Stop Making Videos Nobody Watches — Here's a Way to Actually Sell Books

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 Mouth1. 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 you2. 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 drops3. 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: [email protected]•       Lisa: [email protected] us Fan Mail Support the showVisit the WebsiteFind Full Episodes on YouTube!Writers with Wrinkles Link Tree for socials and more!