Karin Thompson knows the importance of patience when it comes to writing and marketing a book. Learn which methods have worked best to build her audience.

1. Tell me briefly about your latest book – what is it about and what motivated you to write it?

I take the reader on a journey of self-discovery. I use my own life experience of an abusive father, illustrating that no situation is beyond God’s love and His healing.
I artfully show how healing from abuse is a journey and that it takes a lifetime to perfect it. If your faith is wavering or you are having doubts, my experiences will be more than enough to put things in place for you.

The book is beautifully laid out with my personal stories, Bible verses, prayers and Q & A’s in the form of a study guide. Who do you trust when you doubt yourself? Who do you look up to when your parents do not care enough about you? How do you go through life when the odds are stacked high against you? There would be lots of places in the book that you can see yourself in the picture and relate to on a very personal level.

If you need that silver lining in that dark cloud, My words will surely provide you with more than one. If your faith is wavering or you are having doubts, my experiences will be more than enough to put things in place for you. The tools you need are here. Pick them up and let today be the day to your road of recovery. I wrote this book to help people overcome their past and live a victorious life.

2. How have your sales been?

My sales have been steady. As a new author, I must market myself to get known out there. I would like them to be better and I am working on improving that.

3. You’ve chosen self-publishing.  How have you liked it so far?  Talk about some of the positives and negatives you’ve encountered.

I have self-published my book via IngramSpark and Amazon. I have found that my book is available everywhere and on most book sellers’ websites which is a great positive. But as a negative, I must do all the work in getting it promoted. I have had to learn how to go about doing this and have watched endless YouTube videos for advice. The first book is always the hardest as you must learn as you go along. But with my second book, I am more “on the page” as to what to expect.

4. What sort of networking have you done as an author, and what have been the results?

I have launched a Facebook and Instagram page and I also do a weekly blog. My members are steadily increasing, and I have had some positive feedback. I advertise on Facebook and through this, I have increased my followers.

5. Talk a little about the sort of marketing techniques you’ve used to sell your books.  Which ones have been most successful?

Nothing beats word of mouth. My friend went to the hospital and had my book with her, she showed it to the nurses there and now they all want a copy! But I mostly advertise on Facebook and Amazon. I found these to be the best platforms to use. Doing this has increased my views to my website and my followers, as well as my sales.

6. Are there any marketing or networking techniques you’ve intentionally avoided or discontinued, and if so, why?

I have found that you can spend money everywhere and everyone has an ad for you to follow. I narrowed it down to two options, Amazon and Facebook. I put my money there. They have the widest viewing audience so who can argue with that?

7. What are the most important things you’ve learned about publishing that you didn’t know when you started out?

That it isn’t a quick get rich scheme. I never realized how much work it really is. You are on your own and you are required to do all the work to get the sales.

8. If you could do one thing differently in publishing your books, what would it be?

I would get a publisher, but it is very expensive. It would be nice to get the support from someone who knows the game.

9. New authors face the challenge of getting their books into the hands of readers.  What advice do you have for an author just starting out?

Do not rush the process because you can waste money. Make sure your book is perfect, with no spelling mistakes. Do some research before you start so you know what you are in for and what is required of you.

10. What other projects are you currently working on?

I am busy writing my second book, Encouragement for the Weary Soul. It is a book to encourage people who are dealing with difficult issues in their life. It contains some encouraging words on various subjects, prayer and Scriptures.

11. If you could market your brand – not just one book, but your overall brand of writing – in one sentence, what would it be?

I want to encourage the body of Christ.

12. How can readers learn more about your books?

Website: www.karinthompson.com
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