1. Choosing the Right Platform

Selecting the appropriate platform for your live sessions depends on where your audience is most active and engaged. Consider these popular options:

• Facebook Live: Ideal for reaching a broad audience, hosting interactive sessions, and leveraging Facebook’s extensive user base.
• Instagram Live: Perfect for visual storytelling, engaging directly with followers through real-time interactions, and sharing behind-the-scenes content.
• Twitter Spaces: Suitable for audio-only live conversations, interviews, and discussions with your audience and fellow authors.
• YouTube Live: Great for longer-form content, such as virtual book readings, live tutorials, and interviews with guest authors.

2. Planning Your Live Sessions

Successful live sessions require thoughtful planning and preparation to maximize engagement and effectiveness:

• Set Clear Goals: Define the purpose of your live session—whether it’s promoting a new book, engaging with readers, or sharing valuable insights—and structure your content accordingly.
• Promotion Strategy: Announce your live session in advance across your social media platforms, email newsletter, and website/blog to build anticipation and maximize attendance.
• Technical Setup: Ensure you have a stable internet connection, adequate lighting, and a quiet environment to minimize distractions during your live broadcast.

3. Engaging Your Audience

Interactivity is key to a successful live session. Here’s how you can engage your audience effectively:

• Encourage Interaction: Invite viewers to ask questions, leave comments, and participate in polls or quizzes throughout the session.
• Respond in Real-Time: Address viewer comments and questions promptly to create a dynamic and engaging atmosphere.
• Call to Action: Direct viewers to take specific actions, such as subscribing to your newsletter, visiting your website, or purchasing your latest book.

4. Content Ideas for Live Sessions

Explore a variety of content ideas to keep your live sessions engaging and relevant to your audience:

• Book Readings: Share excerpts from your books or read chapters aloud to give viewers a taste of your writing style.
• Q&A Sessions: Answer questions from your audience about your books, writing process, characters, or upcoming projects.
• Behind-the-Scenes: Provide a glimpse into your daily life as an author, including your workspace, research process, or inspiration for your stories.
• Guest Interviews: Invite fellow authors, industry experts, or influencers for live interviews and discussions on relevant topics.

5. Post-Live Engagement

The conversation doesn’t end when the live session concludes. Follow up with your audience to maintain momentum and deepen connections:

• Thank Your Audience: Express gratitude to viewers for participating and attending your live session.
• Recap and Highlights: Share key takeaways or highlights from the live session on your social media channels or blog.
• Promote Replay: Make the recorded live session available for replay on your preferred platforms for those who missed the live broadcast.

6. Evaluating and Iterating

After each live session, take time to evaluate its performance and gather feedback from your audience:

• Review Analytics: Utilize platform analytics to assess viewer engagement, reach, and viewer retention rates.
• Feedback Collection: Encourage viewers to provide feedback through comments, surveys, or polls to identify areas for improvement.
• Iterate Your Strategy: Incorporate insights from analytics and feedback into future live sessions to enhance their effectiveness and relevance.

Mastering the use of live options on social media empowers authors to forge deeper connections with their audience, showcase their personality and expertise, and ultimately, drive engagement and book sales. By strategically planning and executing live sessions, authors can leverage these dynamic tools to amplify their author brand and enrich their reader community.

The Myth of “Doing It All Online”

We’ve all heard the narrative: “You don’t need to leave your house to be a successful author.”

And sure, that sounds nice. But for most authors, the numbers don’t lie—social media reach is inconsistent, email lists grow slowly, and Amazon algorithms don’t care how beautiful your book is if no one’s talking about it. You know where people are still talking about books? At festivals. At libraries. In bookstores. At markets. In real life. If you’re not showing up there, you’re marketing in a vacuum.

Are You Mistaking Comfort for Strategy?

Let’s call it out: digital feels safer. You can hide behind posts, pre-schedule your updates, and avoid direct feedback. Showing up in person? That takes effort. Vulnerability. Energy.

But here’s the thing: the authors who are selling books, growing loyal readers, and landing unexpected opportunities?

They’re putting their books—and themselves—in front of people. Not behind screens. Not hoping the algorithm comes through.

They’re out in the wild:

• Talking to local bookstores
• Getting tables at community events
• Speaking at book clubs and libraries
• Partnering with schools, indie shops, or organizations
• Meeting readers face to face

And readers remember those authors.

In-Person Doesn’t Mean “Big Budget” or “Extrovert Only”

We’re not talking about expensive national tours. We’re talking about smart, scrappy, local-first moves that actually work.

• Got a farmers’ market nearby? Set up a table.
• Have a library card? Ask about hosting a workshop or author talk.
• Know a local café or boutique? Offer to do a pop-up reading or book signing.
• Have five friends? Start a living room book night and invite people to bring someone new.

This is grassroots. Community-driven. Word-of-mouth magic. And it works.

You don’t need to be famous. You don’t need a publicist.

You just need to be present—and a little bit bold.

The Hard Truth: If People Don’t See You, They Forget You

Your book is not going to market itself. And your digital presence—even if you love your Instagram aesthetic—isn’t a replacement for real-world relationships.

