Karin Thompson was previously interviewed on kriswampler.com, and now she is here to discuss her latest book. Learn more about it, along with her recommended marketing and networking efforts.

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

My latest work is Encouragement for The Weary Soul. I saw that many Christians were discouraged and weary by dealing with problems. I wrote this book to encourage them, to give some advice, a prayer and some Scripture references that they can look up.

This book is like a “pep talk.” To motivate you to keep going and to help you overcome the obstacles that you are dealing with. I offer healing, hope, and inspiration in this collection of encouraging words for weary souls. Prayers and Scripture that offer help and support as you overcome the situations you face. Throughout these pages, discover encouragement and strength to carry on. It is the perfect book for Christians looking for straightforward
answers. An uplifting read you can turn to again and again during tough times.

2. How have your sales been?

They are going steady.

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 found that marketing is a full-time occupation that keeps you very busy. Especially as an unknown author, you must sell yourself as well as your book. But Facebook and Instagram have some amazing support groups that are full of advice. I have met so many helpful people that are always willing to give me a reviews or blog reviews (Just like yourself).

I don’t think one should see self-publishing as a quick thing. I have been promoting my books for a year now and I can truly say the wheel is finally turning. Do not give up but to keep working on it. It will pay off in the long term.

I have found some marketing companies that will advertise my book at a small fee, and this has helped my sales.

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

I have created my own website: https://www.karinthompson.com/

I drive my readers to my website. I would strongly recommend having a good website. I also have a Facebook group as well as an Instagram book. I connect with my group three times a week to keep them encouraged and motivated.

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

I have used a marketing agent who is full of ideas and she has really helped me with my sales. I pay her a monthly fee and she just markets my book on different sites.

I have paid for a Bookbub ad, but this is a lot of trial and error. It costs quite a bit of money to see some results, but I have found that placing an ad here does help. You just have to work out all the details.

Finally, I use a mailing list with my blog which I send out fortnightly. This has helped me market my work and brought in results.

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

I don’t put my book on every place that advertises. I just stick to what I know. There are so many groups that want to advertise your books, but I normally choose the ones with the biggest exposure.

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

That it is hard and a lot of work. Just because you have a great book doesn’t mean it will just sell. There must be a lot of marketing and promotion behind it.

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

Learned more about marketing and what is expected.

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 your homework. Join groups that have done the journey before you. Be willing to learn new things. Don’t be afraid to take the first step. If you have a desire to write, then start writing; you will learn as you go along. Don’t be afraid of the journey, embrace it. Just by doing one step at a time, you will get to your destination, meet the right people, and get the help you need. Just start.

10. What other projects are you currently working on?

I’m not writing now. I am just working on my marketing and connecting with the right people.

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

Christian non- fiction, motivation and encouragement.

12. How can readers learn more about your books? 

Website: https://www.karinthompson.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karinthompson.author/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karin.thompson_author/?hl=en