This first appeared on Write Life Workshops in April 2022.
Generosity in Marketing
So much of marketing is about connections. At first, I was uncomfortable with the idea of “selling myself,” but I had a story that needed sharing. I’d been on social media long enough to make that easier.
I’d learned my way around Canva, which is a great asset, and my memes had improved. Pairing the book cover with someone else’s short quote in a meme made for delightful “soft marketing.” It was also a way to be generous to another author, noting what they’d written.
This year, God nudged me (during journaling) not to think of marketing the way the IRS does, as money spent, but as a way to bless individuals and small businesses. Is it worth it? Maybe not monetarily, but in spiritual ways, which God is in charge of, it’s been a joy!
Suggestions:
- Make connections—on social media, local radio and TV, and podcasts about books or your specific subject. People appreciate your positive feedback.
- Make your own memes using Canva. Quote other authors, noting their books.
- Create goodwill. Where does it make sense to donate your book? A museum, school, or library?
- Where can you bless someone by buying an ad that will benefit an indie bookstore or other small business?
- Pray for doors to open and they will, sometimes in surprising ways.
When God is invited into your writing and marketing, you’ll be a blessing to someone else and you’ll be blessed as well.
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Joy Neal Kidney is an author, historian, and story-teller from central Iowa. Her first book is Leora’s Letters: The Story of Love and Loss for an Iowa Family During World War II, the story behind the brothers on the Dallas County Freedom Rock. All five served. Only two came home. Her new book is Leora’s Dexter Stories: The Scarcity Years of the Great Depression. Joy is also a regular contributor to Our American Stories.
I marvel at your skill set AND your big, generous heart, Joy. Thank you for sharing all of this…you embody every single bit. Xo! ❤️❤️❤️
I stumbled into this, Vicki, and you share it so well!
!!!❤️😉❤️!!!
Thank you for these encouraging (and low stress) suggestions, Joy.
Thanks, Liz. I stumbled into them.
You’re welcome, Joy.
Well said, Joy. I think you are very successful with this marketing approach.
Thaks, John. It’s certainly more fun than worrying about “business” stuff.
You’re a very gracious promoter of other authors, Joy. Great suggestions! 🙂
Thank you, Nancy. I think God steered me in that direction and it’s certainly made it more fun. I’ve met so many wonderful writers!
🤗
Added into my marketing strategy. Thanks Joy.
Thanks, Rich!
You are generous, Joy, and you’ve also done a marvelous job getting your books noticed.
Thank you, Eilene.
You’re very talented and skillful, Joy, and nice to others. It’s a pleasure for me to follow you.
Thanks, Tim, for your dear comment.
😍
“Create goodwill. Where does it make sense to donate your book? A museum, school, or library?” This is such a great idea. I find that a lot of for profits miss this. Yes, there are limitations especially for see we of published authors … but I know as a consumer I’ve been moved to make purchases that I might not normally have done because I saw that a small business or entrepreneur or author donated an item! It’s thinking out of the box. Great idea Joy.
Thanks, Brian. A couple of readers have told me which library they donated my books to. Libraries also sell books they don’t keep, so it still benefits them. (I donate new and autographed copies for a local museum to sell!)
That’s awesome!
I, too, struggle with “selling myself.” Great ideas here.
Thanks, Dennis. It’s more fun as well!
Inspirational, Joy, and when we invite God into our efforts, His hand directs the outcome.
Amen, Grant!
Very well done, Joy and thanks for sharing your ideas.
Havin’ fun. Thanks, Dan!