Activity
Mon
Wed
Fri
Sun
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
What is this?
Less
More
Non-Fiction Author Lab
1.1k
Free
The Launch Lab
9
Free
53 contributions to Non-Fiction Author Lab
15d •
Influencer Marketing - Is it worth paying for?
There was a great post from an author that spent $44,000 on a book launch and what worked and didn't work, and she shared that influencer marketing was maybe not the best investment. That story combined with an audit of our Amazon Ads performance over the last five years inspired me to share this video. Have you paid an influencer for book promotion? How'd it go?
1 like • 9d
@Eleanor Grace this sounds a little weird. Very scammy. Hard to believe $5,000. Here's what Claude says: I found nothing on a group by that exact name, but that doesn't clear it, because these outfits constantly change names. If it came to you unsolicited and involves any payment, it's almost certainly the book-club spotlight scam that has been hitting authors heavily this past year. How the scam works: The author is asked to pay a fee for the appearance, called a "spot fee," "spotlight fee," or "participation fee," and real book clubs don't charge their guests anything. Reported amounts range from $55 to $350. Some of these "clubs" borrow the name of a real club, and others are invented outright. They also target traditionally published authors, not just self-published ones, so awards and library placements don't make you less of a target. They make you more of one. The tells: - The first email is flattering but generic. It may say "Dear Author," or praise your "compelling narrative" without naming anything specific from the book. - It asks your permission to feature the book. A real book club doesn't need an author's permission to choose a book. - The fee shows up in the second or third message, framed as refreshments, organizing costs, or a "package." One author reported being asked for $48 for refreshments for a supposed club of 2,400 members. - It comes from a Gmail or similar free address, with no verifiable website, meeting location, or members. A genuine book club invitation costs you nothing. At most it involves a video visit or a discussion guide, and it comes from someone you can verify, such as a library, a bookstore, or a person with a real online presence.
0 likes • 7d
It's not the $150 that worries me but $5000 in book sales. Really??
Aug 17 •
Long tail PR?
Hello everyone! I've been working with a PR company for 3 months and they've helped me transition from book promotion back to my art career, as I am a painter not a writer. However, PR-wise nothing much has happened and I really can't afford to keep paying this exorbitant monthly fee. They've been very diligent about pitching my art and book, but, of course, many opportunities may not gel for several more months. For example, they have me booked for an excellent podcast but in 1 year! As a customer who needs to leave or pause their service, are they obligated to inform me of any successes beyond the 3 months of service for anything already in the pipeline? My agreement with them does not mention this. What would be standard? A fee or no fee? Perhaps @Julie Broad and @Sarah Bean can share their thoughts. Thanks much! And for anyone thinking of hiring PR please start 6 months before publication. I thought I could DIY it but failed and wish I had contracted with a PR firm at the proper time. I don't know whether Book Launchers has this as an a la carte item. Thanks everyone!
1 like • Aug 25
I've heard that getting a VA who specializes in books is a good way to go. I will look into it. Thank you for your generosity of information!
1 like • Aug 25
@Hugh Taylor just watched the video. I think everyone should watch it. It's a great reality check. Thank you Hugh!
Feb 21 •
Check from distributor!
I had to share this with someone. Feeling discouraged, doing "all the things" and not getting results, this morning I found a check in the mail from my distributor for $1352.16 - and that's after all their fees. I have no idea where these sales came from - paperback and hardcover as the distributor does not do my ebook, but something must be working. I have renewed energy. Thanks for your support for my journey with "Art & Love: My Life Illuminated in Egg Tempera."
1 like • Aug 1
Thank you Joe!
0 likes • Aug 3
@Jennifer Henry Thank you Jennifer. Not many sales anymore but more joy.
1 like • Jul 21
@Sage Hobbs Interesting! Thanks for that.
2 likes • Jul 27
Thank you Suzi!
Jun 19 •
Question about book award
My book was just awarded a IPPY bronze award for cover design. I entered that category because I wanted my fabulous designer Domini Dragoone to get some recognition. But can I claim this as an award for my book as long as I also credit her?
0 likes • Jun 28
Thank you Kevin!
0 likes • Jul 9
Thank you Joe!
1-10 of 53
@lora-arbrador-8243
Artist, writer, nurse just completed manuscript: "Art & Love: My Life Illuminated in Egg Tempera." Manuscript now with designer for formatting.
Active 5d ago
Joined Aug 2, 2025
Powered by