What Authors Can Learn from Beyoncé

By Annette Cole Mastron, Communications Director for Southern Writers Magazine

Beyoncé knows a thing or two about marketing. It is clear with her latest two projects, providing the voice for the blockbuster of the summer, Disney’s The Lion King and releasing her latest original song, Spirit, on the night before the movie released. She also was the executive producer of the 27-track Gift album to coincide with her role as Nala. Gift contains 14 original songs with 13 interlude tracks of  The Lion King movie dialogue. It took careful planning to maximize her exposure for both projects. Spirit’s cover art even tied both projects together. It is a truly brilliant strategy.

Authors know they need to plan for their book release. Yes, I know what you’re thinking, “hey Annette, I’m not Beyoncé, who has people working for her as well as the powerhouse, Disney producing the album.” Hang with me, now. You can mimic Beyoncé’s success by breaking down a marketing plan for your book, complete with a timeline. You can create cover art that highlights your book with past or future projects.

Plan for your success long before you type “The End” to your book. Your plan for marketing should start as you write your first sentence. Plan the timing of your release. Appear as a guest author on Southern Writers Magazine’s, Suite T, timed for your book release. Plan your social media blitz. While writing your book, give a sample of your book to pique readers’ interest. Think outside the box. Think like Beyoncé and catch her “Spirit.”

What do you think?