On simplifying book marketing when you don’t have decades to waste.

Someone asked:

“How do you simplify marketing of your books? It’s overwhelming and I’ve only just started looking into it.”

Here’s what I know at 73:

Self-preservation means ignoring most marketing tools. I don’t have time for complexity. I choose the shortest path with the fewest tools. It works. And it gives me time to actually write… and play golf.

When I published my first books on desert container gardening, I was younger and had more energy. I did email and Facebook announcements, gave presentations to garden clubs (reaching thousands of desert gardeners), and sat at bookstore and botanical garden signings. For a niche market, those books did well, over 3,000 sold so far.

But now? I’m not willing to do in-person events. Maybe an outdoor signing, but I don’t put myself in public situations that increase my risk of flu or COVID. That’s not negotiable.

So I’m taking the slow road with my fiction and paying attention to what I actually have energy and excitement for.

Right now, my plan is simple:

• Email and Substack announcements

• Facebook and LinkedIn posts

• Interviews and guest posts with online influencers here on Substack, the ones I’ve actually formed relationships with

That’s what I can handle.

Fiction is a new genre for me, and because I’m writing a five-book series, I’m planning a slow build across all five. I’m not looking for a six-figure writing business.

Which is why it’s important to know your goals.

If yours don’t include burning yourself out on a thousand marketing tactics, you have permission to choose three that feel sustainable, and ignore the rest.

Sustainable beats impressive. Especially at this stage of life.