The super secret marketing tip no one talks about

Want to know a "super secret" tip for book marketing?

I say "super secret" because this is something most people don't talk about. But I think that not only should we talk about it, we need to talk about it.

Here it is...

As an author, you can feel like rockstar by shifting your mindset and setting realistic goals that you can reach.

I see so many authors plagued by disappointment during their book launch when they've just released an incredible book. What should be an exciting and proud time turns into a pity party.

This can be avoided with the right expectations.

So here are some quick tips to keep in mind...

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Know your venue?

If you've been on my newsletter long enough you might know that I write and record music as a creative hobby.

As a musician, I have dreams of playing at a venue like Madison Square Garden with thousands of people singing along to every word of my songs. But I know that my current reality is playing to a bar with seating for 20 people.?

Here's the thing...when I get 20 people to come fill those seats I feel incredible--like a rockstar--because I know I worked hard to fill the venue I'm playing at. If I can consistently sell out shows at this venue, then I can eventually move to somewhere bigger.

The same goes for you!

Don't let your dream of being a mega-bestselling author go, but make sure you're approaching your book launch with the appropriate expectations. Carve some space in your niche and stay focused on filling up your "seats" in this space first.

When you do that you'll find you're more excited and confident to give it all you got.

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Get familiar with industry statistics

I don't think these numbers are talked about enough, but they are crucial for goal-setting.

• The average traditionally published nonfiction book sells 250-300 copies in the first year
• On average, 1-2% of your platform (social followers, email subscribers, etc) will preorder a book, and 5-10% will order within the first few weeks of release
• Indie authors who make $1,000-2,500 per month have an average of 20 books published (according to Written Word Media's State of Indie Authorship report)
• On average, you need 5,000+ sales (of a single ISBN) in a one-week period to hit the USA Today Bestseller list, and 12,000-15,000+ to hit New York Times (plus, NYT will only consider traditionally published books and is known to use editorial discretion over sales data in their selection)

^ These numbers and statistics can help put things into perspective and allow you to set realistic goals for your book.

When you set goals that you're able to reach, you'll feel more motivated to keep going when you hit your milestones.

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A win for you is a win for your reader

It can be tough for authors to promote themselves and their work. So try reframing your mindset.

Remember why you wrote the book. Think of what your book will provide for your reader.

• For nonfiction authors, it's likely what you share in your book can have a large impact on your reader's life
• For fictions authors, it's likely your story will help provide an escape and and entertainment for your reader

Sure, a book sale is a win for you, but think about it more as a win for the reader who is picking it up and reading the pages.

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Whenever you're ready, here's how I can help you level up your marketing strategy:

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1. One Hour Consultation: In this 60-min session we can work through problem areas in messaging, Amazon metadata, social media strategy, email list building strategy and more. If you're looking for a quick diagnosis and a tailored action plan for your book marketing, book a consultation here.
2. 1:1 VIP Experience: With this 8-week program, I'll work one-on-one with you to create a customized marketing plan for your book that you can implement with confidence, making you feel like a rockstar. You walk away from this experience with a full marketing toolbox and clarity on how to get your book in front of more readers. Book a free discovery call to learn more about the program and everything it includes here.

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Keep rocking?????

Aryn Van Dyke

Founder, Book Rockstar