Why most book marketing fails — and how to fix it.
Last time, I shared my Sweet Honey Hive — a layered framework that helps authors figure out what to build first… and what can wait. (If you missed that email or blog, check it out here!)
Today, let’s talk about the very bottom layer of that Hive:
Your Book Package.
Because here’s the truth:
No amount of marketing — ads, TikTok, signings, giveaways — can save a book if the package itself isn’t doing its job.
What’s in your Book Package?
-
Title & Subtitle → Tells the reader what kind of story they’re about to read. Not just clever… clear.
-
Cover → Signals genre, vibe, and emotional promise at a glance.
-
Blurb → Converts curiosity into a click or a buy.
-
Editing & Pacing → Readers forgive typos. They don’t forgive confusion.
-
Pricing, Categories, Keywords, Metadata → Helps your book get found and placed in the right reader ecosystems.
Let’s talk about blurbs for a second.
I see a lot of marketing dollars get wasted simply because the blurb isn’t pulling its weight.
Your blurb isn’t a summary.
It’s a sales tool.
Instead of telling the entire plot, it should:
- Hook the reader’s emotions in the first sentence
- Tease conflict or stakes (without spoiling everything)
- Create curiosity that makes them click “Look Inside” or hit buy
Here are a couple of quick examples:
Before:
“This is the story of Kira, a young woman who discovers she has magical powers and must go on a quest to save her kingdom from an evil sorcerer.”After:
“When Kira accidentally burns down her village with magic she didn’t know she possessed, one thing becomes clear:
If she can’t control the flame inside her, the kingdom doesn’t stand a chance.”Before:
“This is the story of Ava, a young woman who moves to Chicago to start a new life but ends up working at a coffee shop and meeting many interesting characters.”
After:
“A fresh start was all Ava wanted. Falling for her infuriating new boss was definitely not on the menu.”
See the difference? The second options are short, emotional, and leave you wanting more.
The bottom line:
If you fix your book package, every marketing dollar you spend will work harder.
That’s why the Hive starts at the bottom and builds up — because otherwise, you’re pouring money into a leaky bucket.
If you’re looking at your book package right now and thinking, “I’m not sure mine is working as hard as it could,” we’d love to help.
You can check out our services here — or email me at [email protected].
Wishing you clarity, confidence, and sweet success in your hive.
