Mind on Fire Books

Welcome to our innaugural episode of Authors & Allies: A Mind on Fire Summer Series – Where Stories Meet Strategy!

Today, we’re igniting the conversation with none other than Ashley Kelvin, a trailblazing book marketer whose fearless creativity and razor-sharp strategy are transforming the literary landscape. In this series, we’re not just exchanging ideas—we’re setting fire to convention and fanning the flames of creativity and success.

Ashley Kelvin isn’t your average marketer. With a knack for unearthing the hidden potential in every story, she masterfully bridges the art of storytelling with the science of promotion. Her innovative campaigns don’t just sell books—they create lasting connections between authors and their readers, turning passion into powerful, purpose-driven narratives.

Whether you’re an indie author taking your first bold step into self-publishing or a seasoned storyteller ready to elevate your personal brand, this series is your launchpad. So, grab a mug of your favorite brew—or an energizing iced tea—and join us as we unlock the secrets that turn words into movements and stories into legacies.

Interview with Ashley Kelvin – Book Marketer

Hey there, book lovers! It’s Willy Martinez, your host from Mind on Fire Books, and today I’m thrilled to sit down—well, virtually—with Ashley Kelvin, a bona fide book marketing wizard. Ashley, thanks for joining us and bringing your literary magic to the table!

Ashley Kelvin: Oh, Willy, it’s my absolute pleasure! I’m stoked to chat with you and share some marketing pixie dust with the Mind on Fire crew.

Willy: Let’s dive right into the good stuff. What lit the spark for you to focus on marketing books? Was it the siren call of dusty pages or the thrill of boosting authors to stardom?

Ashley: A bit of both, honestly! I couldn’t resist the charm of dusty bookshelves and the rush of playing literary matchmaker. There’s nothing better than helping an author’s story find its readers—it’s like watching a love story unfold, but with fewer awkward first dates.

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Willy: Ha, matchmaking without the cringe—love it! Now, what are the biggest hurdles authors stumble over when it comes to marketing?

Ashley: Oh, the usual suspects: finding their tribe and keeping their online presence from turning into a ghost town. So many authors feel like they’re shouting into the void, hoping for an echo. I swoop in, help them pinpoint their people, and make sure their digital footprint isn’t just a tumbleweed rolling through cyberspace.

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Willy: Tumbleweeds are definitely not bestseller material. So, how do you whip up a marketing plan that’s as one-of-a-kind as the authors you work with?

Ashley: It’s like being a detective, Willy. I put on my sleuthing hat, dig into what makes the author tick—their goals, their vibe, their readers—and then craft a strategy that’s as bespoke as their prose. No cookie-cutter nonsense here; it’s all custom-tailored magic.

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Willy: A literary Sherlock—brilliant! Speaking of standing out, how big a deal is an author’s brand these days?

Ashley: Huge! Your author brand is like your literary fingerprint—it’s what screams YOU, in a crowded room. I tell authors to hone their unique voice, churn out content that hooks, and stay consistent across platforms. Think of it like wearing the same snazzy hat in every selfie, but for your career.

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Willy: Fingerprint polish—I’m stealing that! Looking ahead to 2025, what platforms should authors be cozying up to for promotion?

Ashley: Oh, I’d love to say holographic book signings are the future—and maybe by 2025, they will be—but for now, Instagram and Twitter are still sizzling. Email marketing’s the trusty spaceship that never fails to land, and online communities like Goodreads and BookBub? They’re the wild west of reader engagement. Stake your claim there!

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Willy: Holograms would be epic—Beam me up, Ashley! Got a success story that makes you grin ear to ear?

Ashley: Totally! There was this one author whose book was a hidden gem drowning in a sea of pebbles. We unleashed a killer social media blitz, spruced up their online digs, and boom—sales shot through the roof. It was like watching a rocket blast off. I might’ve done a happy dance that day.

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Willy: I’m picturing the dance now—stellar! For indie authors pinching pennies, what’s your go-to affordable marketing trick?

Ashley: Indie authors, perk up! You don’t need a pirate’s treasure to make waves. Start with an email list—it’s like hoarding gold coins, one subscriber at a time. Engage on social media for free cred, and don’t sleep on the treasure maps of Goodreads and BookBub. They’re budget-friendly and pack a punch!

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Willy: Gold coins and treasure maps—argh, matey, I’m sold! How do you help authors build real-deal connections with their readers?

Ashley: It’s not about yelling “buy my book!” into the wind. It’s about lighting a campfire where readers can gather, swap stories, and feel the warm fuzzies. I help authors spark that flame with killer content and community vibes—think less megaphone, more cozy hangout.

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Willy: Campfire vibes are my jam. When it’s time to check if a campaign’s working, what numbers should authors be eyeballing?

Ashley: Metrics are your starry night sky, guiding the ship. Website traffic shows if folks are docking at your island, social media engagement tells you if they’re grooving at your party, and email open rates? That’s whether they’re cracking open your messages in a bottle. Focus on what matches your mission.

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Willy: Stars and ships—poetic and practical! Last up, what’s your golden nugget of advice for new authors dipping their toes into marketing?

Ashley: Don’t be a wallflower! Build your online castle, fling open the gates for readers, and don’t fear a little wizardry. Marketing’s an epic quest—every experiment’s a step closer to the treasure. Dive in and enjoy the ride!

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Willy: Castle gates and quests—Ashley, you’ve just set the bar ablaze! Thanks for dropping all this wisdom on us.

Ashley: My pleasure, Willy! Keep the flames roaring at Mind on Fire Books—I’ll be cheering from the sidelines!
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If you are wanting to learn more about how Ashley can help you, or to connect with her, check out Ashley’s wizardry in action at her website.

Thank you for visiting with us. For more Reviews or Literature related content, visit our blog at The Ritual. Copyright Mind on Fire Books.