Author: C.E. Flores

May 2025 Book Marketing Challenge

| C.E. Flores

📚 Book Marketing Challenge: Expand Your Network 🌟

One of the most powerful ways to elevate your book’s visibility is to expand your network—building meaningful relationships with industry professionals who can support and amplify your work.

Start by reaching out to local bookstores. Many are eager to feature local authors through book signings, author readings, or even prominent in-store displays. A personal connection with a bookstore manager can go a long way. Be professional, but don’t be afraid to share your passion for your book!

Don’t overlook your local libraries! Libraries are community hubs and often love to support local authors. Reach out to the acquisitions librarian to see if they can carry your book, or offer to host a free author talk, book club Q&A, or writing workshop. Libraries may also have local author displays, writing events, or newsletters where your work could be featured. It’s a great way to connect with engaged readers and build grassroots support.

Next, submit your book for awards and reviews. These accolades offer more than prestige. They add credibility and open doors. Whether it’s a niche literary award or a significant review publication, every recognition helps establish your reputation.

Joining writers’ associations or professional networking groups is another excellent way to stay connected and informed. These communities are full of shared resources, advice, and opportunities for collaboration. They can also introduce you to agents, editors, and media contacts you wouldn’t meet otherwise.

Finally, don’t underestimate the value of attending virtual and in-person conferences. These events are gold mines for connection and inspiration. You’ll meet other authors, publishing pros, and potential readers while sharpening your skills.

Building your network isn’t about immediate results but planting seeds that grow over time. The more relationships you form, the more support your book will have as it reaches new audiences. So introduce yourself, and let the literary world know you’re here!

Local Bookstore Outreach

  • Task: Research 3–5 local independent bookstores.
  • Action Steps:
    • Create a professional pitch email (include your book summary, cover, and why it fits their store).
    • Call or email store managers to ask about consignment, book signings, or displays.
    • Prepare a media kit or one-sheet to attach to your email.

Library Engagement

  • Task: Connect with your local public libraries.
  • Action Steps:
    • Contact the acquisitions librarian to request they carry your book.
    • Offer to host a free author talk, book club Q&A, or workshop.
    • Provide a review copy or direct them to your book’s listing on IngramSpark or other distributors.
    • Ask if they feature local author displays or events.

Submit for Awards & Reviews

  • Task: Identify 3 awards or review platforms that align with your genre.
  • Action Steps:
    • Visit sites like Readers’ Favorite, IndieReader, or local/state literary awards.
    • Note submission guidelines, deadlines, and fees.
    • Submit your book to at least one by the end of the week.

Join Writing Groups & Associations

  • Task: Join 2 writing or author-focused groups.
  • Action Steps:
    • Research national groups like SCBWI, IBPA, or local writing guilds.
    • Join Facebook groups or forums (e.g., Women Writers Group, Author’s Circle).
    • Introduce yourself and your book in each group.

Attend Networking Events or Conferences

  • Task: Attend at least 1 virtual or in-person event.
  • Action Steps:
    • Look up upcoming writer conferences or webinars.
    • Register and prepare a short elevator pitch about your book.
    • Engage with attendees—connect on LinkedIn or social platforms afterward.

Well, these seem a bit daunting to an introvert like me, but I’ll give it a shot!

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Book Hawking: A Beginner’s Guide to Marketing Your Self-Published Book is your roadmap to turning your hidden gem into a must-read!

April 2025 Book Marketing Challenge Update

| C.E. Flores

One of the most powerful tools in your book marketing toolkit is collaboration, especially when you’re looking to grow your audience organically. This past month, I focused on Leveraging Collaborations, and here’s how it went:

🤝 Author Cross-Promotions

I leaned into the #writerslift community on social media, a fantastic way to discover and support fellow writers. My goal was simple: Participate in at least one #writerslift per day. I followed writers in my niche, shared their original posts, and built up mutual support through likes, comments, and shares. It was a great way to connect and shine a spotlight on each other’s work without the pressure of constant self-promotion.

Follow me: 

Instagram

Bluesky

X (Twitter)

Pinterest

Facebook

✍️ Guest Features

Next, I took a more targeted approach by engaging with individuals and creators within my niche. For me, that includes children’s authors, herbalists, and preppers. My goal was to follow someone new every day, which helped me discover fresh voices and content while building potential for future collaborations. Whether it’s a guest blog swap, podcast invite, or social media feature, these little steps lay the groundwork.

📘 Facebook Author Groups

I also spent time in author groups on Facebook, spaces full of writers, readers, and inspiration. I didn’t pitch or promote aggressively but simply showed up and connected naturally. These groups offer more than just promo opportunities. They’re little ecosystems of support, learning, and encouragement.

