market your book

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 I attempted to research English-language bookstores in expat areas of Mexico, but most of the websites I found were outdated or broken, and contact information was nonexistent.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!

January 2025 Book Marketing Challenge Update

| C.E. Flores

I have several niches for my books and will focus on the herb books this year. If I find this type of activity improves my sales, perhaps I’ll try the marketing challenge on the other niches in the future.

So here’s the breakdown of what I got done in January. Feel free to use the outline for your own marketing strategy.

Focus: Create a Solid Foundation

Step 1: Identify Your Target Audience

  1. Demographics:
    • Age range (middle age)
    • Gender balance (mostly female)
    • Geographic location (Mexico, US, Canada)
  2. Interests:
    • What genres or topics do they enjoy? (herbalism)
    • What platforms do they use? (Bluesky, Pinterest, Threads)
  3. Needs and Challenges:
    • What problems, desires, or questions could your book address?
      1. Understanding the use of native plants in Mexican herbalism
    • Why would they pick your book over others?
      1. It’s written in English rather than Spanish.
  4. Profile Example:
    • Create an “ideal reader avatar” 

Ideal Reader Avatar: Sofia the Herbal Enthusiast

Demographics

  • Name: Sofia Martinez
  • Age: 45
  • Gender: Female
  • Location: Lives in the United States (California), with family roots in Mexico
  • Education/Profession: Educated professional (e.g., teacher, wellness coach, or small business owner). Interested in holistic wellness and cultural traditions.

Interests

  • Primary Passion: Herbalism and natural remedies.
  • Related Interests:
    • Cultural heritage and preserving ancestral wisdom.
    • DIY natural skincare or remedies found on Pinterest.
    • Sharing knowledge or connecting with like-minded individuals on Threads or Bluesky.

Needs and Challenges

  • Pain Points:
    • Struggles to find comprehensive resources on Mexican herbalism in English.
    • Finds most herbalism books focus on Western or Ayurvedic traditions rather than native Mexican practices.
    • Wants to reconnect with her cultural roots or learn more about them for personal growth or teaching others.
  • Desires:
    • A deeper understanding of the traditional use of native plants in Mexican herbalism.
    • Practical, easy-to-follow instructions and recipes to integrate into her life.
    • A book that feels approachable yet honors cultural authenticity.

Why She Picks Your Book

  • Unique Selling Point (USP):
    • Written in English for readers in North America who may not be fluent in Spanish.
    • Combines traditional wisdom with modern accessibility, offering both cultural and practical value.
    • Designed beautifully, making it a book Sofia would proudly display or gift to others.

Platforms Where Sofia Engages

  • Bluesky: Explores niche communities discussing herbalism, wellness, and culture.
  • Pinterest: Searches for natural remedies, plant-based recipes, and DIY herbal guides.
  • Threads: Follows authors and thought leaders discussing ancestral wisdom, wellness trends, and cultural stories.

Sofia’s Day in the Life

Sofia begins her morning with herbal tea, a blend inspired by her grandmother’s remedies. While scrolling through Pinterest, she pins a guide on creating tinctures. During her work break, she checks Threads for quick insights from her favorite authors. In the evening, she unwinds by reading about plants like epazote and damiana, eager to understand their uses in traditional Mexican healing.

Step 2: Define Your Brand Voice and Message

Your brand is how readers connect with you as an author. Clarify:

  1. Tone:
    • Friendly, professional, humorous, spiritual, etc.? (friendly, informative, sometimes humorous)
  2. Core Themes:
    • What themes does your book explore? (traditional plant uses, remedies, scientific research supporting these uses)
  3. Key Messages:
    • What should readers feel or learn from your book? (Readers should come away with a deep appreciation for traditional remedies, understanding that they are grounded in verifiable scientific principles.)
    • A simple tagline for your book/brand (e.g., “Ancient Wisdom, Modern Science: Unveiling the Secrets of Mexican Herbal Healing”).
  4. Visual Identity:
    • Choose consistent fonts, colors, and imagery for your website, social media, and marketing materials. (green/white cactus)

Step 3: Set Measurable Goals

Break your goals into manageable chunks:

  1. Sales Goals:
    • How many books would you like to sell in 3, 6, or 12 months?
    • 20 books per month
  2. Audience Growth:
    • Website subscribers (SurvivingMexico.com at 909. By the end of 2025, 1000)
    • Social media followers
      1. Pinterest
        1. 613 followers  (700 by the end of 2025)
        2. 317 following (500 by the end of 2025)
      2. Threads
        1. 48 followers (By the end of 2025, 100)
      3. Bluesky
        1. 64 followers, 69 following, 68 posts (By the end of 2025, 100)
  3. Engagement Goals:
  4. Marketing Milestones:
    • Host a launch event with 100 attendees. (not possible at current location in rural Mexico)
    • Partner with 5 influencers or authors. (I find connecting difficult, but we’ll see what we can do this year)

