1/21/2026

Hello!

When I sit down to write a Broadcast, I want to share encouragement and marketing insights. I want to give you strategies to use right away so you can say to yourself, "I got this!"

Most of time I truly am excited about marketing my books. I look at it all as a puzzle to figure out; understanding the pieces and deciding where they fit. I like the challenge of it.

But I must admit, there are times when I do get frustrated. Last month was not the best month for books sales. Considering the amount of promotions, TikTok videos, a book launch and newsletter swaps I did, I really did expect more sales.

I gave myself a couple days to wallow in my self-pity, then it was time re-evaluate and create an overall plan for 2026. With everything I did in December, I think I burned myself out.

That being said, I knew I couldn't complete stop marketing, because if I did, then sales would surely go down even more. But I also knew I needed to recharge a bit.

I decided I would have a different primary focus each quarter allowing me to put all my energy into one area of my marketing. From January through March, my focus is going to be on building my newsletter list. Using a reader magnet, I will sign up for newsletter swaps, group promos and giveaways through sites like CraveBooks. With my TikTok videos, the only thing I will have in my "link in bio" is a link to my reader magnet.

I'm not going to worry about Amazon ads, or paid newsletter promotions or anything else that is focused on sales... for this quarter. Then April-June, I will switch to a sales focus. And the good news is I can feel confident about my newsletter list and not have to worry about that for a quarter.

I think for Q3 I will look into how I can be a guest on sci-fi/fantasy reader podcasts and then Q4, back to sales.

I share all this to let you know it's ok to get frustrated sometimes with your marketing. But in order to continue to build your author business, you have to get back out there. You may have to make adjustments, that's fine, just don't give up.
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You got this!

Reply to this email and tell me about a time your were frustrated and what you did to move past it.

Happy Marketing!

Kerrie

Kerrie
Booklinker Author Liaison
​Kerrie Flanagan​

​Booklinker.com​

Book Launch Webinar

The Book Launch Blueprint with Aryn Van Dyke, founder of Book Rockstar

Learn the essential elements of a successful book launch from book marketing strategist Aryn Van Dyke, who has worked on hundreds of launches including multiple New York Times bestsellers.

This strategy-first webinar teaches authors to think like publishing pros by starting with clear goals and objectives, then building a focused, realistic marketing plan around them.

Aryn walks through can't-miss strategies that consistently drive successful launches, highlights common mistakes to avoid, and shares real-world examples from both traditional and independent publishing—giving you the clarity, confidence, and direction you need before you start posting, pitching, or spending money.
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👉 SIGN UP HERE: https://booklinker.mykajabi.com/book-launch-blueprint​

"You did not leave a rock unturned... It was both wide and deep, kicking open doors I didn't even know were there." ~Don TBBC course graduate

Special Offer: 50% off your first month, then just $9/month

Stronger marketing skills = more book sales.

👉 Yes! I want to sell more books​

Discount automatically applied at checkout.

👉 Monthly Marketing Tip

Maximize Your Email Signature: Include a link to your latest book or newsletter in your email signature. Every email becomes an opportunity to promote your work. Here is an example of mine. This in an image, but in my signature the websites are all live links.

Branding Workbook

At the Webinar this week, we learned from Amber and Brooke from Andrew's Artistry, the importance of an cohesive author brand. If you want to have a cohesive presence online, in your emails and at events, this workbook guides you through the process.

Industry News & Articles ✍🏽

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🌟 Social Proof Sells Books: How To Get And Use Reader Reviews Strategically​

Books with reviews sell more copies.

It’s not magic, it’s marketing. And it’s called social proof—a concept rooted in psychology and baked into consumer behavior. Whether we’re picking a new restaurant, shopping for a pair of running shoes, or choosing our next weekend read, we tend to trust what other people say. That’s social proof in action.

For indie authors, reviews aren’t just nice-to-haves. They’re a key part of your book’s success story. In this post, we’ll walk you through:

• Why reviews matter (a lot)
• How to get book reviews (without losing your mind)
• Where and how to use them effectively

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🌟 BookBub vs. Amazon vs. Facebook Ads: Authors Weigh In​

We surveyed BookBub partners to learn about how they use three of the most popular book advertising platforms: BookBub Ads, Meta Ads (Facebook and Instagram), and Amazon Ads. We hope their responses help you better understand the differences and strengths of each platform and decide how to best approach your own marketing strategy!

​🌟​ The Struggle Is Reel: Marketing Without Social Media​

Social media is the default way to build a platform, but I’m not great at it. I’m a sloppy poster. I’ll write intros to share my articles but forget to add the link. I proofread my posts, but apparently my eyes have gotten lazy and I make embarrassing typos (their, they’re, there, anyone?)...

Upcoming conferences where you will find me:

• ​SuperStars Writing Seminar in Colorado Springs, Feb. 5-7, 2026
• ​IBPA Publishing University Conference in Portland, Oregon, May 14-16

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