Thank you, Thomas!

Back in February/March, while working in my garden (thank you S Texas weather!) I found the Novel Marketing Podcast. I went back to the beginning and I’m now up to episode 285.

I have been listening to other book marketing podcasts for a couple years and released my first book last October. My marketing plan was (seriously - verbatim) “I will use a combination of magic and social media to sell stuff.” For the level of marketing knowledge I had, it didn’t do too poorly. And I’m still selling a few copies a month.

Sadly, at the time you were announcing your final BLB, I didn’t know you well enough to trust it was worth the investment, so I missed out.

BUT…. I’m working to release my next book this upcoming October. Here is my marketing plan overview based on what I’ve learned from the podcasts:

Marketing

Website: DeborahGatchel.com will be my face to the world. This site will host my direct-sales store, blog, classes, and media kit/calendar.

I have a Facebook that I will update occasionally. However, Facebook is proving to be a poor marketing tool for authors.

I have YouTube channel that I probably will use to post any videos I do for my blog.

Blog: I will make regular posts sharing stories and insights I have gained while studying. Blog visitors will be encouraged to sign up for my newsletter.

E-mail: E-mail is proving to be the most effective means for an author to communicate with her audience. My e-mail is currently hosted on MailerLite. As my list grows, I may move to ConvertKit.

·         E-mail addresses will be collected from my website (blog, direct-sales, etc.), via reader magnets posted at various sites specifically designed for such activities, and at in-person events.

·         E-mail newsletter is sent out once a month. It contains stories, insights I’ve learned while studying, updates, and discounts

·         I currently have about 25 people on my e-mail list. My goal is 1,500 by the time I launch my Christmas book in October 2024.

In-person events: I will speak at Christian schools, youth groups, and homeschool groups. I will also host a well-planned launch party.

Classes: I will offer homeschool classes on the craft of writing. These will be conducted online, via the course section of my website.

Other marketing venues I will pursue include: BookSweeps, Good Reads, and guesting on podcasts.

Thank you so much! I just opened my business bank account, but I was exhausted and working on half a brain cell so can’t figure out where I put the account number. Once I find it, I’ll be signing up as a patron and trying to figure out which course I’m going to do first.

You are truly a blessing.