The Future of Book Publishing: How Authors Can Thrive in the Digital Age
Attention Authors! As an industry, we face immense challenges in today’s shifting marketplace. Readers have more options than ever, from self-published books to multimedia content. Attention spans are shorter, with people expecting bite-sized content on-demand. Major retailers like Amazon hold massive sway, squeezing publishers on pricing, promotions, and distribution.
To thrive in this landscape as an author, you must adapt as well. Here are 3 key strategies:
1. Embrace Digital Distribution Yourself
Don’t rely solely on your publisher for distribution. Ensure your books are available in all major digital formats: ebook, audiobook, large print, etc. Distribute yourself through platforms like Kindle Direct Publishing.
Optimize metadata so your books surface in relevant reader searches. Participate in promotional programs like BookBub Featured Deals. Run digital ads tailored to your audience. Build your email list to sell direct. Digital distribution provides data, flexibility and access to new markets.
2. Diversify Your Author Brand
Don’t just sell books. Build a multimedia author brand. Offer exclusive content like short stories, character guides, deleted scenes etc. to engage fans between releases.
Start an author podcast or Youtube channel. Develop online courses on writing or niche topics. Offer merchandise, book clubs, events and more. Diversify your offerings to give readers more ways to support you.
3. Own Your Reader Relationships
Publishers don’t own the reader relationship — you do. Build your email list, social media following and community. Incentivize readers to buy from your site. Capture data to better understand your audience.
With first-party data, you can tailor your marketing and product development. You can shift budgets away from paid ads toward owned channels you control. You can turn readers into a long-term asset.
By taking ownership of your distribution, brand and data, you gain more control over your author career. You can react quickly to opportunities and directly serve your loyal supporters. You become less dependent on any single publisher or retailer.
The future may feel uncertain, but opportunity awaits those who evolve. Don’t go it alone — work with an agency who lives and breathes the world of books.
The team at Skinny Brown Dog Media has guided countless authors through the digital transition. They know the players, the platforms, the strategies that work right now. They’ll help you diversify your author brand, optimize your metadata, run digital promotions, build your email list, and own your reader relationships.
Don’t leave your career up to chance. Partner with the pros and set yourself up for long-term success.
Visit www.skinnybrowndog.com and set up a free consultation today. The 30 minute call comes with zero obligations. Share your goals and challenges, and see how the SBDM team can help take your author career to the next level in the digital age.
