • Have guest authors and write reviews of other authors.

Use at least one other social media site

  • For graphics and visuals use Instagram or Pinterest
  • For reaching out to authors and readers by snappy phrases, sentences and news use Twitter, Blue Sky
  • For videos there’s TikTok
  • For a mixture there’s Facebook
  • For reaching out to professionals and being serious about your author entrepreneurship use LikedIn

All the above can be free, including writing blogs.

Substack

Explore Substack, the most recent platform on which you can even make money for your writing. Some people have changed from their blog to Substack and have paying subscribers.

In Summary

None of the above are a panacea for lacking in sales of books, or no funds to pay for adverts, (which, incidentally, you can do on many of the above platforms for greater reach) and all need consistency and enthusiasm, reaching out to fellow authors and new and existing fans and readers.

Why don’t you make is a resolution for 2026 to have a go with at least two of the above!

If not, why not?

Happy writing …

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Filed under Author Diana Jackson, Blogs, Inspiration, Marketing your novel, Social Media Networking

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March 27, 2026 · 2:46 pm

Genuine Emails or More Phishing with AI?

I have had many emails recently about several of my books. Here are two examples which write such flattering things about my first novel Riduna:

viewbook.at/Riduna

John writes:

“I came across your book Riduna on Amazon, and I was captivated by how vividly you bring Alderney to life as both a setting and a character. Harriet and Edward’s intertwined journeys set against love, loss, and the pull between home and distant dreams promise a heartfelt and immersive historical tale.

I’d be glad to connect and hear what inspired you to tell this beautiful story of devotion and place.”

Patricia writes:

“It’s inspiring to see how Riduna began with such a strong local presence in the Channel Islands and southern England. That authentic sense of place gives the novel a rare depth that modern readers still crave.

I work with a network of active book clubs across both the UK and the US, helping authors like you connect with readers who love thoughtful, character-driven fiction. These clubs enjoy novels with emotional resonance, history, and a strong setting  exactly what Riduna offers.”

It is flattering to read such emails but the dilemma is getting greater by the day. With A1 able to generate more and more seemingly authentic copy, can I tell the difference?

It’s a tricky world out there!

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Filed under Alderney, Author Diana Jackson, Book reviews, Marketing your novel, Riduna

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February 20, 2026 · 3:05 pm

Planning Book Promotion ~ Technology or Pen and Paper?

My last post looked at my process for writing a novel back in 2010 – 2013

This post is all about planning promotional activities and marketing.

Blog posts and other plans:

I must admit that I now think on my feet with blog posts. If I have a novel just published I tend to write a series on:

  • The research
  • The locations of the novel, real or imaginary
  • The characters (or those I missed out!)
  • Events, for example sales, book signings or book talks

Otherwise I have a monthly book review, occasional guest authors or anything which inspires or interests me in the book world at the moment.

While reminiscing through my box of notes, research, planning and first draft of my second book I was surprised to see how well I thought ahead and planned my blog posts way back in 2013:

Then even further back in 2010, not long after my first novel Riduna was published by Pegasus, I kept lists of notes regularly:

Even an old post its of personal and house matters too 🙂

I suppose this is a little quaint looking back.

Embracing the technical age

I promise that:

  • I have embraced IT for writing and editing now,
  • but also for scanning research docs. I use the internet for research as well as first source materials too, you’ll be please to know.
  • I keep spread sheets of contacts, possible events and outcomes,
  • and another spreadsheet page of research materials and sources,
  • with another spreadsheet page for a list of experts to request that they read through relevant extracts to give me feedback, to ensure my facts are as authentic as possible. I am indebted to such people who are so kind to give their time in this way.

…but I still use a book diary for recording events by hand too, including blog posts and for planning what to do in the next month.

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Filed under Author Diana Jackson, Blogs, Book launch, Marketing your novel

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