Writers in the Storm

A blog about writing

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5 Ways Authors Can Disrupt Their Marketing (in a Good Way)

by Penny Sansevieri

5 Ways Authors Can Disrupt Their Marketing (in a Good Way) - shows blue lightbulbs in a row on a blue background with one bright yellow bulb standing out

As we start to look towards the new year, we may be ready to change things up—out with the old, as they say. And when it comes to book marketing, the road to success isn’t always linear. In fact, some of the most memorable authors are the ones who dared to disrupt the conventional approach. By thinking outside the box and taking calculated risks, authors can amplify their reach, connect more deeply with their audience, and stand out in an increasingly crowded marketplace. Here are five ways authors can shake up their marketing process—positively and productively.

1. Embrace Bold, Authentic Branding

The world of book marketing can be formulaic—find your niche, develop a brand, and stick to it. While consistency is important, the authors who disrupt this space aren’t afraid to let their true selves shine through in their branding. Bold, authentic branding goes beyond just a logo or a catchy tagline. It’s about your voice, your message, and how you connect with your audience on a human level.

To disrupt your marketing, consider diving into unconventional or overlooked aspects of your personal story or creative process. Be vulnerable in your messaging. Talk about the failures, the challenges, and the lessons that have shaped you as a writer. Readers are more likely to engage with an author who feels like a real person, not just a name behind a book. Your unique perspective and authenticity can become your most powerful marketing tool.

2. Leverage Unconventional Social Media Plan

When most authors think of social media, they think of posts about their book, or a snippet of an author event perhaps. And often times authors run this program until it feels stale. If you’re wondering why your social media hasn’t gained traction, maybe it’s the post type?

But what if you shook up your social media with some personalized videos directed at your reader, or sharing small pieces of your process. There are so many easy tools out there for video editing, all you really need is a 30-second clip and a platform like Capcut or Zoomerang can really help you create something unique.

TikTok really exploded the video trend, but as we enter a new year, video will become an even bigger part of the kind of content that users consume.

Experiment with different pieces of content, sprinkle in some video – you can even turn an author meme into a short video. Try it, because you never know what will kick your social media into high gear.

3. Create Exclusive, Limited-Edition Content

Authors often release books, but how about shaking up your marketing by offering exclusive, limited-edition content to your most loyal followers? This could take the form of special editions, unique covers, behind-the-scenes content, or access to private events.

By offering something exclusive, you tap into a reader’s fear of missing out (FOMO). Limited editions or exclusive access can make readers feel special and deepen their connection with you as an author. This tactic works particularly well when you tie the content to your book release or a special milestone. You could host an exclusive virtual event, offer a limited-time bundle of your books, or send out signed copies of your book with personalized notes.

This approach makes your readers feel like insiders, creating a buzz around your work and encouraging them to share the experience with others.

4. Collaborate with Unexpected Partners

Part of the magic of disruptive marketing is connecting with people and brands in unexpected ways. While collaborating with fellow authors or influencers in your genre is effective, why not think outside of your immediate literary circle? Partnering with influencers, bloggers, or brands outside of your genre (but still tethered to the message) can introduce your book to a whole new audience.

For example, an author writing historical fiction could collaborate with a popular travel blogger to discuss locations and settings in their books. A romance author could partner with a wedding planning company to create themed content around love, romance, and proposals. These types of cross-industry collaborations break the mold and can create new opportunities for visibility and growth.

In the past, I’ve done author events in unexpected places like wineries, Hallmark stores and even a Blockbuster video (I really dated myself with that one).

Think about what’s unique about your book and where it intersects with other interests or industries. You may find a surprising partnership that opens up doors you hadn’t considered before.

5. Host Interactive, Community-Driven Events

If your marketing efforts feel stale or disconnected, consider hosting interactive events that engage your readers and create a sense of community. Instead of traditional book launches or readings, try hosting a “Book Club-style” virtual event where your readers can ask questions, discuss your writing process, and share their thoughts on your book.

Additionally, you can create opportunities for your audience to contribute to your work. Invite readers to vote on future storylines, help you pick cover designs, or submit questions for interviews. By involving your audience in the process, you’re not just promoting a book—you’re building a loyal fanbase who feels invested in your journey. These events don’t just promote your book—they foster a lasting relationship with your readers.

You can also create exclusive Facebook or Discord groups where readers can interact with you and each other. This creates a sense of belonging and community, which is priceless in today’s social media landscape.

Disrupting your book marketing process doesn’t mean throwing everything out the window. It’s about taking risks, being bold, and finding ways to stand out from the crowd. By embracing authenticity, exploring new platforms, offering exclusive content, collaborating with unexpected partners, and hosting interactive events, you can take your book marketing efforts to the next level and leave a lasting impression on your readers.

Are you ready to disrupt your book marketing? Try one of these strategies today and watch as your efforts lead to greater visibility, deeper connections, and, ultimately, book sales.

How do you plan to disrupt your marketing in the coming months?

About Penny

Photo of Penny C Sanserviere with half her face visible  on teh right side of the image. She's looking out the corner of her eye at a bookshelf full of books.

Penny C. Sansevieri, Founder and CEO of Author Marketing Experts, Inc., is a bestselling author and internationally recognized book marketing and media relations expert. She is an Adjunct Professor teaching Self-Publishing for NYU. She was named one of the top influencers of 2019 by New York Metropolitan Magazine.

Her company is one of the leaders in the publishing industry and has developed some of the most innovative Amazon visibility campaigns as well offering national media pitching, online book marketing, author events, and other strategies designed to build the author/book visibility.

