Why Every Author Needs a Marketing Plan (And What Goes Into One)
Stop leaving your book sales to chance
So, you wrote a book. 🎉 Amazing! But here’s the truth many authors don’t realize until it’s too late: a book doesn’t sell itself.
The #1 mistake most authors make after publishing is that they do not promote their books effectively with proven strategies that actually work.
What makes the difference between a book that quietly fades away and one that reaches classrooms, libraries, and thousands of readers?
👉 A solid marketing plan.
My debut book, Platanos Are Love, sold over 20,000 copies in 2 years. HOW did I do it?! I created a marketing plan that worked.
And here is the hard truth — traditionally published, hybrid published, and self-published books all need to be marketed. Regardless of your publishing pathway, you will need a solid marketing plan.
What Does a Marketing Plan Actually Include?
Think of it as your roadmap to making sure your book gets into the right hands. A strong plan usually covers:
1. Goals & Success Markers
Are you aiming for sales, speaking gigs, school visits, media coverage—or all of the above?
Without clear goals, you’re just throwing spaghetti at the wall. Goals give you direction and focus.
2. Audience & Outreach
Who exactly is your book for—parents, teachers, librarians, kids, adults, entrepreneurs, content creators, wellness warriors, and so on?
Different audiences need different messages.
3. Core Messaging & Branding
What makes your book unique? (Representation? A curriculum tie-in? Pure joy and fun? Solving a specific problem your audience needs help with?)
This is where your talking points, tagline, and consistent voice come in.
4. Timeline (Pre-Launch, Launch, Post-Launch)
Pre-launch: Buzz building, ARC reviews, cover reveals.
Launch: Events, press hits, social media blitz.
Post-launch: Sustaining momentum with school visits, seasonal tie-ins, and awards.
5. Measurement & Tracking
Because if you don’t measure what’s working, you can’t repeat it!
Why This Matters
Most authors focus on writing their book (of course), but don’t realize how much strategy is needed after the manuscript is finished. A marketing plan gives you confidence, clarity, and a clear path forward.
Did you know that 90% of books sell fewer than 500 copies?
I know many people HATE the idea of marketing… It feels PUSHY and WEIRD, but remember how hard you worked on your — don’t you want it to reach the people who need it?
I have sold over 25,000 copies of my books. I tried EVERYTHING! I was overwhelmed and moving without a plan. I burnt out. But I learned a lot. And I’m here so you can learn from my mistakes.
Want support?
After successfully launching three books, I am sharing everything I have learned in a 12-page Comprehensive Book Marketing Strategy Plan that walks you step-by-step through Pre-launch, Launch, and Post-launch strategies. Inside, you’ll find:
Questions to help you clarify your goals
Prompts to help you identify your audience
Strategies to help you build buzz before your book even launches
Sustain momentum long after publication
👉 If you want to stop guessing and start selling, this plan is for you. Get the Comprehensive Book Marketing Strategy Plan HERE.
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With love and gratitude,
Alyssa Reynoso-Morris
Thank you for sharing these tips, Alyssa, I must confess the idea of marketing feels un-natural for me, I've noted your step these are really helpful, but likely one day I would hand it over to someone who is passionate about marketing they would likely do a better job than me.
Is this virtual or in person?