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 …
Diana Jackson 