The Publishing Performance Show

Mike Hourigan - Why Most Book Promotions Fail


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Mike Hourigan is a book marketing expert and representative from Written Word Media, one of the most trusted names in book promotion services. Written Word Media operates several highly effective promotional platforms including Free Booksy, Bargain Booksy, and Red Feather Romance, helping thousands of authors reach new readers and boost sales. With extensive experience in digital book marketing across multiple genres and price points, Mike brings practical, data-driven insights into what actually works in today's competitive book marketplace. His expertise spans both fiction and nonfiction promotion strategies, making him a valuable resource for authors at every stage of their publishing journey.


In this episode:

  • Launch promotions vs. price promotions: strategic timing and execution for maximum impact
  • Promo stacking fundamentals: how to layer multiple promotional tactics for explosive results
  • The psychology and mechanics of free book promotions that convert browsers into loyal readers
  • Genre-specific strategies that work differently for fiction versus nonfiction marketing campaigns
  • Why book covers and blurbs make or break your promotional success before readers even click
  • How to leverage email promotion services effectively without wasting your marketing budget
  • Social media advertising integration with traditional book promotion methods
  • Reader acquisition strategies that build long-term fanbase rather than just short-term sales spikes
  • The data behind successful book promotions and what metrics actually matter


Resources mentioned:

  • Email promotion services: Freebooksy, Bargain Booksy, Red Feather Romance
  • Social media advertising: Reader Reach Ads
  • Book promotion service: NewInBooks
  • Cover design resource: Reedsy


Book recommendation:

  • "Company of One" by Paul Jarvis - Business growth philosophy for sustainable success


Connect with Mike Hourigan and Written Word Media:


Connect with Teddy Smith:

  • @teddyagsmith
  • Website: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtc
  • Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/
  • Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/
  • Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinsta
  • Youtube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSw
  • Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance/



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