🌟 Getting Book Reviews Through New Platforms

I added a few of my books to BookBub and Muted Muses. The response was encouraging. I received several new reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, thanks to these listings. It was a small action that created meaningful momentum.

🎤 Seeking Speaking Opportunities (Still on the Horizon)

While I didn’t find any virtual events to contribute to as a speaker or guest this month, I remain open to it. Sometimes, the right opportunity takes a little patience and serendipity. I’ll keep my eyes open, especially for events that align with my niche audiences.

🔚 Final Thoughts

Collaboration doesn’t have to be complicated or flashy. Sometimes, it’s as simple as showing up consistently, supporting others, and being open to new connections. Tapping into other people’s audiences—while genuinely cheering them on in return—creates real momentum over time.

This month was proof that small, consistent efforts in the right direction can yield surprising growth. And the best part? It’s just the beginning.

Did you use collaboration successfully this month? Let me know what’s working for you! ✨

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Book Hawking: A Beginner’s Guide to Marketing Your Self-Published Book is your roadmap to turning your hidden gem into a must-read!

April 2025 Book Marketing Challenge

| C.E. Flores

This month, my book marketing focus is on Leveraging Collaborations: tapping into new audiences through partnerships. While I don’t have any current opportunities lined up, I’ve successfully done this in the past, and I’m revisiting those strategies to inspire my April efforts.

Why Collaborations Matter

Working with other authors, bloggers, podcasters, and influencers can exponentially expand your reach. Instead of relying solely on your audience, collaborations introduce your book to fresh readers who might not have discovered it otherwise.

Past Collaborative Wins

Here are a few ways I’ve leveraged partnerships before:

  • Author Cross-Promotions – I’ve teamed up with fellow authors to share each other’s books through newsletters and social media.
  • Guest Features – Writing guest blog posts and appearing on podcasts allowed me to connect with niche audiences interested in my book’s themes.

Action Plan:

✅ Reach out to authors for potential cross-promotions.

✅ Research blogs and podcasts aligned with my book’s theme.

✅ Identify influencers who might be interested in reviewing my book.

✅ Look for virtual events where I can contribute as a speaker or guest.

Have you used collaborations to market your book?

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Book Hawking: A Beginner’s Guide to Marketing Your Self-Published Book is your roadmap to turning your hidden gem into a must-read!

March 2025 WIP Challenge Update

| C.E. Flores

How is it April already? So, in March, I edited and republished the paperback and ebook version of Surviving Voluntary Exile: How to Overcome Common Obstacles to Making a Successful Life Transition. I also added a hardcover and audio version. I hadn’t planned on making those last two versions of that book in March, but with the current situation in the US, I thought it could be a useful book to anyone thinking of making the switch to a new location, and I wanted to make it as easily accessible as possible. 

Spring has come and I’ve been itching to work on some herb studies, so that’s what I’m going to do in April. I’d also like to keep editing the Healthcare book and adding anecdotes to the Insurrection book. 

What are you writing?

March 2025 Book Marketing Challenge Update

| C.E. Flores

I actually started focusing on creating more content in December or thereabouts. I started posting a plant study teaser with a link to my Exploring Traditional Herbal Remedies in Mexico series once daily. Then, in February, I switched to remedies from the Mexican Apothecary book. 

I created simple graphics in Canva and used an AI generator to write the short blurbs with hashtags for these. I used Google Calendar to set a reminder. With the task function, I popped the social media post there so I could just grab it and upload the image, making it as brainless as possible. Of course, this required some serious prepping ahead of time. 

Looking back, I should have spaced the herb posts out more initially. Instead of having daily posts, weekly or monthly would have been better. Additionally, on the first day of March, I used the wrong image and then had to reschedule the post for another day, so I wasn’t off to a great start.
I also made some graphics from my Surviving Voluntary Exile book. Instead of posting daily, I switched to weekly highlights.

I scheduled weekly book highlights for several of my books to keep the momentum going. It’s not true that if you write it, they will buy it (or if you build it, they will come). Readers have to KNOW about my books, and I need to toot my own horn more so that they do. I made some images in Canva; for others, I used www.MockupShots.com. 

I have been trying to do a WIP challenge beginning in 2024 and continued in 2025, so I have been doing monthly updates on that. I can’t say that my updates are very interesting, but they do provide some accountability for me. Those would be my “behind-the-scenes” posts. 

I opted not to do any videos of me, live or otherwise. I just don’t have the bandwidth for that sort of publicity. I did make some book videos, and that will have to be enough.

As to whether or not these social posts resonate with my ideal reader, well, that’s another matter entirely. 

