The 5 biggest book marketing lessons I learned the HARD way

From going viral on social media to NetGalley widgets, I’m sharing the five biggest lessons that will shape my approach to promoting my books.

I’ve had four books traditionally published, and I’m grateful and proud to have gotten this far. But things have gone wrong almost every step of the way. Some were out of anyone’s control (hello, pandemic on debut launch week!), but others were fixable or preventable.

Many of these snafus would have been less painful or avoided entirely if I’d known they were possible, so now I’m sharing lessons I’ve learned the hard way so you don’t have to. Today’s article is part of a series:

• 80+ ways publishing can reject you AFTER a book deal

• Writing and editing

• Book production

• Book marketing 👈 you’re here!

• Life as an author

What I’ve been up to…

Before I dive in, I’d love to give you an update on what I’ve been working on!

• I created a reader-focused newsletter and rewrote a short story to turn into a “reader magnet” to grow it faster. I announced it here on Substack but haven’t shared it on social media yet because I’ve been so busy with everything else on this list (lol oops).

• I’m 80% through the latest revision of my steamy snowbound locked-room thriller (adult), which I plan to self-publish in late 2026. My goal is to finish it next week and send it to beta readers. If you’re interested in beta reading it, please fill out this form.

• I designed my own cover for this thriller. AHH! I’m obsessed with how it turned out. I put my Photoshop skills to the test photobashing images I licensed on Depositphotos, and learned some new techniques, too, like how to use noise and motion blur to create a snow effect. It was so much fun and I can’t wait to reveal the cover!

• I’ve started writing a new thriller (YA) I’m SO FREAKING EXCITED ABOUT. So far I’ve written the pitch, first three chapters, and notes about all the main characters, red herrings, plot twists, and backstory. I can’t wait to share more about this one.

• I’ve been building book marketing plans for more happy clients. I may scale down my freelance workload depending on what happens with this new YA book… 🤞🤞

• I started Couch to 5K! I’m not training for a particular race, so I may repeat weeks 2 and 3 on loop for a while—it’s more to improve my cardio fitness as I approach a new decade of my life. And I’m sorry to say, I’ve been feeling happier and more energized. Damn you medical science! But with my Taylor Swift workout playlist and a Kindle book I only read on the treadmill, I’m motivated to stick with it and am enjoying the journey.

• Whew, this month of news has been rough. It’s been hard to avoid doom-scrolling, but I’ve found it helpful to subscribe to Heather Cox Richardson on Substack and YouTube for her expert, level-headed, informative takes on current events. Highly recommend.

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Now for the main topic…

I could blab for ages about book marketing, but today I’m sharing the five lessons that have made the biggest impact on my approach to promoting my traditionally published books. These are less “tips” and more insights on how my personal mindset has shifted due to my experiences. YMMV.

Since I’ll be candid about certain experiences with my publishers, this will be just for VIP subscribers. As a preview, here are the five biggest lessons I’ve learned:

1. Trad authors can only move the needle so much if…

2. An author going viral doesn’t always lead to sales

3. Only do marketing you genuinely enjoy

4. Don’t assume everything will go smoothly

5. Ask your publisher for a NetGalley widget