Hosts Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid cut through the noise of book marketing advice to spotlight what genuinely moves books: word of mouth. Nearly half of readers (47–48%) choose books based on personal recommendations — outperforming social media, platforms, and AI discovery tools combined. Beth and Lisa share three low-cost, actionable strategies to spark that word of mouth before and after your launch.
3 Strategies to Spark Word of Mouth
1. Build a Street Team
• Recruit 20–30 trusted readers (writers, friends, community members) and give them an advance copy — digital or print
• Provide a short, clear list of 3 specific asks: post on social media, share with friends, leave a review
• One voice becomes 25 — and those 25 can each reach 10 more, creating exponential amplification with minimal effort from you
2. Engage Bookstagrammers & BookTok Creators — Early
• Identify creators who read books in your genre months before your launch — not the week of
• Comment, share, and engage with their content authentically to build a genuine relationship first
• Pay it forward with fellow authors — share their books freely, and don't be afraid to ask directly when your book drops
3. Attend Local Book Festivals
• Book festivals are abundant, often within driving distance, and free to apply for as an author — no flights or hotel rooms required
• Having a new or recent release significantly improves your chances of acceptance; apply before your launch
• In-person connection creates lasting amplifiers — readers who meet you, enjoy your book, and tell 10 friends
Key Takeaway: Stop spending hours on content nobody sees. Invest that time in real relationships — book groups, communities, and fellow authors. Marketing doesn't have to be expensive or high-tech to work.
Have a marketing tip that's worked for you? Beth and Lisa want to hear it.
• Beth: beth@writerswithwrinkles.net
• Lisa: lisa@writerswithwrinkles.net
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