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Hello Reader

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Self-publishing is easy. All you need to do is write something, format it, create a cover, and publish it.

BUT… self-publishing a great book that resonates with readers and sells is NOT easy. Do some people take the easy way out and publish garbage? Absolutely. But I would bet that if you are reading this, you are not one of those people.

To create a great story or write about a topic that informs or helps people takes time. Then there are all the proper steps to publish it: editing, formatting, having a professional cover made, uploading it, marketing, and keywords. Ok, you get the idea because you know exactly what goes into the process.

There is one thing to make all of this easier, and that is getting plugged into a community of authors. I’ve heard outsiders (non-writers) say, “Aren’t other authors your competition?” Unless I’m missing something and readers only read one book in their whole life, then NO.

Hanging out with other authors, helping each other, sharing strategies and resources, being that shoulder to cry on for someone, cheering the successes of others, and providing and getting encouragement is what community is all about. And I can tell you that after two decades in this business, I would not be where I am today without my author community. (Quick side note: this community can be online).

Early on in my writing life, I connected with a local writer’s group (which I am still a part of after 25 years). I then added writing conferences to my world as a way to get energized, meet authors, and learn things to help with the process. Then, when I began to self-publish, I found additional groups and communities focused on publishing. I have made great connections and author friends over the years, and even if I only see them once a year at a conference, I know I can reach out if I have questions. And they know they can reach out to me.

Bottom line? Find your people. Give as much as you get. A community lifts us all up.

What author communities are you involved in and/or what conferences are you attending in the next 12 months (in person or online)? I’d love to hear.

Here is where you will find me:

• Author Nation in Las Vegas, Nov. 3-7, 2025
• SuperStars Writing Seminar in Colorado Springs, Feb. 5-7, 2026

Happy Marketing!

Kerrie

Kerrie
Booklinker Author Liaison
​Kerrie Flanagan

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Industry News & Articles ✍🏽

🌟 Promotion coupons:​
Using paid newsletter promotions is a great way to get your book in front of new readers. Here are some great ones that currently have discounts.

CraveBooks.com: 30% off with code: LitNuts30

LitNuts.com: 20% off dedicated email blast with code: BLAST20

Best Book Monkey: 50% off Gold Book Promotion Package: MonkeyLove50

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🌟 Why Selling Direct Beats KDP For Long-Term Author Profits

If you’re writing books to bankroll your freedom from the 9-to-5 grind, you’re not looking to chase trickle-down royalties and hope the algorithm notices you. In this article, we’re not handing Amazon the steering wheel. For long-term author profits, we’re going to show you exactly how to build a direct sales engine, so that you are able to keep more per sale, collect reader emails for follow-up, and control your pricing and bundles.

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🌟 How to Survive What Comes After the Book Launch*
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​*See what this article says about community

Rachel Toalson shares her best advice on the natural, though jarring, comedown that often hits after publication day.
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🌟 Brand Something Beautiful: How Authors Can Stand Out In A Crowded Market

How do you stand out as an author when thousands of books are published every day? What’s the difference between having a logo and having a real brand that sells books? Is it possible to maintain your authentic voice while appealing to genre readers who seem more loyal to categories than authors? Check out this interview where Joanna Penn talks with Steve Brock.

Get Marketing Support

The Book Business Collective is opening membership soon.

In September, we launched The Book Business Collective (TBBC) to an excited group of authors looking to improve their book marketing skills. Centered around a 14-week marketing course AND a supportive author community (which, as we all know, is super important), TBBC is all about helping you find readers and increase your book sales.

Stay tuned for more information and upcoming events to kick off this next phase of TBBC. Want to make sure you don’t miss the announcements?

Click here to let me know
or reply to this email (kf@geniuslink.com)

👉 Monthly Marketing Tip

Build a Collections Page in Booklinker​
Highlight a group of books on one page using your Booklinker account. You can create a page with all your first in series books or all the books in one series or all your books. Then include a link to the page on your website, on social or in your newsletter. https://booklinker.com/

📚 Recommended Books that Focus on Community

Looking to expand your book marketing knowledge? Here are some book I recommend from indie authors and marketing experts.*
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*This email may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click and purchase

Quote

“Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with your marketing.” — Mike Volpe

About Booklinker

Booklinker is a free service that helps authors save time and sell more books with a single, localized link for their entire international audiences.
Booklinker is owned by Georiot Networks and powered by its flagship service, Geniuslink. In 2022, Apple Books began supporting Booklinker, helping it become a fully multi-retailer tool. Booklinker remains free for authors through the generous support of Apple Books and partnerships with other retailers.

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