Ah the process of doing research for your upcoming release seems to be never-ending. When you think you’re done, there is more to look into. It can be stressful to have to look into all of this information. Just like in Do Your Book Research Part 1, I’m here to help you navigate the things you need to look for when you’re researching. Today, we’re looking into trends you will need to research before publishing your book.
We’ll be looking into 3 trends you need to look into when planning the marketing of your book.
1) Popular Covers
2) Similar Tropes/Topics
3) Trending Books
What do all of these mean? I’m here to cover all of them and guide you through your research journey.
The content in today’s post is covered in the Book Marketing Planner available in the Bound to Writing Shop and on Amazon. Be sure to get your copy today!
1. Popular Covers
This step is important before designing your book cover. What you’ll want to do is check out covers in your genre. Make a list of books that inspire the genre. Do they have a certain art style? Is the font a specific way? Make note of the strengths of these covers.
When you evaluate covers in your genre, you can make sure that the cover for your book will fit in but also stand out.
2. Similar Topics & Tropes
This will have you digging to find the answers. What you’ll want to do is find books in your genre that have similar topics and/or tropes to your book. Aim for 2-4 books.
For example, in my newest release, Speaking the Truth of Family, one of my topics is sexual identity. So during my research I would look into young adult contemporary books with sexual identity as a topic.
By taking on this step, you can share similar books to your own. This can help readers find if your book is a fit for them. And if you have multiple topics and/or tropes repeat the process and find more books.
Now, don’t go too crazy. Find the books that you truly feel are a good comparison to your own book. Preferably ones that contain multiple of the same topics and/or tropes.
3. Trending Books
It’s always good to know what your reader is currently enjoying. These books don’t have to be similar in topic, but within the same genre. Finding popular books will help to see what you’re readers are into right now.
This information allows you a good overview of what your readers want to see in books. When you start marketing your book and finding your audience, you will have the information you need to connect with your reader.
Research can be stressful and not a lot of fun, but in the long run, you will be set-up for your future marketing efforts. And if you have the Book Marketing Planner, you will have all of this information in one easy to access spot. Available as a digital download in the Bound to Writing Shop or paperback on Amazon.
Happy Researching!
What’s your favorite trend to look into during your book research? Let’s chat in the comments below!
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Do Your Book Research Part I – Pricing