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Book Hawking: A Beginner’s Guide to Marketing Your Self-Published Book is your roadmap to turning your hidden gem into a must-read!

February 2025 WIP Challenge Update

| C.E. Flores

February was busy, but I made some progress on La Yacata Insurrection. Finding time to write between my actual responsibilities in La Yacata was a challenge, but I got some words down, which is a win.

I also made headway on editing the healthcare book. There’s still more to do, and I need to carve out dedicated time to finish it.

Looking ahead to March, my goal is to update the Exile book. It shouldn’t be a massive undertaking, but, as always, setting aside focused time will be key.

How was your writing progress in February?

March 2025 Book Marketing Challenge

| C.E. Flores

Creating content that resonates with the target audience is a crucial step in any book journey. This month, the focus is on building engagement by sharing behind-the-scenes looks at the writing process, posting excerpts, and using creative tools like Canva to make quote cards and graphics.

Honestly, as an introvert, putting myself out there on social media feels daunting. But I also recognize that book marketing isn’t just about selling. It’s about connection. If I want my words to reach the right people, I must step beyond my comfort zone and engage meaningfully with my audience.

So, here’s to pushing past hesitation and embracing new ways to share my work. Whether it’s a simple teaser post, a quote graphic, or a live discussion (gulp!), every effort brings me closer to my readers. Let’s do this!

Month 3: Develop Engaging Content

  • Focus: Build content that resonates with your audience.
  • Actions:
    • Share behind-the-scenes looks at your writing process.
    • Post short excerpts, quotes, or teasers from your book.
    • Create graphics with tools like Canva (e.g., quote cards, covers).
    • Use polls, Q&As, or live videos to engage your audience.

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Book Hawking: A Beginner’s Guide to Marketing Your Self-Published Book is your roadmap to turning your hidden gem into a must-read!

February 2025 Book Marketing Challenge Update

| C.E. Flores

Focus: Establish platforms to connect with your audience and grow your reach.

Actions Breakdown

1. Create or Update Your Social Media Profiles

  • Focus Platforms: Threads, Bluesky, Pinterest
  • Threads: Build your profile with a compelling bio, including keywords about your book (e.g., herbalism, Mexican culture). Start engaging in conversations related to natural healing or traditional remedies.
  • Follow me on Threads: @survivingmexico
  • Bluesky: Follow accounts and communities that align with your niche. Share insights from your book, such as interesting facts about herbalism, and participate in discussions to establish credibility.
  • Follow me on Bluesky: @ceflores
  • Pinterest: Create boards around topics like “Mexican Herbal Remedies,” “Traditional Healing,” and “DIY Herbal Tips.” Pin visually appealing content that links back to your book’s landing page.
  • Follow me on Pinterest: @CEFloresWriter

2. Join Relevant Online Communities

3. Start a Newsletter and Offer a Freebie

Note: I’m not going to start a Newsletter or offer a Freebie just now.

  • Use tools like Mailchimp or ConvertKit to create a newsletter signup form.
  • Freebie Ideas: Offer a free chapter from your book or a printable guide like “Top 5 Mexican Herbs for Everyday Healing.”
  • Share your newsletter on Threads, Bluesky, and Pinterest to encourage sign-ups.

4. Simplify Access to Your Platforms with Linktree

My Linktree: SurvivingMexico

  • Set up a Linktree or similar tool to create a single hub for all your links (e.g., book landing page, newsletter signup, Pinterest boards).
  • Share your Linktree link across all your profiles on Threads, Bluesky, and Pinterest.

I got some stats for January, which I’ll share so I can compare them at the end of the year.

From Bing Webmaster Tools:

From Jetpack:

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Book Hawking: A Beginner’s Guide to Marketing Your Self-Published Book is your roadmap to turning your hidden gem into a must-read!

January 2025 WIP Challenge Update

| C.E. Flores

January always feels like a fresh start—a time to set goals, make plans, and dive into creative projects. I can’t say I finished anything last month, but I did manage to carve out time for writing and even some editing, which feels like a victory in itself.

One of my main focuses has been La Yacata Insurrection. It’s a project that continues to evolve, and while I haven’t completed it, I’ve made meaningful progress. The obligations that I have to the community have become all-encompassing, and although that makes for a good story, it leaves precious little time to get anything written. I mean here it is mid-February and I’m just getting to the January update!

In addition to that, I did a first edit on Lupita’s Tamalada in English. I’m very excited about this book and want it to be just right before sending it to the translator for revision and the illustrator for pictures. 

While January wasn’t about finishing, it was about moving forward. And that, in itself, is something to celebrate. Here’s to more words, more edits, and steady progress in the months ahead!

How did your writing go?