If you've ever felt like marketing your book is just shouting into the void and hoping someone hears you, you're not alone. Most indie authors struggle with this, not because they lack talent or a great story, but because marketing is a completely different skillset. And let's be real: nobody taught us this part in creative writing class.

That's why I was thrilled to sit down with Mark Robinson on The Author's Mic™. Mark doesn't just dabble in marketing, he's a pro who understands what it takes to build visibility, connect with the right audience, and make strategic decisions that actually move the needle. This conversation was packed with insights that every indie author needs to hear.

Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/Pxz89yJUhjw

Know Your Audience, Actually Know Them

Here's the thing about marketing: it's not about you. I know that sounds harsh, but stick with me. Your book is personal. Your story matters. But your marketing? That has to be about your reader.

Mark emphasized something I've been preaching for years, you have to know who you're talking to. Not in some vague, "people who like books" kind of way, but specifically. Who are they? What do they read? Where do they hang out online? What problems are they trying to solve or escape from when they pick up a book?

If you don't know the answers to these questions, you're marketing blind. You're throwing content at the wall and hoping something sticks. And that's exhausting, expensive, and honestly? It doesn't work.

Here's what to do instead:

• Get specific. Write down exactly who your ideal reader is. Age range, interests, other authors they love, where they spend their time online and offline.
• Go where they are. Stop trying to be everywhere. Focus on the platforms and spaces where your audience actually gathers.
• Speak their language. Use the words, phrases, and tone that resonate with them, not what sounds impressive to other authors.

When you understand your audience deeply, your marketing becomes so much easier because you're not guessing anymore. You're connecting.

Quality Control: The Non-Negotiable

Mark and I dove into something that's close to my heart, quality control. Listen, you can have the most beautiful cover, the slickest marketing campaign, and a killer social media presence, but if your book itself isn't professionally produced, you're sabotaging yourself.

Readers notice. They notice typos. They notice formatting issues. They notice when the cover looks amateurish or the blurb is confusing. And they make snap judgments based on those things.

As indie authors, we have complete control over the quality of our product. That's one of the biggest advantages of self-publishing. But it's also one of the biggest responsibilities.

Quality control checklist:

• Professional editing. Not just a friend who's "good at grammar." Hire a professional editor, developmental, copy, and proofreader.
• Professional cover design. Your cover is your biggest marketing tool. Invest in it.
• Interior formatting. Whether it's print or ebook, make sure it looks polished and professional.
• Beta readers and ARC reviewers. Get feedback before you hit publish. Catch issues early.

Quality isn't about being perfect. It's about showing respect for your readers and for your craft. When your book looks and reads professionally, readers trust you. And trust leads to sales, reviews, and word-of-mouth marketing.

IngramSpark vs. Amazon: Strategic Distribution Decisions

One of the most practical parts of our conversation was about distribution. Specifically, the debate between IngramSpark and Amazon KDP.

Here's the truth: there's no one-size-fits-all answer. Both platforms have strengths and weaknesses, and the right choice depends on your goals, your budget, and your strategy.

Amazon KDP:

• Easiest to use, especially for beginners
• Massive reach and visibility through Kindle Unlimited
• Great for ebooks and POD (print-on-demand)
• Limited wholesale distribution options

IngramSpark:

• Better wholesale discounts for bookstores and libraries
• Wider distribution network globally
• More control over pricing and returns
• Steeper learning curve and setup fees

Mark's perspective? Think about where you want your book to live. If you're focused on ebook sales and direct-to-reader marketing through Amazon, KDP might be your best bet, especially if you can take advantage of KU. But if you want your book in physical bookstores, libraries, and international markets, IngramSpark opens doors that Amazon can't.

I've used both. My strategy is to leverage Amazon for ebook visibility and IngramSpark for print distribution to indie bookstores and libraries. It's more work, but it aligns with my mission to support independent retailers and get books into the hands of readers who aren't just scrolling Amazon.

Bottom line: Don't just follow what everyone else is doing. Make a strategic choice based on your specific goals and your ideal reader's buying habits.

Marketing Like a Pro Means Thinking Strategically

The biggest takeaway from my conversation with Mark? Strategy over tactics.

It's easy to get caught up in the latest marketing trend, TikTok, Instagram Reels, email sequences, Facebook ads. But if you're just throwing spaghetti at the wall without a clear strategy, you're wasting time and money.

Marketing like a pro means asking yourself the right questions:

• Where do I want to go? Not just "I want to sell books," but specifically, how many? To whom? In what timeframe?
• What's my unique value? Why should someone read my book instead of the thousands of others in my genre?
• What's my content doing? Is every post, every email, every piece of content moving me closer to my goals?

Mark talked about the importance of clarity, confidence, and consistency, three words that should be tattooed on every indie author's brain.

Clarity means knowing exactly what you're offering and who it's for. Confidence means owning your value and not apologizing for promoting your work. Consistency means showing up regularly, building trust, and staying visible.

When you combine all three, your marketing stops feeling like a desperate scramble and starts feeling like a sustainable system.

You Don't Have to Do This Alone

Look, I get it. Marketing can feel overwhelming, especially when you're also trying to write your next book, manage your business, and, oh yeah: live your actual life.

But here's what I want you to remember: you don't have to figure this all out by yourself.

Whether it's learning from guests like Mark on The Author's Mic™, joining communities like the Indie Reader Society, or getting strategic support through services like TrustBridge™, there are resources designed specifically to help indie authors like us.

Marketing isn't about being everywhere and doing everything. It's about being strategic, understanding your audience, maintaining quality, and staying consistent. And when you do those things: when you market like a pro: you build real visibility, real connections, and real success.

Connect with Me & Access More Resources

• Want to be a guest? I'm always looking for bold indie voices. Apply to be on The Author's Mic™ here. 
• Ready to Write? Grab my free guide: So You Want to Write a Book to get started today.
• Support my books: Pick up your copies of Weight For It and You Sound White directly from the shop. 
• Join the Community: Become a member of the IRS – Indie Reader Society for cozy, no-pressure book chats.
• Visit the Website: Find everything you need at brightheadedpublishing.com.  

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