In this episode of Sign My Book, I’m talking with book marketing and social media expert Jenn DePaula, who’s been helping authors, musicians, and creatives build their platforms for over 25 years. Jenn started in the music industry just as everything was shifting to digital, and she’s carried those lessons into the publishing world helping authors move beyond “I’ll just run some Facebook ads” into sustainable, long-term marketing that actually sells books.
We dig into what really matters for authors today: whether follower count actually impacts your chances of getting traditionally published, how to start marketing before your book is out, and the three “unsexy” foundations every author needs (goal, ideal reader, and clear messaging). Jenn also breaks down the three phases of book marketing: Attraction, Promotion, and Follow-Up, so you can stop guessing and start using a simple, repeatable system that fits your life, not just the algorithm.
Topics Discussed in the Episode
Why follower count ≠ automatic book sales (and what publishers actually care about)
The three phases of book marketing: Attraction, Promotion, and Follow-Up
How to define your ideal reader and talk directly to them
Messaging, hooks, tropes, and using social media without chasing every trend
Visibility vs. conversion: why views aren’t enough and how to turn attention into sales
If this episode helped you feel a little less overwhelmed by marketing, I’d love it if you’d follow/subscribe to Sign My Book on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and leave a quick rating and review. It helps more writers and readers discover the show and keeps these conversations coming.
Connect with Jenn:
Website: https://jenndepaula.com
Instagram: @jenndepaulabookmarketing