Books are physical. They’re personal. They’re meant to be held, signed, discussed, shared. So why are so many authors keeping their entire marketing plan virtual?

If you’ve been waiting for permission to go old school—here it is.

It’s time to get your book off the screen and into people’s hands. And here’s the shift: this isn’t just about selling. It’s about connecting. Most authors don’t need a million followers—they need 50 loyal readers who tell their friends. They need one bookstore owner who champions their work. One librarian who invites them to speak. One teacher who reads their book to a class. From there, doors can start to open. In-person marketing builds that kind of trust.

It’s Time to Show Up Where Readers Are

If you’ve been spinning your wheels online, wondering why nothing’s really moving—this is your wake-up call. There’s a whole world of readers outside the algorithm. They’re browsing tables, attending workshops, and wandering through weekend markets.

They’re real. They’re reachable. And they’re waiting to meet you—not just your latest post.

Let’s stop wasting time.

Let’s stop hiding.

Let’s get in the room.

Revisit with an Open Mind

Old stories often feel like time capsules of your earlier self. Instead of critiquing them harshly, approach them with curiosity. Ask yourself:

• What sparked this idea in the first place?
• What themes or emotions was I exploring?
• How does this resonate with me now?

By revisiting your work with fresh eyes, you may find layers of meaning that weren’t apparent when you first wrote them.

Identify the Gems

Not every story will be a masterpiece, but each one holds something valuable—a vivid character, a compelling setting, or a unique premise. Comb through your old work and extract these gems. They can become the seeds for new stories or enrich current projects.

Let Your Current Self Enhance the Past

You’ve grown since you first wrote those stories. You’ve read more, lived more, and learned more about your craft. Use that growth to refine your ideas.

• Could a character be more complex?
• Does the pacing need adjustment?
• Could you bring more nuance to the themes?

Revisiting old stories allows you to merge past inspiration with present skill.

Reimagine the Premise

Sometimes, a forgotten idea needs a fresh spin. Ask yourself:

• What if the protagonist had a different motivation?
• How would the story change if set in a different time or place?
• Could the idea work better in another medium, like poetry, a screenplay, or flash fiction?

Reimagining your stories can unlock new creative pathways.

Embrace the Unfinished

There’s no shame in an incomplete story. In fact, many of the world’s most famous works began as fragments. Use the unfinished state to your advantage—it gives you the freedom to rework, reshape, and refine the story into something entirely new.

Combine Old Ideas with New Ones

Sometimes, two unrelated ideas can form a powerful synergy. Look through your old work for concepts that could complement each other. For example, a fantasy world from one draft might be the perfect setting for a romance from another.

Set Boundaries for Revisions

It’s easy to get lost in perfectionism when revisiting old work. To avoid endless tinkering, set clear goals:

• Decide what you want to achieve with the story.
• Establish a timeline for revisions.

Remember, not every piece needs to be publishable—some stories are valuable simply for the practice and joy they bring.

Honor the Process

Dusting off old stories isn’t just about the writing; it’s a journey of self-reflection. These stories capture moments in time—who you were, what you cared about, and how you saw the world. Honor those moments, even if the stories don’t end up in the spotlight.

Keep the Treasure Chest Open

Don’t let the cycle of forgetting and rediscovering stop. Keep your old stories accessible. Organize your drafts, create a folder for abandoned projects, or start a “story seeds” journal. This way, your treasure chest of ideas is always within reach.

The stories you’ve forgotten aren’t failures; they’re pieces of your creative journey, waiting for the right moment to bloom. By dusting them off, you not only find hidden treasures but also reconnect with the writer you’ve always been.

So, dig into those forgotten drafts, breathe life into old ideas, and remember: every story, no matter how unfinished or imperfect, has the potential to shine.

1. Direct Engagement with Your Audience

Your involvement in the marketing package gives you a unique opportunity to connect directly with your readers:

Personal Connection: Sharing your thoughts, behind-the-scenes moments, and personal insights through social media or promotional materials builds a deeper connection with your fans.

Relatable Content: When you actively post on your social media about your book’s journey, it makes your promotion feel more genuine.

Readers love to see the author’s personality and passion behind the work.

Responding to Fans: Engaging with readers’ comments, questions, and posts can create a sense of community around your book and foster a loyal following.

2. Maximize Social Media Launches

One of the most effective ways to promote your book is through a well-executed social media launch. By collaborating with your publisher, you can:

Pre-Scheduled Posts: Work with your publisher to schedule posts that align with your book’s release and other marketing efforts. Consistency in messaging across platforms is key to generating buzz.

Cross-Promotion: Use your social media platforms to cross-promote your publisher’s posts. Share their content, whether it’s about your book or promotional events, to increase visibility.

Engagement through Contests and Giveaways: Publishers often have strategies for how you can host giveaways or contests that encourage readers to share your book with their followers. Participating in these promotions can significantly increase exposure.

3. Utilizing Promotional Items

A major component of most publisher marketing packages includes promotional items. By leveraging these materials, you help build awareness for your book:

Bookmarks, Posters, and Flyers: Use these materials during book signings, at events, or in personal interactions to help promote your book. Each item serves as a mini billboard, allowing readers to easily share the details of your book with others.

