Episode 166 / From testing out book covers to using spreadsheets to track release dates, Romantic comedy author Deanna Roy shares her tried and tested marketing strategies for self-publishing success. But it’s not all about marketing tactics–Deanna also shares her personal story of finding success in the ever-changing world of publishing and the importance of finding a supportive community of fellow authors.

Intro:

Jami’s author consulting: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorservices

💜 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! We can’t wait to give you a shoutout in a future episode. https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support

Show notes:

• From 350 rejections to self-publishing success
• Advice to new authors: publish a short story first
• Lessons learned about marketing: books that appeal to warm vs. cold audiences
• How Deanna conducts a cover test for each book 
• Tactics to keep income up during emotionally trying times
• Imposter syndrome 
• Indie author JJ. Knight’s journey into traditional publishing
• Exploring a new genre with women’s fiction and the benefits of “hobby books”
• Using retailer recommendation engines to maximize book sales

Author website: http://www.deannaroy.com

J.J.Knight.com

ReadlaughSwoon.com

Other mentions:

Julia Kent on the Emotional Needs of Readers https://wishidknownforwriters.com/julia-kent-on-the-emotional-needs-of-readers-writing-ahead-and-opportunities-in-audio/

How Pippa Grant Revolutionized her Writing Career with a New Pen Name

https://wishidknownforwriters.com/how-pippa-grant-revolutionized-her-writing-career-with-a-new-pen-name/

More links: 

The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast

Jami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/launchplan

Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5

Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/

Resources from the Author and Reader Community to Help Ukrainians