She is the author of 18 books, including How to Sell Your Books by the Truckload on Amazon, Revise and Re-Release Your Book, 5-Minute Book Marketing for Authors, and From Book to Bestseller. She also hosts the top ranking podcast Book Marketing Tips and Author Success.

AME has had dozens of books on top bestseller lists, including those of the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal.

To learn more about Penny’s books or her promotional services, visit www.amarketingexpert.com

Top image by Deleyna via Canva.

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December Is A Time For Disruption!

by Lisa Norman

Beautiful pen on a hand written page with snow covered tree and ornaments behind it

December is approaching, and I'm thrilled to introduce "Disruptive December" here on Writers in the Storm!

A Month of Disruption and Innovation

This is not just any month. It's a chance for us to bring together voices from every corner of the writing world—authors, marketers, librarians, and more—all sharing their best insights on how we can disrupt, innovate, and transform the way we publish, sell, and thrive in the book industry.

We want to spark meaningful conversations. To challenge the status quo. To explore the new and the bold. It's about connecting all parts of our industry and fostering change, together.

The Inspiration Behind Disruptive December

The idea for "Disruptive December" took shape after I attended the "Rise and Disrupt" conference by the Independent Book Publishers Association in May. I went in hoping for radical, inspiring conversations—the kind that leave you buzzing with possibilities. But, as it turned out, it was a little more conventional than I'd expected.

That experience planted a seed. I thought: what if we could create our own space for truly disruptive discussions? And so, "Disruptive December" was born—an opportunity to bring together disruptors from all areas of the publishing ecosystem for real, honest dialogue.

A Community of Disruptors

While this isn’t a full-blown conference, it is an opportunity for us—as a community—to share, learn, and maybe even shake things up a bit. We have a fantastic lineup of contributors, including Morgana Best, author of Stop Making Others Rich: How Authors Can Make Bank By Selling Direct, Joe Biel from Microcosm Publishing, along with others from marketing experts to indie publishing pioneers, all ready to share their perspectives.

Setting the Stage

Throughout December, we’ll be featuring innovative voices sharing their expertise. The goal is simple: to create a welcoming space where writers, publishers, and industry pros can share actionable ideas for navigating and leading change—all without the drama.

Join the Conversation

This isn’t just about us sharing our thoughts—it's about you, too. We want you to jump into the discussion. Share your experiences. Comment. Ask questions. Be part of the dialogue. The more perspectives we have, the more we all grow.

Change is coming, and we have the power to shape it. Let’s make "Disruptive December" impactful, supportive, and above all, empowering for everyone involved.

Let’s Get Disruptive—Together

I can’t wait to see where these conversations lead. Let’s get disruptive—together.


If you could change one thing in the writing industry, what would it be? Tell us in the comments below.

About Lisa

head shot of smiling Lisa Norman

Lisa Norman's passion has been writing since she could hold a pencil. While that is a cliché, she is unique in that her first novel was written on gum wrappers. As a young woman, she learned to program and discovered she has a talent for helping people and computers learn to work together and play nice. When she's not playing with her daughter, writing, or designing for the web, she can be found wandering the local beaches.

Lisa writes as Deleyna Marr and is the owner of Deleyna's Dynamic Designs, a web development company focused on helping writers, and Heart Ally Books, LLC, an indie publishing firm.

Interested in learning more from Lisa? Sign up for her newsletter or check out her school, No Stress Writing Academy, where she teaches social media, organization, technical skills, and marketing for authors!

Top image by Deleyna via Midjourney.

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The Writerly Things WITS Bloggers Are Grateful For
Image of a paper heart upon which the words are Thankful Grateful Blessed. The heart is held upright on a table by a clothespin. Rows of wads of yellow paper fill the table in the background.

Today at Writers In The Storm we’re giving thanks for the “writerly” things and people who help us put words on the page. We're also opening the door for our readers! Share your gratitude for all the writerly gifts, lessons, and wins, down in the comments!

Ellen 

Author Photo portrait of Ellen

In many respects this has been a challenging year. I am grateful for the support of family, friends, and the writing community. All help to keep me motivated, sending along the occasional nudge to move forward.

Cheers!

Jenn

I'm grateful for writing friends and amazing critique partners. Without them, I'm not sure I would still be writing. They keep me motivated and honest when I need it most. The writing community is a special place filled with people who will lift you up, talk you down, and help you every step of the way.

And I'm also grateful for getting to explore so many new creative endeavors in the past year, and finding my passion again.

Jenny

Author Photo portrait of Jenny

As always, I am thankful to be on the other side of cancer. I just got my "one year later" all-clear checkup. I'm also thankful to finally have a writing space in my new house, after moving from the West Coast to the East Coast over the summer. I gave up my office to my daughter when she was born. Now fourteen years later, I'm finally getting it back!

Finally, I'm super grateful that we got to see so much family (and great friends) on our way east. We visited with nearly 100 people we don't often see during this move, and it was glorious.

Lisa

Lisa Norman

I'm grateful to all of my students and clients who share their stories and their adventures in the tech world with me. I'm grateful for every patient one of you as we process through the rapid changes in the writing tech world.

And surprisingly - I'm grateful for all of the new toys we have. Each day is an opportunity to explore and learn new things.

Lynette

Author Photo portrait of Lynette

I am insanely grateful for my newly refurbished office. It's been a long time in transition. I'm thankful to be able to take part in this exciting era for writers and readers. As frustrating as I find it sometimes, technology has changed our world for the better and continues to change it. Finally, I'm grateful for the WITS blog because it encourages me to revisit how I do my writing and to learn skills from other writers.

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