Step 4: Optimize Your Author Website SurvivingMexico.com

Your website is your central hub. Ensure it is:

  • User-Friendly:
    • Mobile-optimized and fast-loading. 
    • Clear navigation with sections like About Me, Books, Blog, Contact.
  • Book Landing Page: (LINK)
    • Include your book cover, a compelling blurb, purchase links, and endorsements.
    • Add an email subscription form with a freebie (e.g., a sample chapter). (It’s a website, not a newsletter, so no freebie) Can I add a freebie to the landing page? HMMMM
  • SEO-Friendly:
    • Use keywords that potential readers would search for.
    • Create blog content related to your book’s themes.
  • Track Performance:
    • Install Google Analytics to monitor traffic and audience behavior. (I use JetPack)

Step 5: Design a Content Calendar for the Year

A well-planned calendar ensures consistent marketing:

  1. Start with Monthly Focuses:

January: Plant Healing Properties

Highlight the medicinal properties of various herbs and plants.

February: Cold & Flu Remedies

Share tips, recipes, and remedies to stay healthy during flu season.

March: Spring Cleansing and Detox

Focus on herbal remedies for gentle detoxification and preparing for spring.

April: Garden Planning for Herbalists

Share tips for starting an herb garden, focusing on native Mexican plants.

May: Women’s Wellness and Hormonal Balance

Explore herbs that support women’s health and hormonal harmony.

June: Herbs for Energy and Vitality

Share recipes and tips for staying active and refreshed in the summer heat.

July: Digestive Health and Herbal Teas

Share herbal teas and remedies for digestive health, perfect for summer indulgences.

August: Stress Relief and Relaxation

Focus on herbs like lavender and valerian for calming and relaxation.

September: Back-to-School Wellness

Offer tips for boosting immunity and focus during the school season.

October: Ancestral Healing Traditions

Dive into the cultural and spiritual significance of herbs in Día de los Muertos and ancestral practices.

November: Warming Herbs for Fall

Celebrate autumn with warming herbs like cinnamon and ginger for seasonal health.

December: Winter Wellness

Share recipes for atole or champurrado made with natural ingredients and herbs.

Offer tips for creating herbal punch (ponche navideño) with tejocote and other seasonal fruits.

Dive into the herbs and plants often used in tamales, such as hoja de maíz or hoja santa.

  1. Plan Content Types:
    • Blog posts
      • new plant studies each month (already scheduled for 2025)
      • Updates on community advancement in La Yacata (need to write and schedule)
    • Social media posts (e.g., quotes, teasers, videos). (plants/remedies & monthly book highlights) 
    • Email newsletters (e.g., updates, giveaways). (posts are sent as emails)
  2. Schedule Regular Posts:
    • Social media: 3–5 posts per week. (7)
    • Blog: 1–2 posts per month. (2-3)
    • Newsletter: 1–2 emails per month. (NO)
  3. Use Tools:
    • Tools like Trello, Notion, or Google Sheets for planning. (Google Calendar/Google docs)
    • Social media schedulers (e.g., Buffer, Hootsuite) for automated posting. (NO)

Whew! That was a lot to get done. But hopefully, with the foundation now set, I’ll be able to be more organized with my book marketing strategies. What would you add to this list?

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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!

2025 Book Marketing Challenge

| C.E. Flores

Along with my reading and writing challenges, I want to step up my game a bit on the marketing front this year. What’s the point of writing books if nobody is reading them? So, with a little help from AI, I have the beginnings of a 12-month plan to get my books into the hands of eager readers. 

What I’ll do is give you the marketing suggestions in the first post and then update you next month on how I did with them. Perhaps these ideas will help you in your own book marketing.

Month 1: Define Your Brand & Goals

  • Focus: Create a solid foundation for your marketing efforts.
  • Actions:
    • Identify your target audience (age, interests, needs).
    • Define your brand voice and message.
    • Set measurable goals (e.g., sales numbers, followers gained).
    • Optimize your author website with a landing page for your book.
    • Design a content calendar for the year.

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In Book Hawking: A Beginner’s Guide to Marketing Your Self-Published Book, you’ll learn about simple and inexpensive ways to let the world know about your book.