For the past few weeks, I've been in that in between time: the intensity of an editing phase is over and my beta readers have my young adult adventure fantasy manuscript.

I've felt a bit at loose ends and on edge, like waiting for the refreshing storm to break but not looking forward to it at the same. And not being able to stop the storm from coming.

Through it all, I have been preparing my marketing -- taking out affordable ads to market book 1 in the series when book 3 comes out (the books do need to be read in order, like Harry Potter); and focusing on other aspects of my business, like the new affiliate program for my school (check out the details here) and behind the scenes marketing prep (more on that in a few weeks).

Another thing I've done is market book 3 by talking about my process, like I am now; and sending book 1 out for review. I got three new reviews last week, 2 on Amazon.com, and one at Amazon.ca. Yippee! My efforts are paying off.

My point is that I've noticed many novelists seem to think they need to have it all together before they market themselves and their books. The reality is you can share your process -- your passion and excitement for your current WIP (work in progress) and things that relate to your current work -- now. You don't need to wait until things are polished and perfect.

In that way, you'll engage your audience, get them curious and wanting to know more, and keep your work top of mind for them, building anticipation. All parts of marketing.

Here's some fun examples on social media to show you want I mean:

-- Lea Kirk, a science fiction romance author, and a friend of mine, shares her excitement over the new Star Trek movie coming. (she's an avowed Trekke!) [facebook link]

-- Judith Tarr, a science fiction/fantasy author, shares about the horses she raises, giving us little insights into her daily life. Many of her novels are about horses, no surprise there. I just finished her book White Mare's Daughter and LOVED it. (A review will be coming soon.)

-- I shared about the review copies I was sending out for my Henrietta The Dragon Slayer series. I love shipping books and other goodies to readers!

-- I shared about a cause I care about -- empowerment of women and girls via media -- a summer camp for teen girls to teach them how to make movies.

The notion of sharing your process is from Austin Kleon's book, Share Your Work!. In fact, it was from reading his book a few years ago that I really opened my eyes to how creative we can be in this phase of our marketing.

We humans are creative beings... As a novelist, you channel that creativity into your writing. If you haven't already, I invite you to extend the field of your creativity to include your marketing. I know you can!

If you'd like more support on marketing as a novelist, then check out my foundations course, Branding and Marketing for Novelists at my online school. You can work at your own pace; you get lifetime access to the course and online support as you go through the curriculum. I answer all posts personally within 1-2 business days.

I'd love to hear from you. Hit reply to let me know what you could do or are already doing to share your passion and values and your process. And tell me what stops you, if anything.

Thanks!

I'm offering this special bundle at $40 off until May 31st.

♥