DON’S MISS THIS ONE! Gary Sturgis was our podcast guest on:

EPISODE 45: How to Earn Thousands Per Month in Book Royalties

Over the past decade, I’ve built an online community of more than 425,000 followers, reached millions of readers each month, and have watched my book, Surviving Grief – 365 Days a Year, become an international bestseller.

People often ask me what my secret is.

They’re usually expecting me to talk about advertising, algorithms, or expensive marketing campaigns. But I don’t do any of that. In fact, I avoid spending any of my time chasing after those things that never really work, and just make your wallet lighter.

The secret to my success is pretty simple. It came from consistently serving readers long before I ever asked them to buy my book.

Here are ten lessons I’ve learned along the way:

1. Build Relationships Before You Need Them
   Don’t wait until your book launches to find an audience. Spend time connecting with readers months, or even years, before publication. You can do that by building a strong social media following long before your book is released.
2. Give More Than You Ask
   For every promotional post, share multiple pieces of helpful, meaningful content. Readers support authors who’ve already provided value. If you’ve already given them something, they’ll be more likely to look forward to reading your book.
3. Be Consistent
   A small effort every day beats a large effort once a month. Consistency builds trust, and over time, it increases your visibility as an author.
4. Focus on One Platform First
   Many authors spread themselves too thin. Master one platform and focus on that before trying to be everywhere.
5. Tell Stories, Not Sales Pitches
   People connect with stories. They avoid advertisements. Share experiences, lessons, and personal insights rather than constant “buy my book” messages.
6. Grow an Email List
   Social media platforms change constantly. Your email list is one of the few audiences you truly own. They’re also your most loyal readers. Getting a personal email from you means a lot, and adding a link to your book in each newsletter/email helps them find it.
7. Ask for Book Reviews
   Many readers are happy to leave reviews if you just ask. Reviews provide social proof, and help future readers feel confident about purchasing your book.
8. Stay Visible After Launch Day
   Most authors market intensely for a week and then stop. Real momentum often comes from continued promotion months or even years later.
9. Be Authentic
   Readers can spot insincerity instantly. Don’t try to sound like another author. Let your own voice and personality shine through.
10. Remember Why You Wrote the Book
    Marketing works best when it comes from a genuine desire to help, entertain, educate, or inspire readers. Focus on serving people rather than selling to them.

My books have reached readers in countries all over the world, but the foundation has always been the same. I show up, provide value, build trust, and I’m really patient.

Book marketing isn’t about convincing people to buy your book.

It’s about helping enough people that they eventually want to.

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Gary Sturgis is the founder of the Surviving Grief community and the author of several books, including the International bestseller, SURVIVING GRIEF – 365 Days A Year. Gary Sturgis survived the greatest loss of his life and now works as a Grief Specialist, Bereavement Facilitator and Speaker, guiding and supporting others in their struggle with grief. He finds it an honor to help those that are grieving a loss navigate their way through the maze of grief in a very personal and meaningful way. He lives by the ocean in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Contact Gary directly RIGHT HERE. Gary’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SurvivingGriefGarySturgis

Gary’s books:

• SURVIVING GRIEF – 365 Days a Year by Gary Sturgis
  Surviving Grief – 365 Days a Year is a follow-up to Gary’s bestselling book Surviving – Finding Your Way from Grief to Healing. Gary offers you reassuring guidance and comforting advice as you travel through your personal grief journey.
• The SURVIVING GRIEF Workbook: Exercises For Working Through Grief by Gary Sturgis
  The SURVIVING GRIEF Workbook provides a roadmap for your grief while reminding you that there’s no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to grieve. It’s filled with the heartfelt guidance you’ll need to help guide you on your path to healing.
• What Feeds Your Soul?: Finding Light in the Shadow of Grief by Gary Sturgis
  WHAT FEEDS YOUR SOUL? offers gentle reflections and compassionate guidance for those journeying through grief—helping you tend to your spirit, honor memories, and find comfort, strength, and light amid loss.
• Surviving: Finding Your Way from Grief to Healing by Gary Sturgis
  There is a way out of grief. It will take time, but the pain will lessen, and your heart will heal. You will survive, and this book shows you how.
• GRIEF: Hope in the Aftermath by Gary Sturgis
  I wrote this book to help others like me who are on a journey of grief. I consider it a handy “companion” to use along the way. If you have experienced a tragic loss, or know someone else that has, the road of grief doesn’t have to be walked alone.
• SURVIVING GRIEF During the Holidays by Gary Sturgis
  Loss doesn’t take a holiday. When the world sparkles with lights and laughter, grief can feel even heavier. SURVIVING GRIEF During the Holidays is a compassionate companion for those navigating the season after loss.
• A Life Ring for Katie: Finding Hope After Goodbye – by Gary Sturgis. When Katie loses her beloved brother, the ocean feels big and lonely. But a bright red life ring helps her remember something important: love never sinks. A gentle story to help children understand grief, memory, and hope.