Play the long game instead.

Marketing isn’t about speed—it’s about staying in the game long enough to win.

I get it.

You’re in a hurry.

You want your book out there.

You want big podcasts, big press, and big opportunities—yesterday.

But here’s my truth:

Most publishing companies won’t build your brand. They might throw in some PR, maybe a few promo blasts, but that’s about it. They don’t care about your long-term marketing.

And honestly? They can’t guarantee anything. They can’t promise that a podcast feature will sell books. They can’t promise that a media hit will translate to real traction.

So they stick to what they can guarantee—publishing your book and, maybe, getting you a #1 bestseller in some obscure Amazon category. And they assume that’ll be enough.

But here’s the reality:

• Most hybrid and indie books barely sell a few hundred copies.

• Most traditional books struggle to break a few thousand.

So if book sales alone aren’t going to make you money, what will? And how do you break out of the mindset that your book is going to magically make you famous or pay back everything you invested in it?

Because here’s what happens when you rush the process:

• You throw everything at the wall.

• You get nowhere fast.

• You burn out.

• And you wonder why it’s not working.

This is why you need a long-term strategy—not a short-term hype cycle.

Marketing Works, But It Takes Time

PR can get you interviews, articles, and media spots. But then what?

• When people Google you, what do they find?

• A solid brand or a half-assed website you threw together?

• A strong online presence or a scattered mess?

If you’re trying to score big opportunities, but don’t have a place for people to go next, you’re wasting the momentum.

Your website, LinkedIn, and social presence need to match your narrative. Your book isn’t just a book—it’s a credibility builder that should open doors to more opportunities.

If someone finds you after hearing you on a podcast, your brand should reinforce why they should follow you, work with you, or buy from you.

This Isn’t A One-and-Done Thing—It’s a Long Game

I preach marketing with grace and momentum, not speed.

Because rushing leads to disappointment.

• You’ll get ignored.

• You’ll get ghosted.

• You’ll feel like no one cares.

And if you’re not ready for that, you’ll quit before you even get anywhere.

So here’s how you actually build marketing momentum that works—without the burnout.

Here’s What I Would Do Instead:

1. Build a Strong Online Presence First

Before you send a single pitch, get your home base in order.

• A clean, professional website (not just a random book page).

• A LinkedIn profile that makes sense (speak to your audience, not just your résumé).

• A clear “What’s Next?” If someone finds you, what should they do? Buy? Subscribe? Follow?

Don’t invite people into a messy house. Clean it up first.

2. Show Up Consistently

I’ve seen too many authors post three times, get no traction, and disappear.

They expect instant results. They think their book alone will do the heavy lifting. But books don’t grow legs and walk.

One of my good friends and clients, Paul Feldmann, had a big vision—he wanted to turn his book on primal biology into a full-blown show.

He wrote the book. He showed up. He invested heavily in it.

But the book alone didn’t move the needle.

He pitched everywhere, trying to land opportunities to develop his show. Nothing. The response?

"You need a platform."

So instead of waiting for some executive to say yes, we built the damn thing ourselves.

A branded website.

A YouTube channel.

A strong LinkedIn presence.

And instead of waiting for an opportunity, he created one.

• He grabbed a couple of iPhones and a mic.

• He started interviewing biologists.

• He put his work out there.

Within a month:

✔️ A few hundred YouTube subscribers.

✔️ Over 1,000 LinkedIn followers.

✔️ A growing body of work that proved his expertise.

Now, in a year or two? Who knows. Maybe he gets picked up by Netflix, Hulu, or another major platform. Maybe his YouTube channel blows up and brings in sponsors and supporters. Maybe his own audience funds the show before a big name ever comes calling.

But here’s the key: He didn’t wait—he built.

That’s the difference between authors who get stuck and those who create momentum.

Your book is not the end of your journey—it’s the beginning. You don’t need permission to grow your audience. You don’t need validation to start.

Show up. Put your work out there. Keep going.

Because if you don’t, no one else will do it for you.