Shelby Leigh is a breakthrough mental health poetry author who has masterfully leveraged social media to transform her writing career from self-published obscurity to traditional publishing success. With over 103,000 Instagram followers and viral TikTok content that reaches millions, Shelby has become a case study in how modern authors can use digital platforms to build authentic connections with readers and drive real book sales. Her poetry focuses on mental health, healing, and personal growth, resonating with a generation seeking authentic voices in literature. Through her brand "Marketing by Shelby," she now helps other authors replicate her social media success.

In this episode:

• From zero followers to 103K: Shelby's complete social media growth strategy
• How mental health poetry found its massive audience through authentic storytelling
• TikTok marketing secrets that create viral BookTok content and drive sales
• Content creation systems that maintain consistency across multiple platforms
• The psychology behind converting social media views into actual book purchases
• Analytics and metrics that matter: tracking what really drives book sales
• Transitioning from self-publishing to traditional deals using social proof
• Building a personal brand that attracts both readers and publishers
• The intersection of vulnerability, poetry, and profitable content creation

Resources mentioned:

• Marketing by Shelby - Shelby's author marketing consultancy: https://www.marketingbyshelby.com/
• TikTok Solutions Program - Social media marketing course: https://www.marketingbyshelby.com/marketing-offers
• BookTok community - Poetry and book discovery platform: https://www.tiktok.com/tag/booktok
• Instagram Marketing by Shelby - Visual content strategies: https://www.instagram.com/marketingbyshelby/
• YouTube Channel - Extended marketing tutorials: http://youtube.com/@marketingbyshelby

Book Recommendations for Poetry:

• "I Look to the Mourning Sky" by Liz Newman
• Works by Tristan Mateo - Contemporary poetry
• Nikita Gill - Instagram poetry sensation: https://www.instagram.com/nikita_gill/?hl=en

Traditional Poetry Influences:

• Emily Dickinson
• Rupi Kaur - Modern poetry pioneer: https://rupikaur.com/
• Atticus Poetry - https://www.atticuspoetry.com/

Modern Poetry Recommendations:

• "Luster" by Raven Leilani
• "From Sand to Stars" by Shelby Leigh
• Amanda Lovelace - Instagram poetry

Connect with Shelby Leigh:

• Website: https://shelbyleigh.co/

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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