In this episode of the B&N Press Web Series, we explore how BookTrib helps self-published authors market their books and reach new readers. Julie and Meryl Moss discuss discoverability, professional book reviews, author interviews, and practical marketing strategies authors can use to increase visibility and engagement.
Key Takeaways
● Book marketing is most effective when it focuses on long-term discoverability, not one-time promotion.
● Professional book reviews help establish credibility and trust with readers.
● Author interviews allow readers to connect with the person behind the book, not just the story.
● Discoverability requires consistent visibility across multiple channels.
● Marketing works best when authors understand their goals and target audience.
● Not every marketing tactic works for every author, so experimentation is essential.
● A strong book description and metadata support all marketing efforts.
● Partnerships can help authors reach readers they may not access on their own.
Transcription
Julie:
Hello everyone and welcome. Today I am excited to be joined by Meryl Moss from BookTrib. BookTrib is one of our key partners and a premier book discovery platform that connects authors and readers through professional book reviews, author interviews, and marketing services.
Meryl, thank you so much for joining me today.
Meryl:
Thank you for having me. I am really happy to be here and excited to talk about how BookTrib supports authors.
Julie:
Let’s start with the big picture. For authors who may not be familiar with BookTrib, can you explain what you do and how you help authors reach readers?
Meryl:
BookTrib was created to help readers discover great books and to help authors get their work in front of the right audience. We focus on professional reviews, curated content, and interviews that highlight both the book and the author.
Our goal is to create meaningful connections between authors and readers rather than quick promotional hits.
Julie:
Discoverability is something we hear about constantly from authors. Why is it such a challenge right now?
Meryl:
There is more content available than ever before. Readers are overwhelmed with choices, so credibility and visibility matter more than volume.
Professional reviews and trusted platforms help readers feel confident in trying a new author. That trust is hard to build alone.
Julie:
How should authors think about marketing when they are just starting out?
Meryl:
Authors should first be clear about their goals. Are they trying to build awareness, sell a specific book, or grow a long-term readership?
Marketing works best when it supports a bigger strategy. One-off promotions rarely move the needle unless they are part of a consistent plan.
Julie:
What types of marketing services does BookTrib offer authors?
Meryl:
We offer professional reviews, author interviews, feature articles, email promotions, and social amplification. Each service serves a different purpose, so we help authors choose options that align with their goals and genre.
Julie:
Are there common mistakes you see authors make with marketing?
Meryl:
One common mistake is expecting immediate results. Marketing often works cumulatively. Another is trying to do everything at once instead of focusing on what makes sense for their audience.
Authors also sometimes underestimate the importance of strong book descriptions and metadata, which support every marketing effort.
Julie:
How should authors measure success when it comes to marketing?
Meryl:
Success is not always immediate sales. Engagement, visibility, and audience growth are important indicators.
Marketing builds momentum over time, especially when paired with a growing backlist.
Julie:
What advice would you give authors who feel overwhelmed by marketing?
Meryl:
Start small and be intentional. Choose one or two strategies that make sense for your book and your comfort level.
Marketing should support your writing career, not drain your energy.
Julie:
Final question. What excites you most about working with indie authors today?
Meryl:
I love how professional and intentional indie authors have become. They understand their readers and are willing to invest in quality.
It is exciting to help authors tell their stories and connect with readers who are looking for exactly what they write.
Julie:
Thank you so much, Meryl, for joining me today and for sharing these insights. And thank you to everyone watching. We look forward to continuing the conversation.
Editor’s Note: This transcript has been edited for clarity, length, and readability while preserving the intent and substance of the original conversation.
