@DiAnnMills

We’ve all heard the depressing reports. Fiction sales are down. Too many books out there for readers to choose from. Movies and TV are vying for attention. But dear fiction writer, there is no reason to fear when you can incorporate the following action steps into your marketing and promotion plan.

Create the best story possible

1. Study your craft. Subscribe to how-to blogs written by highly respected professionals in the publishing industry. These writers understand fiction techniques and apply them. 
2. Search for a critique group that points out your weak areas while encouraging you. Do the same for them. The perfect critique group contains writers who are a notch above your writing ability.
3. Write, edit, repeat.
4. Read the bestsellers in your genre to discover why these books are highly read. Use them as a textbook, a guide to success.
5. Ensure edits, book covers, and marketing are excellent quality. Successful self-published writers make solid investments into their careers. Traditionally published writers work as a team with their publishing house.

Reach out to your readers through social media

1. Value social media as the #1 method of establishing relationships.
2. Study the various platforms and establish a presence.
3. Discover where your readers hang out online.
4. Provide information to enrich the readers’ lives and meet their needs.
5. Practice the 80/20 rule. In posting content, only 20% should be about the writer.
6. Blog regularly, either on a personal site or as a guest blogger on a site that has a large readership.
7. Develop and organize quality content that displays your brand.

Encourage reviews

1. Request ARCs or purchase copies of your book for reviews. Give these to readers who are willing to write and post a review. Buyers want to know how others view a story before purchasing it.
2. Consider an investment in the Amazon Reviewer Grabber system available through membership: https://authormarketingclub.com

Honor bookstores

1. Take the time to stop into your local bookstores and let the employees know you appreciate them. Leave bookmarks.
2. Visit bookstores wherever you travel. Introduce yourself. If the store has your book, ask if you can sign their copies. Leave bookmarks. Snap a pic with a store owner or employee with you and your book. Post on social media, tagging the store or person in the pic.
3. Deliver chocolate or bakery treats as a special thank you.

Offer free stuff to readers and potential readers

1. Provide a first chapter download for your next book.
2. Order writing pens with your name and website.
3. Carry professional business cards with your photo and contact information.
4. Establish giveaways to show appreciation.
5. Search online for book swag ideas. (Items given away free to promote your book.)

Update your online professional image

1. Freshen your website with a new look. Your website is your online calling card. 
2. Create a new bio.
3. Invest in a new headshot and update all on social media platforms.

Place the reader first in all areas of writing the book, editing, publishing, and promotion.

Dear fiction writer, you are a storyteller. Let your voice be heard. Can you give us a tip to help overcome the fear of declining sales?

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She is a storyteller. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, Suspense Sister, and International Thriller Writers. She is co-director of The Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference and The Mountainside Marketing Conference with social media specialist Edie Melson. She teaches writing workshops around the country. DiAnn is active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.

Follow DiAnn on Twitter: @DiAnnMills