Blog 17: May the Marketing Force be with you!

Hey, Happy Star Wars Day! As it is May the 4th today, I thought we would talk about THE FORCE, the marketing force that is! If you are planning on self-publishing, then you will definitely need to tap into it.

I have therefore found a Book Marketing Yoda, also known as Nicky Blewitt from Brighton, in the UK, who tackles social media with his lightsaber on a daily basis, and he is thrashing it! I thought it would be helpful if I did a Q and A with him so he can tell you about his company and how he can bring your books out into the light.

Hi Nicky, could you tell us a bit about yourself and how you came into the world of book marketing?

Absolutely! I’m a sci-fi author myself, so I understand the challenges writers face when trying to get their books noticed. After navigating the self-publishing world, I realised how many talented authors struggle with marketing—either due to lack of time, budget, or know-how. That’s why I started The Book Marketer, to help indie authors promote their work effectively without breaking the bank.

It's encouraging to hear that you have put your business together following your own observations from a writer’s perspective. You work for those who wish to self-publish, which I have discussed in a previous blog, is becoming quite a popular option amongst new authors. So, when someone has got their book written, edited, and ready to be published, is that when they approach you? And what kind of services would you offer them from that point?

Yes! Ideally, authors should reach out once their manuscript is polished and ready for the world. My services include:

• Publishing support (We ensure authors are positioning their book correctly in the Amazon bookstore via accurate metadata research, writing blurbs and authors’ bios plus we organise Amazon ads, influencer outreach and press releases.

  
  

• Book Launch Campaigns (This is where we work alongside authors to train them up in the art of running a book launch)

  
  

• Social Media Marketing Campaigns (social media, email marketing, Facebook ads)

  
  

• Cover Design (eye-catching, genre-specific designs)

  
  

• Blurb & Metadata Optimisation (to boost discoverability)

  
  

• Author Branding (professional online presence)

  
  

But I also work with authors at earlier stages—whether they need beta reader feedback, pre-launch buzz, or post-launch sales strategies.

You mention that you design book covers. Can you tell us a little bit more about this? The cover is the first thing that people see, which can draw them in. Does the client come to you with an idea of what they would like?

The cover is the first impression, so it has to grab attention while fitting the genre. Some authors come with a clear vision; others need guidance. I work closely with them to create a design that stands out in crowded markets (like sci-fi, fantasy, or romance). A great cover should make a reader stop scrolling and click the buy button!

Marketing plays a huge part in being successful in this industry, if people don’t know about your book, then it isn’t going to sell. What kind of platforms do you advertise on, and how do you find that all-important target audience?

Different books need different approaches, but I focus on:

• Comps Research (I carry out competitor research to discover where target audiences are online. From there, we can build a tailored marketing strategy).

  
  

• Amazon Ads & SEO (to leverage the world’s biggest book marketplace).

  
  

• Social media (TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X) – I help authors build an engaged following without wasting time on ineffective posts.

  
  

• Newsletters & Reader Outreach (building a fanbase is key for long-term success).

  
  

I research the book’s genre, audience demographics, and competitors to craft a tailored strategy.

I was delighted to see on your website that you have a bursary option for authors on low incomes and details of where they can get funding. We discussed briefly our shared passion for helping authors succeed without their finances holding them back. Can you explain to the readers how your bursary works and who can apply?

I believe finances shouldn’t block great stories from being seen. The bursary offers discounted or free marketing services to authors who qualify (e.g., students, unemployed writers, or those facing financial hardship). They can apply via my website, and I also guide them to grants and funding options like Arts Council England or The Society of Authors.

When we were chatting, you mentioned that writers send their manuscripts to you at different developmental stages. I know you have a small team working with you who do various things, much like the Author Support Directory. Are you able to refer them to other professionals, such as Book Coaches, Ghostwriters, and Developmental Editors? And would they also be able to work within their budget?

Yes! My network includes:

• Developmental Editors (for big-picture feedback)

• Copyeditors & Proofreaders (for polishing)

• Ghostwriters & Book Coaches (for structure/motivation).

I match authors with pros who fit their budget and genre.

What advice would you give to someone who would like to self-publish, but is feeling a bit lost with where to start?

1. Start early—build an audience before launch.

2. Invest in a great cover & blurb—they’re your sales pitch.

3. Don’t skip editing—readers notice typos.

4. Marketing isn’t optional—even brilliant books need promotion.

5. Reach out for help—many resources (like my bursary) exist!

Just when you finish writing your book, there are still so many things you need to do to make sure you are successful. Is there anything else you would like to share that you think a self-publisher would benefit from? Such as information or resources you can offer?

• Follow my blog (www.thebookmarketer.pro) for free marketing guides.

• Join writing communities (like 20BooksTo50K on Facebook).

• Never underestimate the power of reader reviews—encourage them!

  
  

Self-publishing is a marathon, not a sprint. With the right strategy, any author can succeed.

Thank you so much for popping in to talk to us today, Nicky. For anyone who has a book that is ready to market, take a look at https://www.thebookmarketer.pro/ and check out what he and his team can do for you!