Amassing Book Marketing Plans

For many years, I have been amassing book marketing plans from various self-publishing experts. As a book designer (and admitted packrat), my interest in this topic runs deep. Recently, I revisited most of these plans to gather ideas for an upcoming meeting. While some are nearly a decade old, they remain remarkably relevant. Although book marketing strategies have evolved, the core principles have remained relatively constant. Today, you can find numerous plans and ideas online.

Plans I Recommend

Here are some of my favorite book marketing plans that I’ve found particularly insightful:

1. Sandra Beckwith’s Build Book Buzz
   Why I Like It: Sandra Beckwith’s plan covers a wide range of topics in a step-by-step manner, making it easy to follow and implement.
2. The Self-Publishing Roadmap: Book Launch Checklist and Timeline by Joel Friedlander
   Why I Like It: This classic guide offers a detailed timeline of tasks starting twelve to six months before publication and continuing through to Launch Day.
3. Book Marketing 101 by Dave Chesson
   Why I Like It: Chesson provides great information divided into three phases, with hyperlinks to additional resources.
4. Book Marketing Plan Outline by Jennifer Mattern
   Why I Like It: This four-page outline provides a comprehensive overview of the writing-publishing process. It serves as a roadmap from the initial writing process through post-launch promotion.
5. Marketing Plan: How to Enjoy Your Job by Joanna Penn
   Why I Like It: Penn spells out her plan and marketing campaign for How To Enjoy Your Job, her business/self-help book. An excellent example to follow.
6. How to Create a Book Marketing Plan (+ Book Marketing Timeline Example) by PublishDrive
   Why I Like It: This guide offers a long list of tactics along with a useful timeline at the end.
7. The Ultimate Book Marketing Timeline for Indie Authors by IngramSpark
   Why I Like It: This timeline is designed for authors at any stage of their writing journey, offering strategies that are crucial at every step. 

Navigating the Rabbit Hole

The abundance of book marketing information online can easily lead you down a rabbit hole, where each article points to another must-read resource. This interconnectedness is why it’s aptly called the “web.” I encourage you to explore the book marketing plans I’ve mentioned above or conduct your own search. You’re likely to find downloadable PDFs or engaging web pages filled with valuable insights. Don’t forget to check Google Images for enticing visuals — you’ll find more book marketing plans.

Get Familiar

For new authors, I highly recommend getting acquainted with these experts and subscribing to their newsletters or podcasts. Many of them offer book marketing plans on their websites, providing invaluable information in exchange for your email.

• Sandra Beckwith – Build Book Buzz
• Jane Friedman
• David Wogahn – Author Imprints
• Dave Chesson – Kindlepreneur
• Joanna Penn (podcast)
• Bryan Cohen (podcast and webinars)
• Penny Sansevieri and Amy Cornell (podcast)
• Judith Briles – The Book Shepherd

Keep Sharing

I’m always on the lookout for more book marketing plans! If you have a favorite one, please send it my way. Let’s continue to learn and grow together in this ever-evolving field of book marketing.