June 2025 Book Marketing Challenge Update

| C.E. Flores

I’m pretty proud of myself for my efforts in June. June isn’t a big seller month with everyone doing summertime activities, but I think my efforts this month will pay off down the line. 

I received several new reviews on Goodreads for the books I uploaded to Muted Muse. I then selected choice snippets and created testimonial posts using MockUpShots, scheduling them to post once a week over the next few months. 

I also used Canva to make some Leave a Review (please) graphics and have them scheduled out once a month over the next couple of months. 

I wanted to share something that I believe could have an immediate impact on book sales.  It’s already affecting mine. I recently tried to order an author copy of one of my own books, only to discover I couldn’t get it shipped to Mexico (where I live). Amazon wouldn’t even let me add it to the shopping cart.

After digging around, I learned that because my books are printed in the U.S., and Amazon Mexico doesn’t have its own printing facilities, new tariffs make international shipping unfeasible. 

On top of that, Amazon raised print book prices in June, so I had to adjust my list prices to reflect those changes.

Print has always been my bread and butter, but with these new distribution and price hike hurdles, I shifted gears. I reviewed all my titles to ensure they were available on Kindle, which involved reformatting and tweaking several manuscripts. That part’s done, but the results? Not exactly encouraging. My Kindle Unlimited royalties for the first week of June barely broke the $1 mark after 10 days. Oof.

So, July’s focus is now all about reassessing and rebuilding my paid ad strategy. With these changes, I’m revisiting every campaign to figure out what’s still worth investing in and what’s not.

How did your book marketing go this month?

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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!

May 2025 WIP Challenge Update

| C.E. Flores

Where did May go?! Somehow, it’s already June 9, and I haven’t had a single moment to update my writing progress. But—today’s the day!

Lately, my progress has looked a lot like this: doing some tedious but necessary tasks (note-taking included), and then undertaking some courageous, albeit mildly terrifying, tasks (also involving note-taking), all in service of the next book in the La Yacata series.

So far, June is following the same pattern—equal parts boring and bold.

How’s your writing going?

June 2025 Book Marketing Challenge

| C.E. Flores

Engage with Reviews — Building Credibility, One Word at a Time

This month, the focus is all about engaging with reviews and using them to build your credibility as an author.

Here’s the truth: Reviews are more than just validation. They are social proof. They help readers decide whether to invest their time and money in your story. They boost your book’s visibility on platforms like Amazon and Goodreads. And perhaps most importantly—they foster trust.

Why Reviews Matter

Imagine you’re browsing online for a book. You see two titles in your favorite genre—one has three reviews, the other has 203. Which one do you click on? Reviews are the modern-day word-of-mouth. They create buzz, spark curiosity, and instill confidence in readers, bookstores, and even the media.

So, how do you get those precious reviews? Let’s dive into the action steps for this month’s marketing challenge: 

✅ 1. Request Reviews from Bloggers and Influencers in Your Genre

Start building relationships with book bloggers and influencers who already speak to your target readers. Craft a compelling pitch and personalize it. In it, mention why your book might resonate with their audience. Many reviewers have submission guidelines, so take the time to read and follow them.

Pro Tip: Focus on micro-influencers too, those with smaller but highly engaged audiences. Their readers trust them deeply.

✅ 2. Use Platforms for ARC Distribution

NetGalley is the gold standard for distributing Advance Reader Copies (ARCs) to librarians, booksellers, and passionate readers who love reviewing. If the cost is a barrier, look for co-op programs through small publishers or author collectives.

Other ARC services include BookBub, BookSirens, Hidden Gems, Muted Muse and StoryOrigin. These platforms connect you directly with readers who are actively seeking new books to review.

✅ 3. Launch a Social Media Campaign Encouraging Reviews

Get creative. Share fun graphics or quotes from your book with a simple call to action: “Have you read [Your Book Title]? Leave a review! It makes a world of difference!”

Consider doing a giveaway. Enter readers who post reviews into a drawing for a signed copy, swag, or a 15-minute Zoom chat. Incentivize without buying reviews (which violates most platform guidelines).

Use hashtags like #bookreview, #bookstagram, or #readersofinstagram to widen your reach.

✅ 4. Share Positive Reviews Across Platforms

Every great review is a chance to celebrate—and to share social proof. Feature reviews in your newsletter, on your website, and across your social media channels. Turn them into Instagram Stories or quote graphics. Tag the reviewer when appropriate (with their permission), and always say thank you.

By highlighting the voices of your readers, you show new audiences that your book is making an impact, and that builds momentum.

Final Thought

It’s not just about getting reviews, the key is engaging with them. Your readers are taking the time to respond to your words. Meet them there. Celebrate them. Show them their voice matters.

Because when a reader says, “I couldn’t put it down,” or “This book changed me,” that’s not just a review, it’s a legacy in the making.

What creative ways have you encouraged or shared reader reviews?

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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!

