Marketing-Help Articles for Self-Published Authors Received Record Readership in 2019

CHERRY HILL, N.J., Feb. 3, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Smith Publicity, one of the world's leading book marketing and publicity firms, today announced that visits to the self-published author service pages on its popular book marketing website (https://www.smithpublicity.com) reached 10,000 during 2019. The high numbers coincide with the massive growth of self-published books, and further underscores the importance self-published authors place on promoting their work.

In addition to its paid book marketing services, Smith Publicity, through its website, has long been an online resource of information for authors. Smith was among the first major book publicity firms to accept self-published books and authors as clients in significant numbers. Also, since the beginning of fast growth in self-publishing, it has provided basic book marketing advice online at no charge. The intended audience for these articles is self-published authors.

The two website pages that received a combined 10,000 visitors during 2019 are the recently updated free-advice page "110 Book Marketing Ideas to Sell Your Book in 2020" (https://www.smithpublicity.com/110-book-marketing-ideas-to-sell-your-book/) which received 5,250 unique visits; and, the firm's page promoting its services "Self-Published Book Marketing Services" (https://www.smithpublicity.com/self-published-book-marketing/), which received 4,750 unique visitors.

Dan Smith, CEO and Founder of Smith Publicity, says that while there are many crossover elements, self-published authors and books require specific strategies, tactics, and campaign aspects to achieve maximum sales and to build author brands.

"The stigma of self-publishing is long gone, media look for quality content, regardless of how it's published," says Smith. "However, self-published authors still lack the backing and support of a traditional publisher. Everything is on the author, from editing and design to promotion and marketing; independent authors must ensure it is all done, and done well."

The self-publishing 'revolution' is a revolution no more; self-publishing is a confirmed, massive segment of the publishing industry. And, it's showing no signs of slowing.
While numbers for 2019 are still being gathered, consider these facts published by Bowker:

•     Since 2013, ISBNs for self-published titles have increased 213%
•     Between 2017 and 2018, self-publishing grew 40%
•     In 2013, 461,438 ISBNs were issued; in 2018 1,677,781 were issued.

In addition to promoting traditionally published books, Smith Publicity is the leading book marketing agency for self-published books. The firm was at the forefront of the digital self-publishing eruption, having promoted self-published books since 1997.

Dan Smith stresses five particular elements self-published authors should always keep in mind when writing, publishing and marketing a book:

1.    Original content for marketing – Smith notes that the most effective campaigns, especially for non-fiction self-published books, almost always included original content written by the author in the form of byline articles, thought leadership piece or op-ed. "Media love ready-made content which they can publishing as is."

2.    Social Media-"In our experience, social media is now one of the most important credibility-establishing aspects of book marketing," says Smith. He says that ideally, authors should begin building a social media presence three-to-six months before a book is published. Experts stress that authors should not stretch themselves too thin, and should typically focus on two social media platforms. Twitter is the most popular for all books, while LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook are well-suited for specific genres.
Dan Smith adds: "Two very important things self-published authors should remember: Don't be overly promotional on social media, provide good information and establish authentic relationships. Secondly, it is better to not have any social media presence than to have accounts that haven't been updated in months and appear dormant."

3.    Get professional help– Unless an author has the time and talent to self-promote, Smith says every author should try and hire a book publicity agency or book publicist. Self-published authors do not have the support a traditional publisher provides. According to Smith, "Too many authors thing book publicity is easy. It's not. It requires a specific set of skills and resources. Even if an author has a limited budget, there are things a professional can still do that can make a big difference."

4.    Amazon Optimization– If you're self-published, you need to take the time to make your Amazon page as robust as possible, and ensure all elements to enhance discoverability are included. "Make sure you have a compelling, carefully worded book description with searchable keywords, and be very careful and deliberate when selecting genre categories," adds Smith.
5.    Website – Smith notes: "A quality, professionally designed author website isn't optional in a book marketing campaign, it's mandatory." Again, Smith says, without the visibility a traditional publisher can provide on their company website and elsewhere, self-published authors must ensure they have a strong, well-designed online presence.

About Smith Publicity
Smith Publicity, billed as "an equal opportunity book marketing firm," has promoted over 4,000 authors and books since 1997. It is the most prolific book marketing agency in the publishing industry. The firm works with projects ranging from self-published, first-time authors to New York Times bestsellers released by major publishers.http://www.SmithPublicity.com

SOURCE SMITH PUBLICITY

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