The Literary Ecosystem at Work for An Introverted Book Marketer

Writer: Jennie Liu

When final edits were accepted for my first novel, I was ready to kick back and focus on my new WIP. Then the Author Information Packet arrived from my publisher, including six single-spaced pages of What You Can Do to Promote and Sell Your Book. Gulp. Still, I wanted to prove myself to be worthy, so here’s what happened next.

I began to learn about the literary ecosystem from a class offered by publicity group Gold Leaf Literary. They provided a reality check for expectations and focused on building community with other writers and my local bookstore. My lovely Malaprop’s Bookstore eventually hosted my book launch, but at least a year before that, my kids and I attended an event there hosted by Alan Gratz, one of their favorite authors. I had the extreme fortune of sitting down next to Joanne O’Sullivan who was releasing a novel six months before mine. Joanne did the great favor of blurbing my novel, then suggested it for a feature in the Mountain Xpress, hosted Q&A at my launch, pulled me onto several panels, and she continues to be a fantastic mentor overall. Malaprop’s also asked me to help at other events, including hosting a Q&A for author Amber Smith, who went on to blurb my next novel. And years later, Alan graciously provided a blurb my third novel.

Social media. My agent and publisher both say that if social media isn’t a natural fit, don’t do it. I activated Facebook when I signed with my agent and have kept that to friends and family, though recently I’ve discovered Facebook groups. When I got a book deal, I joined Twitter, and over time, I’ve grown to appreciate it. I wouldn’t say I reach tons of readers this way, but it’s part of ecosystem. I’ve mostly boosted other authors and shared articles related to my titles. I try not to overdo the self-promotion, because it irritates me when I get overexposed to authors and their books. Surprisingly, I’ve connected with teachers and librarians which helps in the YA/MG space. I’ve found ARC sharing groups, discovered conferences and workshops, and watched how other authors developed their career and promoted themselves over time.

I set up my own website!  I’ve also learned to use PowerPoint for presentations and Canva for graphics. For me, this takes so much time, but I can feel my brain cells multiplying and some of it is fun. I still haven’t linked an email list to my website, although I’ve repeatedly heard this is the most effective self-marketing tool.

Cold calling. Asking authors for blurbs is an odious task. Asking people to review one’s books on Goodreads or Amazon, ick. It’s okay when people say no or ignore the requests. People are busy, but they can also be generous if the timing is good. Approaching bloggers and media such as magazines is easier for me.

Publisher’s help. My smaller publisher doesn’t have the money to do a ton of publicity, but they’re good for submitting for trade reviews and awards. Apparently, good reviews and awards really do boost sales.

I was terribly nervous and just awful on my first interview. I joined Toastmasters after that and learned to prepare more. The anxiety has lessened each time, but I limit how much of this kind of thing I seek out.

Conferences. I attended two in-person writers conferences, mostly for fun. I was able to write them off my taxes, and I made connections with other authors who pulled me into events years later.

The Pandemic. Book two released in 2020. Eep. Malaprop’s hosted a Zoom book launch. I did enjoy being free from the self-induced pressure of seeking in-person events. And suddenly online author events and virtual resources exploded with specific topics such as The Author Platform, Email Lists, Reaching Out to Libraries. When my publisher sent leftover ARCs from cancelled conventions, I emailed libraries to offer them a look. Many of them declined the ARC but ordered the novel anyway, others said to send it along, and a few asked me to do Zoom chats with their patrons.

Earning out my advance for book one has taken four years, and the second book is very close just after two years. How much has my efforts contributed to this? Shrug. My sense is just a small amount, but I’ve discovered a wonderful literary community which truly has made the marketing much easier and enjoyable.

Jennie Liu is the author of the young adult novels GIRLS ON THE LINE and LIKE SPILLED WATER. Her middle grade novel ENLY AND THE BUSKIN’ BLUES, highly inspired by her sons and Asheville, releases in February, 2023.

Website: Jennie Liu