K. D. Phillips, Author

If you do nothing, expect nothing…

As authors, we pour our hearts and souls into crafting stories that we hope will resonate with readers around the world. We dream of seeing our books in the hands of eager readers, of receiving glowing reviews, and perhaps even making a living from our writing. But in today’s crowded book market, simply writing a great book is no longer enough. If you do nothing to promote your work, you should expect nothing in return.

Having written and published two books with a third in the works, I’ve learned this lesson firsthand. Like many authors, I initially relied on my friends and family to spread the word about my books. While their support was invaluable, it quickly became apparent that reaching a wider audience required a more strategic approach.

I started with Amazon Ads—a promising avenue for promoting books in the world’s largest online marketplace. However, my experience yielded mixed results. Despite investing significant sums in advertising, the returns were not commensurate with the investment. The platform’s “pay to play” model, with its complex algorithms and bidding wars, felt like navigating a maze with no guaranteed outcomes.

For authors like me, who primarily write fiction novels, the challenge of standing out in a sea of books is even greater. With every thousand ad impressions yielding only a handful of clicks, and a sale even scarcer, it became evident that relying solely on Amazon Marketing was not sustainable, especially with a limited budget.

So where does an author begin in the daunting task of book marketing?

After reevaluating my strategy, I diversified my marketing efforts to include other channels beyond Amazon. I turned to direct email campaigns, leveraging social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram for targeted ad placement, and invested in a book launch promotion for my latest work, “Fireflies.” Yes, it’s still ‘pay to play’, but it’s reaching a different audience in a different way.

I’ve come to understand the importance of the first 90 days after a book’s publication—the window where Amazon’s algorithms determine the visibility and placement of your book. With “Fireflies,” I’m hopeful that strategic marketing efforts will help it rise above the noise and find its audience.

Marketing is an ongoing journey, and success is not guaranteed overnight. It requires experimentation, persistence, and a willingness to adapt to changing trends and algorithms. As I continue to navigate this journey, I’m committed to sharing my experiences and learning from fellow authors. If you’re also struggling to make your mark in the crowded book market, I invite you to join me.

Let’s share our successes, our failures, and our insights, and together, let’s figure this out!

In the end, marketing your book is not just about selling copies—it’s about connecting with readers, sharing your passion, and ensuring that your voice is heard in a world overflowing with stories. So don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, to try new strategies, and to persevere in the face of challenges. With determination and a community of fellow authors by your side, success is within reach. Let’s make our voices heard and our stories known—together.

Regards,

K.D.