Incorporating in Events: At book fairs, signings, or speaking engagements, having promotional items on hand can help extend the reach of your marketing efforts beyond just those who are at the event.

4. Using Your Publisher’s Media Relationships

Part of the publisher’s marketing package often involves securing media coverage for your book. By being involved in these efforts, you can:

Provide Content for Interviews: Your publisher may have resources to arrange interviews for podcasts or special interest television interviews. By actively participating and providing compelling content, you increase the chances of getting featured in high-traffic outlets

Share Media Mentions: Whenever your book is mentioned in the media, sharing these features on your social media platforms helps validate your book’s credibility. It also reinforces the marketing message and encourages readers to pick up your book.

Increase Author Visibility: When you engage with the media and share your experiences, your visibility grows beyond your current fanbase to a broader audience.

5. Building Momentum for Future Projects

Using the marketing package’s promotional items and social media launch effectively doesn’t just help your current book—it sets you up for future success:

Reader Base Growth: The more you engage in your publisher’s marketing efforts, the larger and more dedicated your fanbase will become. These readers are likely to follow you through multiple book releases.

Establishing Brand Recognition: Participating in your marketing efforts helps you create a strong personal brand that can carry through to your future work. A solid social media presence and professional marketing materials can leave a lasting impression.

Word of Mouth: The more you interact with your readers and encourage them to share their excitement about your book, the more word-of-mouth recommendations you’ll get. It’s one of the most powerful forms of marketing.

6. Easy Access to Tools and Expertise

By being involved in your publisher’s marketing plan, you gain access to tools and resources that can amplify your efforts:

Content Templates: Your publisher may provide you with pre-written posts, images, and promotional materials, saving you time and helping you stay consistent across your social media platforms.

Marketing Coaching: Your publisher’s marketing team may offer tips on how to grow your online presence, how to engage with fans, and even how to optimize your author website.

Choosing to actively participate in your publisher’s marketing package is one of the smartest moves you can make as an author. By using promotional materials, joining social media launches, and engaging directly with your audience, you not only help get the word out about your book but also build a lasting connection with your readers. Your involvement can lead to increased sales, stronger brand recognition, and long-term success in your writing career. Don’t just leave it to your publisher—be part of the magic!

1. Start with the Spark

Think back to moments that left an impression on you. What made them stand out? Was it the emotion you felt, the people involved, or the life lesson learned? These sparks are the seeds of compelling stories.

For example:

The summer you moved to a new town and felt like an outsider.
A conversation with a grandparent that changed how you see the world.
A seemingly mundane event, like waiting for the bus, that turned extraordinary.
Write freely about these moments. Don’t worry about structure—capture the raw emotion and details first.

2. Zoom In on the Details

What makes a memory vivid isn’t just the event itself but the small, sensory details that bring it to life. Instead of saying, “It was a hot day,” describe how the sun baked the asphalt, the ice cream melted faster than you could eat it, or the cicadas screamed in the trees.

By weaving in textures, sounds, smells, and tastes, you can create a setting that feels real to the reader.

3. Find the Universal in the Personal

Your memories are uniquely yours, but the emotions behind them—love, loss, fear, joy—are universal. Ask yourself:

What themes emerge from this memory?

How might others relate to this experience?

For instance, a memory of failing a test might turn into a broader story about overcoming self-doubt, which can resonate with readers in various walks of life.

4. Play with Perspective

The way you view a memory today may differ from how you experienced it in the moment. Use this duality to your advantage.

Write the memory as your younger self experienced it.

Rewrite it from the perspective of who you are now.

This exercise can add layers of meaning to your story, offering readers insight into your growth or a deeper understanding of the event.

5. Fictionalize Wisely

While personal stories can be powerful as is, sometimes adding fictional elements makes them more dynamic. Change names, blend events, or imagine conversations that never happened to enhance your narrative while staying true to the emotional core of your memory.

Fictionalizing your experiences allows you to explore “what if” scenarios, turning a memory into something even richer and more layered.

6. Use Conflict as Your Compass

At the heart of every great story is conflict. Look for the tension in your memories:

A difficult choice you had to make.

A disagreement with a loved one.

An internal struggle between fear and bravery.

Conflict drives stories forward and makes readers care about the outcome. Explore the stakes and resolution of your memory to create a compelling narrative arc.

7. Honor Vulnerability

Sharing personal memories can feel like exposing your soul, but vulnerability is what draws readers in. Don’t shy away from the messy, imperfect parts of your story—they’re often the most relatable and moving.

Ask yourself:

What am I afraid to say about this memory?

How can this story connect with someone who feels the same way?

8. Polish with Purpose

Once you’ve mined your memory and written your story, step back and ask:

What’s the heart of this story?

Is the focus clear, or do I need to refine it?

Revisit your work to tighten the narrative, enhance the imagery, and ensure the story conveys what you want it to.

Your memories are an endless source of inspiration. By mining them thoughtfully and creatively, you can craft stories that are not only deeply personal but also resonate universally. Every moment, big or small, holds the potential to become a piece of story gold.

Start mining today—you might be surprised by what you uncover.