Author Promotion Without the Cringe: Bios, Newsletters, and an Online Presence That Works for You

Description

This is a brand new and updated course that is replacing our original class on Marketing.

We now are adding:

• Advice on building your newsletter or Substack
• What you need on your website to impress an agent, publisher, or reader
• Help identifing your goals and what you want from social media and your website

If self-promotion makes you uncomfortable, if you have seen other authors promote their books in a way that made your cringe, or you just have NO desire to even start, this 90-minute class is for you.

Taught by literary agent and marketing expert Amy Collins and Social Media planner and website designer Natalie Speakman, this session will guide authors through practical, non-cringey ways to connect with readers, build visibility, and grow a genuine following. Whether you’re traditionally published, self-published, or somewhere in between, you’ll learn how to promote your book in a way that feels authentic, manageable, and—dare we say—enjoyable.

You do not have to be everywhere. You do not have to appear on camera. You do not have to spend thousands of dollars. You DO need a plan that fits your books, your readers, and your life.

This class is designed for:

• Authors who dislike self-promotion or feel overwhelmed by marketing
• Writers building their first author presence or updating an existing one
• Indie authors managing their own promotion
• Traditionally published authors supplementing their publisher’s efforts
• Authors interested in newsletters or Substack who need help getting started
• Writers who want meaningful reader connections without sacrificing their writing time
• Authors who have a website or need one.

What we’ll cover:

• Start with your goals. Identify what you want your online efforts to accomplish, from attracting readers and supporting sales to building professional relationships. Choose practical ways to assess progress.
• Write an effective author bio. Decide which details matter, how to show personality and credibility, and how to adapt your bio for websites, social profiles, and events.
• Understand your readers. Explore where they discover and discuss books, what interests them, and how to join those conversations.
• Choose your platforms with purpose. Select one or two places to focus, listen before jumping in, and participate without turning every interaction into a sales pitch.
• Make your website useful. Give visitors a clear introduction to you and your books, essential information, and an easy next step.
• Decide whether Substack fits your goals. Consider what you would publish, whom you hope to reach, and how it would connect with your other efforts.
• Launch a newsletter readers want to receive. Develop a clear focus, invite subscribers, create a welcome email, plan your first issues, and establish a sustainable schedule.
• Build community and word of mouth. Connect with fellow authors, reader groups, and writing organizations. Explore thoughtful approaches to reviews, blurbs, and recommendations.
• Know what to share—and make time for it. Use reading recommendations, useful resources, personal interests, and support for other authors to create a manageable content plan.

You’ll walk away with:

• Clearer goals for your author presence
• A framework for writing or refreshing your bio
• A better understanding of where to connect with your readers
• A starting plan for your newsletter and first three issues
• A flexible weekly schedule for creating, sharing, and participating
• More confidence in promoting your work without feeling pushy or performative

All registrants receive a evaluation of their current website, recording of the class and a packet of handouts, including a goals worksheet, author bio prompts, a website checklist, newsletter planning tools, sample outreach language, and a customizable content schedule.

Registration includes the live 90-minute class, replay access, advice on how to improve your website and all course materials.

About my guest:

Natalie Speakman is a social media manager, virtual assistant, and the founder of Websites for Authors. She helps authors create clear, professional Wix websites that make it easy for readers, agents, publishers, and media contacts to find their books and understand their work. Natalie also provides practical behind-the-scenes support that helps clients stay visible and organized online.