Market Your Book From the Inside Out

by Melissa Tagg, @Melissa_Tagg

Did you know some of the best keys for marketing your book might be hidden right in your book itself?

We’re talking today about what I’m terming Inside-Out Marketing…or, turning your book inside out to discover your marketing potential.

Say what?

It’s like this: Your story is most likely full of marketing opportunities beyond your hook, your title, your plot. Opportunities to reach new niche groups, create new publicity pieces and even events, expand your social media horizons. Just turn your story inside out and look at:

• Setting—Your setting can do wonders for your marketing potential. Is your story set in an iconic city or landmark? Then ask yourself how you can build a marketing strategy based on that setting. Maybe you film a series of videos on location. Maybe you target bookstores, libraries and reader circles in that place.


• Time period—The same goes for your time period. If your book is historical, consider themed launch parties or events, blogs centered on the time period, and more. Or think about what season your book is set in. A few years ago, my second book came out in the summer...but the book took place during Christmas. So I did a series of "Christmas in July" publicity efforts.


• Character careers or hobbies—Author Lisa Jordan’s second book, Lakeside Family, included a café owner and as part of a blog tour promotion, she put together a coffee giveaway which included coffees, biscotti, books and even a painting of the book’s café logo! What unique careers, hobbies and interests of your characters could you play off of in your marketing efforts?


• Events/Issues—When author Katie Ganshert’s first book, Wildflowers from Winter, released, she explained the meaning behind her title and asked fellow bloggers and readers to share their own “Wildflowers from Winter” story. She had wonderful participation! Are there events, issues, spiritual themes or special causes in your story that might aid your marketing?

Again, the idea in inside-out marketing is to look at the story you have and identify the unique elements and audience-friendly pieces just waiting to be built on.

Did this get you thinking? Turn your own story inside out. What marketing potential do you see there?

TWEETABLES

Market Your Book From the Inside Out by @Melissa_Tagg on @NovelRocket #writing http://bit.ly/2wmlKh3

Your story is full of marketing opportunities beyond your hook, your title, your plot. @Melissa_Tagg @NovelRocket http://bit.ly/2wmlKh3

Turn your own story inside out. What marketing potential do you see there? @Melissa_Tagg on @NovelRocket #writing http://bit.ly/2wmlKh3

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All This Time (Walker Family Book 4) 

Bear McKinley’s past refuses to let go.

Ten years ago, Bear gave up everything—his freedom and his reputation—for his mess of a family. But after years of distance and too many attempts at starting over, he finally has a new life doing noble work in Brazil . . . until his past catches up to him once again. Suddenly he finds himself back in Maple Valley, charged with the care of his missing brother’s children, convinced he’s out of second chances to make his life count. And yet, with every day that passes, these kids, this quirky town and the woman he never stopped missing help patch the holes in his heart. Maybe this is the fresh start he’s been longing for all along. But as his newfound hope grows, so does the mystery surrounding his brother’s activities—and when the threat reaches into the lives of those he loves, it’s clear he can’t run away this time.

Fear holds Raegan’s future captive.

Raegan Walker is fine. She’s happy working a slew of part-time jobs, still living in her childhood bedroom and rarely venturing from her hometown. At least, that’s what she tells everyone . . . and herself. But she can’t help wondering what might’ve happened if she hadn’t abandoned her art so many years ago—and if Bear McKinley had never left. When Bear returns and she’s commissioned for a painting that just might revive her artistic ambition all in one week, it’s time to finally reach for more than fine. But doing so means facing the fears that have held her back all this time, including admitting the secret she’s kept from Bear and her family. With her dream and her heart on the line, how much will Raegan have to risk to finally chase her happy ending?

Award-winning author Melissa Tagg is a former reporter, current nonprofit grant-writer and total Iowa girl. The second book in her popular Walker Family series, Like Never Before, was named by Publisher’s Weekly to one of their spring 2016 Top Ten lists. Her most recent releases include Keep Holding On (Sept 2016) and One Enchanted Eve (Nov 2016). Melissa has taught at multiple national writing conferences, as well as workshops and women's retreats. Connect with Melissa at www.melissatagg.com or on Facebook and Instagram.