How to Market Yourself as an Author

[@christinabriggs1782]

Love this video. So helpful to me right now. Thank you so much and congrats on being a mom. Such a blessing as I'm a mom of two teen boys. The hardest job but so worth the joy.

[@KaseyCunningham1]

"Don't let being intimidated hold you back" This SO spoke to me today! Thank you!

[@margaretspicy]

Your baby is five years 🎉🥳🥳🥳🥳

[@Saiorcha]

I've just joined authortube myself, and I've been putting THAT off for YEARS! It's terrifying, but I'm just biting the bullet and getting on it.

[@englishnerd5580]

This is one of the best concise videos I’ve ever seen about how to start with author marketing! Nice job, Vivien - thanks!

[@Seiferboi]

I write fanfiction to gain an audience. Lots of people have followed me as a result!

[@lizmorin6390]

Fanfic helped me get my start! I got a hugeeee following on Wattpad and now I published my first book at 16!

[@amandaellis8038]

I've thrown myself into Facebook and instagram this month when I've previously shied away from it. I joined groups in my genre niche and started commenting on threads and talking to people. Within two weeks of doing this an opportunity practically fell into my lap to cowrite an anthology series with ten other writers. I can't believe in five months I'm going to have five books out there that I will have been a part of. And all of this while trying to navigate the marketing waters for the series I'm currently writing. Next on my agenda is getting a website and mailing list set up, tied to my social media accounts. It all terrified me before and I thought it was impossible, but once I set my mind to it, things began to move. Anyone can do this! #happywriter

[@vhiarose]

That's amazing, Amanda!

[@Eleni_Datsika]

Congratulations on your baby! Best wishes for health, happiness and love to you and your family! 🎉🎊🎁💐👶🏻🍼

[@anneziebell5357]

I'd like to start an Instagram account specifically for my writing, but only after I've created a pen name. I was going to wait until I was further along with editing my current project but after watching this video I want to get started with marketing a bit sooner. I didn't think about behind the scenes and the process of writing. I've already started brainstorming :D Sidenote: I love your videos! They are helpful and simple to understand. Good luck with your new baby! #happywriting #happywriter

[@TranslateWithSarmad]

Great Talk, it means one thing and only one thing, which is dividing your time into 3 parts, Writing and Marketing and Joy.

[@ISOQAY]

Love that!

[@woodlandlady7011]

Wow! My brain is absorbing your advice like a sponge. Thanks so much Vivien

[@dellieborton]

Yes! Thank you for this content! I've been struggling with my social media. I have been trying to be consistent since I began drafting in August, but it is so overwhelming with 4 kids that we homeschool.

[@madoverlordstudios]

Thanks! More videos on Marketing and Networking are always appreciated.

[@browngirlramblings]

This was so helpful, thank you! My book is set to publish Spring 2021, so I'm glad I'm starting to market now.

[@LaMoniqueMac]

Congratulations 💗 What’s The name of your book?

[@cleopatra308]

U made this so easy to understand. New subscriber. Great teacher!

[@calliegrace98]

This is pretty timely. Since I am taking myself more seriously as an author I started my author instagram account a little while ago and I started an Authortube channel about a month ago. Only have a handful of followers, but it’s a start! Thanks for the tips and the help!

[@1080kk]

Hi Vivian! Thanks for all your book knowledge! :)

[@KatSperlingBooks]

Thanks for this video! You were one of the people who inspired me to start my own AuthorTube channel. This was definitely out of my comfort zone (for the same reasons you mentioned), but it was so worth it! I only have a few videos out and not a big following yet, but I already made connections in the AuthorTube community and I only got positive responses from everyone around me. So to whoever is thinking about starting a channel, DO IT! #happywriter

[@matthewmunoz2401]

My domain in set to expire/renew fairly soon. On your advice, I think I'll give wix a try. Thank you for all your work! #HappyWriter

[@Joeray55]

Congrats on the new baby!

[@teresaseals6782]

I published my first book back in 2006. I've taken a hiatus from the book scene here and there. This is some usual information as I plan on releasing a new novel in 2022.

