Branding, Marketing, and Publicity
Marketing
Marketing helps writers bring their work to the right readers at the right time. A thoughtful marketing approach increases visibility, supports book launches, and strengthens long term career momentum. The Marketing program at Killer Nashville University focuses on practical strategies writers can use to promote their work with clarity and purpose.
These resources explore marketing across platforms and career stages, helping writers understand how to plan, execute, and adapt their efforts as their audience grows. This program supports confident decision making and sustainable promotion as part of a broader branding and publicity strategy.
Courses
Advertising That Works: Amazon, Facebook, and BookBub
T.O. Paine delivers a clear, practical breakdown of advertising across Amazon, Facebook, and BookBub, showing indie authors how to target effectively, manage budgets, and maximize visibility.
Build Your Author Platform: A Marketing Masterclass
Book marketing strategist Jeniffer Thompson delivers a hands-on roadmap for building a strong author platform, covering content creation, branding, and audience growth to help turn visibility into lasting momentum.
Creating Buzz That Lasts
Chester D. Campbell, Elizabeth Zelvin, and Tom Robinson explore what “buzz” really means in today’s publishing world and how authors can generate excitement through media, social platforms, and meaningful community engagement.
Creative Marketing Ideas That Actually Work
Agent and author Lynette Eason presents a hands-on exploration of marketing strategies that truly resonate, covering brand identity, audience targeting, and storytelling techniques that strengthen an author’s public presence.
Digital Marketing That Actually Works
Bobby Harris offers an in-depth look at digital marketing for authors, covering how to create engaging content, build visibility across platforms, and measure what’s working to support long-term brand growth.
From Book to Buzz: Marketing for Thriller Writers
This session explores practical ways in which thriller writers can build momentum after publication by connecting story branding, innovative marketing, and reader engagement to support long-term success.
Getting Your Screenplay Seen Online
In this early look at digital promotion, the speaker explores how writers can use the growing power of the internet to market their screenplays. The session highlights online tools, networking strategies, and new opportunities for sharing work beyond traditional industry channels.
Growing Together: Cross-Promotion That Works
Debra H. Goldstein, Lois Winston, and Valona Jones explore how collaboration can expand your reach—sharing proven strategies for joint marketing, cross-promotion, and growing visibility.
How to Create and Sustain Marketing Momentum
Matthew C. Funk, Rick Robinson, Stephen Wallack, Sunny Frazier, and Susan Whitfield share real-world marketing strategies drawn from their own publishing journeys, offering practical insight into building momentum and long-term visibility.
How to Get Your E-Book Noticed
Author R.P. Dahlke shares practical, field-tested strategies for promoting e-books, from building an online presence to engaging reader communities to achieve sustained visibility.
Making Self-Promotion Feel Natural
Vicki Draeger explores how promotion has evolved and why authors are now expected to take an active role in marketing. She shares practical ways to use social media, online ads, and other tools to promote your work—and actually enjoy the process.
Marketing 101 for Authors
This foundational session explores essential book marketing strategies from identifying your audience to positioning your author brand for lasting impact.
Marketing No Matter How You Publish
David Ryan, Jacy Sellers, Kiersten Modglin, Mike Faricy, Nina Wachsman, and Valona Jones share candid insights into marketing across publishing paths, offering real-world lessons on what works, what doesn’t, and why.
Marketing Without Social Media
Kem Hinton, Lois Winston, Lynn Slaughter, and Traci Abramson explore creative marketing approaches for authors who prefer not to live on social media, offering practical ways to connect with readers and build visibility without constant posting.
Marketing Without the Mystery
Carmen Amato, Kelly Oliver, and Lisa Wysocky break down how to identify and reach your ideal readers, offering clear strategies for building awareness, connection, and long-term engagement.
Strategic Marketing for Long-Term Growth
B. Alan Bourgeois, award-winning author, outlines practical marketing strategies for authors, focusing on visibility, promotion, and long-term brand growth in a competitive marketplace.
Swag That Sticks: Turning Merchandise into Meaningful Connection
Don Bruns and Stacy Allen examine author merchandising, how to create memorable swag, where to find quality items, and how thoughtful, well-branded materials can strengthen reader connection and visibility.
Using Video to Connect, Engage, and Grow Your Audience
Bobby Harris explains how authors can use video content to strengthen their brand. He covers everything from social media strategy to email integration, and provides practical tools to create authentic, engaging visibility.
What Really Works in Author Marketing
Julie Gwinn, Kathryn Scarborough, Linda Sands, Mary Adams Belk, Rich Zahradnik, and Shari Stauch share insights into effective advertising and marketing, exploring what works, what doesn’t, and how to connect authentically with readers.
Which Paid Ads Actually Work for Authors?
Corrine Pritchett and Jennifer Vance break down the major types of paid advertising available to authors, explaining which platforms offer the best return on investment, how to spend wisely, and what strategies truly move books.
Your Personal Marketing Playbook
Joseph Valencic explores how authors can build a strong personal brand—using social media, podcasts, interviews, readings, and giveaways to engage readers and turn followers into a connected community.