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Nothing Seems to Be Working
Posted in Marketing with Meaning
How long am I supposed to keep trying when nothing seems to be working?
This week, we're answering a question many discouraged authors quietly ask: "How long am I supposed to keep trying when nothing seems to be working?"
Can we share something that genuinely breaks our hearts?
We see authors pour months, sometimes YEARS, into writing their books. They invest their time, money, heart, and countless prayers into getting published.
And then, after just a few months of disappointing sales, they give up.
They've tried posting on social media. Maybe pitched a handful of podcasts. Sent a few emails. And when those efforts don't produce the results they'd hoped for, they quietly stop trying.
Think about that. Years spent writing and publishing a book, but only weeks or months spent trying to get it into readers' hands.
Here's what we desperately want authors to understand: Book marketing is a MARATHON, not a sprint!
Marketing should begin while you're writing your book, ramp up as you approach launch, and continue long after publication.
Building awareness, developing relationships, and finding effective ways to reach readers take time. And sometimes, the opportunities that eventually lead to book sales begin with conversations that don't produce anything immediately.
Please don't confuse slow progress with failure!
Now, we're certainly NOT suggesting you keep doing the same things that aren't working. Sometimes you need to change your approach. But changing your strategy is very different from giving up!
Your Simple Action Steps This Week:
If you're feeling discouraged, we're challenging you to make a simple 30-day commitment.
1. Choose ONE manageable marketing activity to focus on. Maybe it's researching podcasts that reach your ideal readers and thoughtfully pitching yourself as a potential guest. Or connecting with ministry leaders who serve your audience.
2. Put it on your calendar. Commit to taking one intentional step each week for the next 30 days. Keep it manageable enough that you'll actually follow through!
3. Pay attention to what happens. Are you getting responses? Starting conversations? Discovering what interests your audience? Keep track, and at the end of 30 days, evaluate what you've learned and what you might need to adjust.
Remember, those 30 days aren't a deadline for success. They're an opportunity to learn, make progress, and build on what you're doing.
One final thought ...
Please don't allow disappointing book sales to convince you it's time to give up on your book.
Your first approach may not work. Your second and third might not either. But that doesn't mean your message has no audience. You may not need to work harder. You may simply need to work differently AND give yourself more time.
Here's our challenge to you: Don't let discouragement make the decision to stop marketing your book. Before you move on with your day, put ONE manageable marketing action on your calendar for this week. Then follow through!
And we'd love to hear from you! Comment below and tell us ONE marketing activity you're committing to over the next 30 days. Sometimes simply putting that commitment into words is the first step toward following through!
Cheering you on ... always,
Shelly Brown &
the Redemption Press Team
P.S. Have a book idea stirring? Whether you've published with us before, are still on the fence, or you're just beginning to wonder what that could look like, we'd love to hear about it. Click here to Explore Publishing with Redemption Press