[@lilrenthefox]

I'm halfway finished with the first draft of my debut novel and I'm starting to work on marketing. I'm letting Facebook know I'm writing a book and I'm hoping to get a small following. Thank you for the advice!

[@nesrinebenahmed602]

Thank you Vivian. I am a published writer , but I still struggle with marketing myself. Loved the tips . #happywriter

[@susandavis7800]

Just one note: Don't think of your writing as "a hobby."

[@lilyr7939]

Why not?

[@MeekNotWeak77]

This was great thanks!

[@johnprockter]

Hi :) I found you a little while ago when I started writing and I find myself hanging on your every word now! Great content 👍😊 thanks so much

[@kevinbarhydt7741]

Great suggestions about promo content, especially like sneak peaks, and love the idea of behind the scenes. Thanks for the consistent high quality content. #happywriter P.S. Agreed! Wix is the best! P.S.S. was wondering about your "lungspace." Glad you and the babe are well. Looking forward to you catching your breath soon 😁

[@Shireishou]

I change my facebook from my real name into my pen name. Bcs I feel more "free" without judgement from people know me when I try to become author. And I got idea to specific my niche into writing tutorial for busy mom. Thank youuuuu

[@pattiel1108]

Well done. Thank you. Best of luck to you with the new baby.

[@cedialirajah]

Thanks--and congrats on the little one.

[@breianafrance8634]

Looking at your photo, you remind me of my favorite author Eric Jerome Dickey 😊 Happy writing! 💖

[@dianezellhart4737]

You look great, Vivien! Hope you are enjoying your little bundle of joy! Thank you so much for this video. It was EXTREMELY HELPFUL! Keep them coming.

[@jameshewisonauthor]

Thanks for all the great tips and (just as important for me) encouragement, Vivien.

[@ibisartemis6875]

I’m a really young writer and just started writing my first novel. I’ve been worried about people judging me and my future book just based on my age, which I think is why I’m so afraid of marketing myself. •_•

[@cwfcwfcwf]

Bea, just finish writing the book, that's the most important. Then go over it and correct all grammar and spelling mistakes. Then what you need is what they call a "beta reader" someone who will understand that you're young. They will help you iron out the kinks. Good luck. :)

[@ikramrafi6481]

Hi, I had your issue, I published my first book at the age of 17 years old. What did I do? I used a pen name so that anyone that wanted to find my books through my name won't find it. One day I'll be ready to share it with people that know me to be judged from them, but now it's fine like this. :)

[@TheEvelynWintersAdventure]

It’s such hard work and time consuming! Phew! Thanks for the useful information x

[@sydneywatkins2855]

I subscribed when you said “baby’s kicking me right now” 😂 I have no idea if you’re pregnant or your baby is literally laying on the floor kicking you but writer & mama here ✋

[@jenniferhatters5188]

Love your work. Dreamer to Doer is a great title. #happywriter

[@amypeasewrites]

Thanks for the wonderful advice! I just finished the first draft of my first novel and am 3 months in to the marketing side of things with a KZbin channel of my own. Learning how to do marketing/KZbin stuff has made writing seem easy in comparison. Ha! Congrats on your baby. :-)

[@robertcooper1952]

Thanks for the video, Vivien.

[@dylan4ie]

When would the right time be to start marketing as a self publish author? Half way in the book? Near end of book? Beginning of book?

[@dianezellhart4737]

Market on whatever social media your target audience will visit the most...Thank you!!

[@sallaker]

Marketing is such a struggle. Sometimes I feel like no once cares what I have to say and I will not grow. Despite this, I'm staying consistent with my content and marketing - I just hope to see some results, eventually #happywriter

[@laurenharris9510]

I'm looking at getting my website set up finally, but I wanted to know if you had a reason why you suggest Wix over Squarespace? I've had several people suggest Squarespace but I have really been liking what I've seen of Wix, so I just want to make sure I'm not missing something.

[@DadofVBG]

This was one of your best vlogs, thank you so much!

