Welcome back to Authors & Allies, where we dig into book marketing with the brightest minds around. Today, we’re chatting with Alicia Taylor, the genius behind Book Elevate. Alicia’s mission? Helping authors sell books without losing their minds—or their souls. With experience as a ghostwriter, editor, and marketer, she’s got the know-how to make it happen. So, grab a taco (her fave) and let’s get into it!
Interview with Alicia Taylor, Book Marketer
The Spark That Started It All
Willy: Alicia, Book Elevate is your brainchild. What kicked it off, and how do you stay ahead in this wild digital game?
Alicia: “I started Book Elevate because I kept seeing amazing authors struggle to get their books noticed. I knew they deserved better and that with the right strategy, they could thrive. Over time, I’ve adapted to whatever’s working: email, TikTok, SEO, landing pages, you name it. The tools keep changing, but the mission’s the same: helping authors sell more books without losing their sanity.”
Willy: You’ve juggled a ton of roles—ghostwriter, editor, marketer. How does that shape your work with authors?
Alicia: “I’ve worn a lot of hats: ghostwriter, editor, marketer, so I get how personal this work is for authors. I know what it’s like to put your voice out there and hope it lands. That’s why I don’t push cookie-cutter strategies. I focus on helping authors build brands that feel real, not forced—something they’re proud of, and that connect with readers.”
The Integrated Strategy Sauce
Willy: You mix website design, social media, and email like a master chef. How do you make it all work together?
Alicia: “It all starts with the author’s brand and goals. I treat the website as the home base, clean, clear, and built to convert. Social media is where we show up, connect, and grow our audience. Email is where we deepen the relationship and drive sales. Each piece supports the other, and when they’re aligned, it creates a system that works 24/7 without overwhelming the author.”
Willy: Spill the tea—what’s a campaign that crushed it?
Alicia: “One recent campaign was for a debut indie author. We built a simple, focused landing page tied to her brand, ran a TikTok teaser series that funneled traffic to her site, and used email to offer a bonus scene as a lead magnet. Within two weeks, she grew her list by over 500 engaged readers and hit 1,000+ preorders. The best part? She stayed true to her voice the whole time.”
Samples of Alicia’s Work:
Want more? Check out Alicia at Book Elevate—she’s the pro you need.
Websites That Work (and Look Good Doing It)
Willy: An author’s website is their digital turf. What’s gotta be there, no exceptions?
Alicia: “Clarity, personality, and purpose. Your site should tell visitors who you are, what you write, and what to do next, within seconds. That means clean design, strong visuals, and one clear call-to-action (like joining your list or grabbing your book). Mobile-friendly is non-negotiable. And it should feel like you, not just a generic template.”
Willy: It’s got to be sharp but functional. How do you nail both?
Alicia: “I start with the goal, usually growing an email list or selling a book, and design around that. The site needs to look amazing, but not at the cost of clarity. I blend clean visuals with strategic placement: buttons where they matter, copy that connects, and a flow that guides the visitor naturally. It’s not just about looking good, it’s about getting results while looking good.”
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Social Media and Email: Keeping It Real
Willy: Social media’s a jungle. How do you stand out without faking it?
Alicia: “Lately, it’s all about showing the person behind the book. I use behind-the-scenes content, reader polls, and casual ‘day in the life’ clips to build trust. For discovery, TikTok reels with trending audio still work, but paired with storytelling captions to keep it real. I also repurpose content smartly across platforms, so authors stay visible without burning out. Authenticity always wins over.”
Willy: Email’s everywhere with automation. How do you keep it human?
Alicia: “Automation helps with timing, but connection comes from tone and content. I write emails like a real conversation, not a broadcast. I segment readers based on interests (like genre or where they joined the list), and I always offer value first—sneak peeks, bonus content, or just a good story. Even with automation, the goal is for every reader to feel like the email was written just for them.”
Data and Tech: The Future’s Calling
Willy: You geek out on data—my kind of person. What numbers do you swear by, and how do they guide you?
Alicia: “I track what moves the needle: email open rates, click-throughs, landing page conversions, and social engagement. Data shows me what’s resonating and where we’re losing people. If a lead magnet isn’t converting, I tweak the offer. If a TikTok gets high watch time but no clicks, I adjust the call-to-action. Numbers don’t lie; they help me refine the strategy so that authors aren’t just creating content, they’re building momentum.”
Willy: Tech’s moving at warp speed. What’s got you hyped for book marketing’s future?
Alicia: “I’m excited about tools that help authors stay consistent and intentional, like smart email platforms, scheduling tools for social media, and reader analytics that guide strategy. Things like ConvertKit, Later, and BookFunnel make it easier to stay connected with readers without being glued to a screen all day. The goal is to streamline the backend so authors can spend more time creating and connecting.”
Pitfalls, Trends, and the Playbook
Willy: What’s the biggest stumble authors hit, and how do you fix it?
Alicia: “One of the biggest pitfalls is trying to do everything at once, or copying what other authors are doing without a clear plan. That leads to burnout and scattered results. I help authors focus on what works for their genre, audience, and goals. We cut the noise, build a simple strategy they can sustain, and make sure every move is aligned with their brand. Less chaos, more connection.”
Willy: What’s the next wave authors should ride?
Alicia: “Community-driven marketing is on the rise. Readers want more than just a good book; they want a connection with the author. Trends like micro-newsletters, private reader groups, and interactive content (like polls, challenges, or behind-the-scenes posts) are gaining real traction. Authors should focus on building genuine relationships, not just chasing visibility. The authors who win will be the ones who stay consistent, stay human, and know their readers well.”
Willy: For the rookies, your top three tips for an online presence that slaps?
Alicia: “Create a simple, professional website with a clear call-to-action, usually joining your email list. It’s your online home. Pick one social platform where your audience hangs out and show up consistently with content that feels like you. Start building your email list early. Even if it’s small, those readers are gold. Offer something of value—a short story, a bonus chapter, or a reading guide to get people in. Keep it simple, stay consistent, and let your voice lead.”
Alicia collaborates with authors, embracing their unique budgets and offering both installment and upfront payment options for her exceptional services. With a deep-rooted passion for reading romance novels, she not only excels in social media management but also stands as a literary expert who wholeheartedly supports authors in their creative journeys.
The Takeaway
Willy: Alicia, you’ve just handed us a playbook wrapped in gold—thanks for keeping it sharp and real. Readers, take these gems, run with them, and make your mark. Want more? Check out Alicia at Book Elevate—she’s the pro you need. See you next time on Authors & Allies, where the ideas keep sparking!
Thank you for visiting with us. For more Reviews or Literature related content, visit our blog at The Ritual. Copyright Mind on Fire Books.
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