Facebook Ads can be a powerful tool for indie authors looking to reach new readers and grow their book sales. At the Toronto Indie Author Conference, Malorie Cooper will share her expertise on leveraging paid advertising for success. In this Q&A, she discusses misconceptions, strategies, and her journey in the indie publishing world.
Malorie Cooper – Facebook Ads
Tell us about yourself.
Hi, my name is Malorie Cooper and I’m a Space Opera/Mil SF author who also works with authors to help them sell more books via paid advertising, as well as through improving their overall marketing and branding efforts.
At our conference, you will be talking about Facebook Ads. For those who are unfamiliar, can you share what Facebook Ads are?
Facebook ads are a way of paying for exposure on Facebook/Instagram to ensure that potential readers are shown your titles, rather than relying on algorithms and organic reach.
Why are Facebook Ads important for indie authors?
Facebook ads are evening the playing field, allowing people without large existing readerships to reach more readers while spending more time writing and less time generating social media content.
What is the biggest misconception indie authors have about Facebook Ads?
I think there are two competing major misconceptions. One is that Facebook ads don’t work, and the other is an expectation that a low $150-300/month spend will produce retirement-level money.
Can you share one actionable tip or strategy for authors looking to improve with Facebook Ads?
Remember to make your ad creative (images and text) appeal directly to the readers with genre and trope information. Show, don’t tell.
Do you have a favourite success story related to Facebook Ads that you’d like to share?
Some of the best successes are authors we’ve worked with who are making over $1000/day in profit from their ad-driven efforts. It’s been amazing to see people get out of debt, buy houses, and live their best life off their books ❤️
What excites you the most about sharing your insights at the Toronto Indie Author Conference?
I think one of the things that excites me the most about sharing in Toronto is getting to talk to new people and hopefully helping folks learn something they’re unfamiliar with—plus being in Canada!
What do you think is the most exciting trend in indie publishing right now?
I think the most exciting thing right now is still how we can take control of our destiny, but the most exciting thing for the future is how we’re going to be able to do this more and more by moving past the traditional ebook retailers.
What is one piece of advice you wish you had received when starting in indie publishing?
When I started, I wish I’d spent time learning how to understand the tropes in my books and how to relate those to readers. I would have accelerated a lot faster.
What kind of writer are you? Discovery/Plotter? Do you write linearly or as scenes strike you?
I’m a pantser writer and I write linearly from beginning to end. I have plotted a few books, but most are just asking the characters what they’re going to do next.
Do you have a tip on the craft of writing?
My biggest tip for writing is always “Write to the end, edit when you’re done.”
What is your favourite way to connect with other authors and/or your readers?
I love doing podcasts/video meetups, but nothing is better than meeting writers and readers in person 🙂
Join us at the Toronto Indie Author Conference to learn more from Malorie Cooper and other industry experts on how to maximize your book sales through Facebook Ads and indie publishing strategies!