May 2025 Book Marketing Challenge Update

| C.E. Flores

Marketing a book can sometimes feel like hiking uphill through a foggy forest to me. Like I kind of know where I’m going, but the path is murky, and the tools that work for others don’t always apply in my case. May has been a month of trying, pivoting, and accepting what fits for me, and what doesn’t.

🌿 Local Outreach Wins

This month brought a couple of small but meaningful victories on the local front. La Abeja Reina, a fabulous herb store franchise in town, has picked up my El boticario mexicano book. It’s exciting to see it on their shelves and know it’s visible to my local community, even if they don’t buy it, although there have been a few sales. 

A previous win for me was when a store in Monterrey, Cherokee by Nature, began carrying both the El boticario mexicano book and my children’s book Abuelita ¿Qué vamos a hacer hoy? ¡Hagamos rosca de reyes! Seeing them together in a store that aligns with my target audience always makes me smile!

I also had someone reach out locally this month looking for a children’s coloring book I published. He sent his mom to my door to pick it up since it’s no longer available online, and I happened to have one more copy. It took me by surprise, but pleasantly. 

🏛️ Library Roadblocks

I considered submitting my books to my hometown library, but their rules specify that they only accept works by authors who live in or write about the area. I let that idea go since that’s not my current location or focus.

🌎 Challenges with Broader Outreach

Living in a place where bookstores are few and far between and not in an expat hub makes traditional book marketing tricky. I attempted to research English-language bookstores in expat areas of Mexico, but most of the websites I found were outdated or broken, and contact information was nonexistent. So, for now, that path leads to a dead end.

🏆 Awards and Associations: Not My Scene

Many book marketing tips recommend submitting for awards or joining writers’ associations. I’ve realized that’s not where I shine. Submitting my work to awards feels overwhelming, and frankly, terrifying. Chalk it up to introvert hangups. I also tried joining a few Facebook groups for writers, but my feed quickly filled up with spammy posts and irrelevant content. There wasn’t much true networking happening, so I left those groups in the dust. 

🌿 A Human Connection from a Conference

I attended an herbalism conference in March, and while I didn’t go in with marketing as the goal, I ended up on a list shared with about 600 attendees who wanted to stay in touch. I added around 150 of them on Instagram, creating some organic, mutual interest connections. The rest shared emails, and since I’m not big on cold emailing strangers, I let those leads be. Still, I’m grateful for the connections I did make. 

Conclusion

Marketing doesn’t have to look one specific way. It doesn’t have to be loud, award-seeking, or full of Zoom calls and Facebook feeds. For me, it looks like small, intentional steps: placing books in the right hands, showing up where it feels aligned, and connecting with people who genuinely care.

If you’re an introverted or unconventional author walking your own winding trail, know that your way is valid, too.

What strategies have felt most natural for you when sharing your creative work?

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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!

Circe by Madeline Miller

| C.E. Flores

Madeline Miller’s Circe is a powerful and poetic reimagining of the life of the infamous witch from Homer’s Odyssey. Miller breathes new life into Greek mythology, transforming Circe from a footnote in Odysseus’ journey into a fully fleshed-out woman with agency, depth, and an evolving sense of self.

Born to the sun god Helios and the nymph Perse, Circe grows up feeling alienated and unloved. Unlike her divine kin, she lacks immediate power and allure. Her discovery of witchcraft, through the transformative properties of herbs, marks a pivotal turning point in both the novel and her character’s journey. This moment feels particularly compelling, capturing the wonder of self-discovery and the quiet, grounded magic of the natural world. Her exile to the island of Aiaia becomes a place of liberation rather than punishment, a sanctuary for self-mastery and reflection, an introvert’s paradise filled with solitude, animals, and aromatic cedar smoke.

Miller masterfully weaves in a pantheon of mythological figures, including the Minotaur, Medea, Daedalus, and Odysseus. Each encounter pushes Circe toward greater emotional maturity. The novel explores themes of identity, power, motherhood, and the balance between mortality and divinity with subtlety and care.

However, the ending may feel unsatisfying to some. The reader is never sure if Circe attains her deepest desire. Nonetheless, Circe stands out as a luminous, feminist retelling that gives voice to a historically maligned figure. Miller crafts a tale that is not only enchanting but empowering, making Circe one of the most compelling characters in Greek mythology. A must-read for lovers of myth, magic, and stories of quiet resilience.

April 2025 WIP Challenge Update

| C.E. Flores

Chapters in La Yacata saga have been coming slowly and steadily as we work through our advancement towards independence. Some chapters won’t be published on my blog due to the sensitive nature of the events, but the drafts are to be included in the book. 

I finally fixed the formatting for the Special Edition herb book and republished it along with the paperback and Kindle versions. That’s a load off my mind. 

I also did some editing on the Healthcare book. Overall, I feel like April wasn’t a total waste of writing time.

What did you accomplish this month?

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!