insecure writers support group, sale, writing

Book Marketing #IWSG

Time to share our doubts, fears, and triumphs at The Insecure Writers Support Group–author Alex Cavanaugh’s brainchild.

THANK YOU to this month’s co-hosts: Rebecca Douglass, Ronel Janse van Vuuren, Cathrina Constantine, and Jacqui Murray!


July 1 question – Is there anything you’d like to see changed, added, and/or rearranged about the book publishing industry?

As a self-published author, I understand that all marketing falls on me (more on this later). But before moving to self-publishing, I signed with a small publisher, where I was still largely responsible for promoting my books. I also hear that authors with the Big Five publishers have to spend a lot of time on marketing. If I could change one thing, it would be more help with promotion so that authors could focus on what they do best: writing.

Speaking of marketing, I had a fun time at Books in Charleston on June 20. I bonded with readers and authors who are also from Ohio (I’m holding Ohio State University’s mascot, Brutus Buckeye, in the photo.)

I experienced a small-world moment upon discovering that the author next to me, Kirsten Pursell, is also a swimmer. Even weirder, we unknowingly raced each other in May! Though I hadn’t competed since 2018, I decided to attend master’s nationals this year at nearby Greensboro, NC. Kirsten bested me in the longer race (200 I.M.) and I prevailed in the shorter one (100 I.M.)

I also scored a Book Bub free deal for Blocked, book one of my sports romance trilogy, in June. There were 7,900 downloads that I hope will translate to reviews and sales for the series.