As a romance author, I’ve often found myself wondering how to reach more readers. It’s a challenge many of us face β you’ve poured your heart into a story, but now you need to get it out there.
That’s where influencer marketing comes in.
It’s a strategy that’s proven effective for brands across various industries, and it can work wonders for authors too.
How to boost your book’s visibility
I recently had the chance to chat with Katelyn Ilkani, the founder of Chord, a platform designed to connect authors with influencers. What struck me was how accessible influencer marketing can be, even for those of us who aren’t tech-savvy or have limited budgets.
Katelyn shared some valuable insights on how to navigate this space, and I’m excited to pass them along to you. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to boost your existing author platform, influencer marketing is definitely worth exploring.
Now, I know what you’re thinking.
Influencer marketing? Isn’t that just for makeup brands and travel bloggers?
Not anymore. This strategy is becoming a secret weapon for authors, especially in the romance genre where word-of-mouth can make or break a book.
Katelyn broke it down for me, and let me tell you, it’s not as scary as it sounds. Here’s the scoop:
It’s a Big Deal
We’re talking billions of dollars big. Influencer marketing isn’t just a trend; it’s a powerhouse strategy that’s helping brands β including authors β reach new heights.
Platforms Matter
Instagram and TikTok are hot right now, but don’t sleep on YouTube. Katelyn suggests spreading your eggs across multiple baskets, so to speak.
Be Prepared
Before you dive in, make sure your book is polished and your social media game is on point. Trust me, nothing kills momentum like a typo-riddled manuscript or a dusty Twitter account.
Budget Wisely
Here’s the good news β you don’t need a fortune to get started. Katelyn shared some great tips for working with micro and nano-influencers who can pack a punch without breaking the bank.
The key takeaway?
Influencer marketing is a marathon, not a sprint.
It’s about building relationships, experimenting with different approaches, and playing the long game. And that’s where a platform like Chord comes in handy, making it easier to find the right influencers and manage those partnerships.
Now, if you’re thinking, “But I haven’t even finished my book yet!” first of allβwell done on thinking ahead! And also, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.
If you’re a romance writer still working on your first novel, consider joining us at Author Ever After. We’re a community of early career romance authors supporting each other through every stage of the journey, from first draft to the next book on hundreds of readesr TBR piles.
And if you’re catalogue is ready to take the plunge into influencer marketing, keep an eye out for Chord’s launch. It could be the tool that takes your author career to the next level.
Not sure if you’re ready for influencer marketing? Have a watch of Katelyn’s workshop, Mastering Influencer Marketing for Authors, over on YouTube.
Remember, every romance author started somewhere. Whether you’re scribbling your first chapter or planning your tenth book launch, there’s a place for you in this wild, wonderful world of romance writing. So keep writing, keep dreaming, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Who knows? Your book could be the next one keeping readers up all night, unable to put it down.
Happy writing!

Written by Danika Bloom
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