Author's Republic

The Author Nation conference was a treasure trove of actionable insights for self-publishing authors. From innovative marketing strategies to leveraging new technology platforms and tools, this event highlighted effective steps authors can take to gain more readers and increase sales. Here are the top five self-publishing tips from the conference that our authors need to know about:

1. Only 1.14% of Readers Leave a Review

According to Drew Davis in "The Curiosity Factor," only a small percentage of readers take the time to leave review. This highlights that authors need to actively encourage their readers to share their thoughts and experiences. Cultivating positive reviews can attract more readers by boosting credibility.

Tip: Use promo codes to encourage your readers to leave reviews. From your Author’s Republic account, you can generate unlimited promo codes to distribute free audiobook copies. This method makes it easier for readers to access your book, thereby increasing the likelihood of receiving reviews.

2. BookTok is Here to Stay

The BookTok community on TikTok has emerged as a powerful force in driving book sales, showcasing the immense potential of social media trends to connect authors with readers. Throughout the event, BookTok was a hot topic, with several sessions devoting time to exploring the platform's unique challenges and opportunities for authors.

Tips to Leverage Booktok:

Share engaging content like behind-the-scenes glimpses at your writing process, your audiobook narrator in the booth, or insights into your characters.
Use trending hashtags to reach the right readers. #BookTok, #SelfPublishing, and #Audiobooks may help lead you to niche hashtags more specific to your audience.
Collaborate with other self-published authors in your genre for maximum impact.
Offer free copies to BookTok influencers and reviewers.

3. Finding Your Author Community Can Make All the Difference

Steffanie Holmes, a prominent author of spooky romance books, gave an inspired talk about finding her place in self-publishing. She highlighted the profound importance of finding a community of like-minded authors who can provide support, camaraderie, and guidance in the often-solitary world of self-publishing.

In the hopes of connecting with other self-published authors, Steffanie created an online group, inviting a handful of authors who wrote in similar genres and had reached comparable levels of success. To her surprise, all of them responded and expressed the same desire for connection, and as they say, the rest is history.

The group quickly evolved into a lifeline of great friends and invaluable colleagues. Together, they’ve achieved exponential success compared to what they accomplished individually. Steffanie attributes this growth to the collective wisdom, strategic insights, and unwavering emotional and mental support they’ve provided one another.

Tip: If you’ve been feeling stuck or noticed your sales have plateaued, perhaps it’s time to take a page out of Steffanie’s book. Reach out to fellow authors in your genre or at a similar career stage—you just might find the connection that helps you thrive!

You can learn more about Steffanie here.

4. Stay Connected by Joining Author-Specific Events

Another way to engage with other authors is to attend events in the self-publishing industry. Conferences like Author Nation, as well as indie-specific online groups and webinars, are vital in this process. These spaces allow self-published authors the opportunity to:

Facilitate connections they may not be able to make on their own.
Learn something new that can help build their business.
Meet face-to-face with vendors, including distributors, publishers, cover designers, and more services.

Tip: If you can’t make it to in-person conferences, online author groups and virtual conferences are some of the most active and knowledgeable online communities. These options offer connection, without the travel or price tag of in-person conferences.

5. Authors Can Travel for Free with These Hacks

TD Donnelly and Chelle Honiker delivered an eye-opening presentation on travel hacking tailored for authors. They shared strategies for leveraging business credit to earn free trips through bonus points. Imagine taking a trip to the city where your book is set or enjoying a peaceful writing retreat!

Tips to Start Travel Hacking:

Open business credit cards that offer travel points or cashback bonuses. Business credit cards offer some of the most lucrative rewards, and as an author, you can open them, no matter how small your business is.
Use tools like The Points Guy and AwardWallet to manage points and optimize your rewards.
Plan your retreats or research trips using Google Flights and Momondo.

Turning Takeaways into Action

The Author Nation conference was a vibrant exchange of ideas and strategies for authors looking to enhance their craft and business. We loved seeing some familiar faces and meeting new authors! From understanding the critical role of reviews to the perks of travel hacking, the insights gained are not just useful—they're essential for any author navigating the complexities of self-publishing today. With the right tools and knowledge, you can elevate your author journey and connect more effectively with your audience.

5 Key Takeaways for Indie Authors from the Author Nation Conference