[@reikiandwellnesswithlori]

Helpful, thank you! 💖

[@paulapoetry]

Great tips. I agree about getting burnt out on writing, after a certain length of time. That is our opportunity to work upon the marketing side. Writing does need to be the priority, as - well, it's kind of the point of the marketing, right? 😀💝💖

[@i-am-ancient9517]

Thanks so much for sharing…

[@ClassicVHSHorror]

Great video, very helpful!

[@illustratorsam]

Congratulations on baby!!!! I’m having a macrame book-baby this June, so I much appreciate this! KZbin is my scary-zone. It’s gonna happen. Soon? Soon! Very soon. #happywriter

[@khaldounj]

I've been writing on and off since university, finally last January I started writing my first book, I'm so excited about it. I teach English during the day, at night I try to give 2 to 3 hours for writing. Ideas are flowing but sometimes I fall short on vocabulary specially when it comes to describe something like a house or a view, a method I'm following is to search the web (adjectives to describe this or that) it's helpful but not that intuitive. any suggestions? Thank you so much #happywriter

[@cwfcwfcwf]

One thing that makes a huge difference in KZbin success is to have a pretty face to put in front of the camera. :)

[@shelbylynnyork]

First of all, this video was so helpful. Second, you are the cutest human being ever.

[@amypeasewrites]

I had never thought about all the marketing that goes into publishing until a few months ago. Man, I thought *writing* was hard until I started down the entrepreneurial rabbit hole.

[@kashanustudio]

Thank you so much, this was really useful

[@vhiarose]

Vivian, as always I appreciate the time you take to deliver amazing content. There was so much info in this video and I'm going to rewatch it later to write down some next steps! Will also try to ramp up my website content soon for that review! Thanks again ☺️

[@zubaerchaudhari8267]

Vivien Reis I just really love to enjoy watch all your coolest favorite very very very greatest cool great fun video

[@antoniodossantos5960]

Thanks Vivien@

[@wisefulfillment9336]

beautiful content

[@megankirrmann6624]

Nice.... very informative!!!

[@karinabatres3669]

Love your channel 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@tattoolover5753]

Love the video

[@1MKWilliams]

This was great content! Thank you for sharing :)

[@MPMcVey]

You always have such wonderful hints and tips for other writers. Thanks! #HappyWriter

[@antoniodossantos5960]

Blessings Thanks...from a new writer(from Colombia)..El inmigrante venezolano

[@kates7529]

I would love to start a media platform, but I'm not a big fan of social media. I know this is because of privacy issues. How do you deal with this? #happywriting

[@JohnUrquhartFerguson]

Just curious if this relates to generally not wanting to open up your life publicly, or is more to do with not wanting specific companies to be tracking your information?

[@PhillMetal]

Vivien, I am self publishing my first novel. I am also an artist. I was thinking of drawing out several scene from the book, filming the drawing or streaming on KZbin, to promote the book and possible do a art giveaway promotion? What are your thoughts? Thank you in advance.

[@robertwindshade7629]

Something outside my comfort zone, that I want to do... I've been wanting to take a crack at making KZbin videos actually. I've just not been able to come up with a good enough niche. Who knows, my inspiration may come at me at any time now... #happywriter

[@robertwindshade7629]

I'll take your advice, just gotta wait for my camera to come in.

[@FionaAElder]

Fantastic video! Thank you ^.^

[@lailamuhammad6889]

thank you

[@repurposedchronicles]

Thank you so much for this. Hoping you're getting plenty of rest with the new baby.

[@99thJediWarrior]

Just hearing about this makes me nervous. But if I'm serious about this, I can't avoid it. I'm mostly concerned about the writing part and if I don't have enough time is all. #happywriting

[@rachaelfarrimond7408]

Thanks for the tips! And congratulations in becoming a mom 😀 #happywriting

[@truefairytales77]

Thank you so much for the extremely helpful advice, Vivien! You've helped me so much on my journey as a writer. I have a question: Do you think it would be wise to use my personal social media where I also post random stuff about my life for marketing or create a new one solely focused on writing? Thanks :)

[@uncleanunicorn4571]

Except my book name will be a series, I might really want to make it a website title. And happy mothering.

