Online for Authors Episode 7-4-26

​One Tiny Step a Day: The Surprising Truth About Selling Books with Author Lorie Kleiner Eckert

​Today, I'm thrilled to share insights from my recent conversation with the remarkable Lorie Kleiner Eckert. As an accomplished author with years of experience in the publishing world, Lorie offers invaluable advice on how to tackle the sometimes daunting task of marketing your book. If you're a writer looking to refine your marketing strategy, you're in the right place. Let's dive into Lorie's expert tips and personal anecdotes on navigating book marketing.

Listen to the Audio Version

Watch the Video Version

Lorie's Journey in Publishing
Lorie Kleiner Eckert brings decades of experience to the table, having published five books across a variety of platforms, including traditional publishing and self-publishing. Her journey provides a comprehensive view of the evolving challenges authors face. Lorie humorously notes that in the early days of traditional publishing, her publisher, Pelican Publishing, had a modest $400 marketing budget that they never fully utilized. Instead, Lorie took matters into her own hands through public speaking engagements and other creative efforts to sell her books.

Understanding the Author's Role in Marketing
One major takeaway from our discussion was the undeniable truth that today's authors must actively engage in their own marketing. Gone are the days when traditional publishers handled it all. As Lorie explains, even major publishing houses expect authors to contribute significantly to their book's marketing plan. The key is understanding your readership and carving out a niche for your book.

Finding Your Niche
Lorie emphasizes the importance of identifying your niche audience. She advises authors to explore various avenues to pinpoint who will truly appreciate their work. This process involves trying different marketing strategies and engaging diverse audiences to see which resonates best. Lorie candidly recounts her early experiences, recognizing that not every approach works but each attempt brings you closer to finding your ideal readers.

Building a Marketing Plan
A robust marketing plan starts with foundational elements like establishing a website and a presence on social media. Lorie underscores the value of these platforms in connecting with potential readers and capturing their emails for newsletters. She also champions leveraging your strengths and preferences — whether it's joining podcasts, speaking engagements, or creating Etsy shops, as Lorie herself has done to diversify her reach.

Engagement and Continuous Learning
Throughout our conversation, Lorie highlights the importance of persistence in marketing efforts. Marketing isn't an overnight success; it requires sustained effort and adaptation. She shares that even minor daily actions towards marketing can compound over time, steadily building momentum for your book.

Exploring New Tools and Strategies
Lorie and I discussed several tools that have supported our marketing endeavors, with Canva being a standout favorite for creating engaging visuals. She encourages authors to remain open to learning new skills, pointing to the vast resources available online, like YouTube, to master new platforms and techniques that enhance marketing efforts.

In conclusion, Lorie Kleiner Eckert's insights offer a refreshing and practical perspective on book marketing. For authors yearning for their stories to reach wider audiences, understanding and embracing marketing is crucial. Remember that each step, no matter how small, helps propel your book forward. Embrace the journey, learn continuously, and find joy in the process.

Thank you for reading, and stay tuned for more expert advice from Online for Authors!

(View additional Online for Authors episodes here)

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.