Did you know that books often face rejection simply because the author isn't enthusiastic about marketing them? It's true. In the vast landscape of publishing, where countless stories vie for attention, marketing plays a pivotal role in ensuring your book doesn't get lost in the shuffle. But fear not, fellow writers, for this blog is dedicated to empowering authors like you to embrace the journey of promoting your work and letting it shine!

Are you gearing up to launch your next book and want to ensure it makes a splash in the literary world? Building buzz before your book hits the shelves is crucial for its success. In today's competitive publishing landscape, creating pre-launch excitement can mean the difference between a book that languishes unnoticed and one that captures the attention of readers far and wide. Here are some proven strategies to help you generate buzz and anticipation for your upcoming release.

As we approach the year's end, authors often find solace in contemplating their creative journey—a sentiment I wholeheartedly share. In our digital age, the realm of AI opens up fascinating possibilities to deepen this introspection. Join me as we delve into how authors can harness AI to gain profound insights into their literary adventures throughout the year.

Ethan Mollick professor at the Wharton School shares his insights on generative AI in his newsletter (which I highly recommend) called One Useful Thing. His take is always intriguing and thought-provoking. His perspectives, from educators to business executives, provide an extensive look at AI's capabilities and its current trajectory. As a book publishing professional, I believe it's essential to approach these insights from our industry's unique lens.

Releasing a novel can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to marketing. With so many authors and books competing for attention, how do you make sure your book gets noticed? I recently spoke with a new author who was feeling anxious about her upcoming book launching here are some of my recommendations for marketing a new novel.

I recently attended an eye-opening conference on Artificial Intelligence: Revolution and Opportunity in Trade Publishing hosted by Publishers Weekly. I was grateful to be one of the speakers and excited to meet other like-minded folks in book publishing. As someone passionate about how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the world of books, it was incredible to learn from other forward-thinking industry folks. Organizers and hosts were Thad McIlroy and Peter Brantley who did a wonderful job curating topics and speakers that were interesting and exciting. Here are some of my key takeaways from the insightful sessions.

One of the best uses of AI for authors and book publishers is getting ideas for book titles and descriptions. However, when working with AI systems like GPT-4, crafting the right prompt is essential for achieving the best results. It's not just about asking a question—it's about asking it in a way that ensures the AI-generated content meets your needs and expectations. Let’s look at examples of creating effective prompts for book descriptions and titles, which is a great use of AI. 

I am no lawyer, so I don’t know the answer to this question, but it is something to consider. Who owns the copyright to the Harry Potter characters? I know the obvious answer is J.K. Rowling, but with the popularity of AI, will that change? Two days ago, I wanted to send a motivational message to my daughter, and I thought it would be fun to do it as Mrs. Weasley from Harry Potter. 

Since I am a huge ChatGPT fan, I used a prompt and let the AI write the message. It was also a way to test the prompt.  (For those new to ChatGPT, a prompt is instructions to the AI. The better and more specific the prompt, the better the output) 

Here’s the prompt I used: 

When it comes to navigating the ups and downs of life, it can be easy to get caught up in stress and worry. But what if there was a way to approach things with a sense of joy and ease? 

When beginning your book marketing journey, it’s best to identify your audience and your goals first. Doing so will act as your "North Star" leading you in the right direction and keeping you on track. 

Let's talk about audience: What is the most common mistake authors make when marketing their book? From experience and asking my book marketing friends, the answer is clear: it’s thinking that their book is for everyone.