[@susyjcobwebs]

I have started my brand Susy J Cobwebs, which is my pen name for my upcoming novel winter of 2021. you can also see me on FB, IG, Twitter, and the one that I have been slowly building my youtube channel. I feel that this is the best way to make a name for myself while I am writing my next book. In the meantime, I have been working on my next novel. This is hard work to keep up with, but I know that this will be rewarding in the long run.

[@mayramartinez1503]

Congratulations on becoming a mommy! How exciting!

[@ditsycitykitty3841]

Thanks for the vid! :D

[@alwysBprepared]

I would like to start a KZbin channel. I am still in the middle of the writing process of my first book and I feel like the KZbin process is really intimidating but we are collecting equipment to start it. 😬 #happywriting

[@bellrockjournals7672]

Thank you for all your videos! #HappyWriter

[@nutsandbolts432]

Having no social media presence (and not able to) how would you recommend marketing myself?

[@patnull]

Well, I'm a #happywriter now that I have seen you have a new video up. :-) I was an idiot with my first book. I didn't market myself at all, I threw it up on Amazon, and I expected it to sell. Yeah. Like I said: I'm a moron. A gorgeous thumbnail can also draw attention to your channel, as well as paying attention to analytics and having an engaging channel trailer. Or so I've heard. I've yet to put any of these techniques into practice. :-)

[@makt7448]

While shooting do you look at your notes at all?

[@oliviaminova783]

Greetings. How many posts is ok to publish on Facebook and Instagram? 🤔 How many times is ok to publish Newsletter campains? 😄 How to find niche for the book on Amazon if you write psychological Dark Romance?

[@RobbyGoodwin]

Do writing on Wattpad at first help in building an audience?

[@sheadiggs9355]

Spend all day

[@hannahtamzar3921]

Great vídeo!!! Thnx #happyWriter

[@mahamo92]

I love your channel so much 💐💐 #writingcommunity

[@ShivMathur]

Unfortunately the publishers do nothing to market the book but take a major share of the book price

[@lindacgrace2973]

My name is Linda Lincoln Grace. I write romance. Well Grace Lincoln sure sounds like a great romance author name. Until I googled it and discovered I would be author Grace Lincoln the SIXTH! There are already 5 other people using that pen name! Disaster. I tried every iteration of my given name I could think of - no dice. My name in all its iterations is as common as dirt. Exasperated I went on Google and translated 'future' into Finnish and subtracted letters until I had something pronounceable and vaguely French ("Tuvelais, like Rabelais"). I used it as my URL. Nobody can (a) remember it, (b) pronounce it, (c) type it. GREAT! I just created a website that is the Isla de Muerto from Pirates of the Caribbean, "You can only get there if you've been there before." I have already copyrighted the book twice, don't want to change the author name and go through that again. Now what?

[@sarakjeldsen769]

Writers like to read. Yes that's so true!

[@Taquina-x7m]

This was extremely help thank you so much! #happywriter

[@jessicarehrig9731]

Congrats I’m sorry I didn’t respond a year ago! I hope your family is well!

[@margaretspicy]

I’m really scared of putting my face out there… I write more of Romance and Actions🙈 This is a challenge to work on my channel

[@a.l.pittman1762]

I'm really worried that my writing won't work out well

[@AbdullahAlFarsi]

Be confident

[@aisazia]

I'd like to consider doing a KZbin channel but current situation doesn't allow it but I hope that one day soon I might start and see how it goes. I'm also extremely camera shy so we'll see...lol :D #happywriter #happywriting

[@alexandredesouza3692]

From the top of my head, my niches are edgy humor and divisive politics, how the HELL do I survive on Twitter?

[@antoniodossantos5960]

Target...web page/newsletter@

[@antoniodossantos5960]

Hello...El inmigrante venezolano

[@h.s.j.ksidhu6900]

#happywriter

[@elsieschmaltz6754]

Your so good. Congraulations with baby to be.

[@originaltruthfairy6626]

From your comments I suspect you have a three year old by now. Well done with the video and as a mum I suspect.