How to Stay Consistent with Book Marketing (Even When You’re Exhausted) — Part 1

Let’s get one thing straight: “consistency” is overrated, at least the way most book marketing advice talks about it.

You’re told to post every day, stay visible, and keep the algorithm happy. But let’s be honest. You didn’t write your nonfiction book to become a slave to social media. You wrote it to share something meaningful. To educate, inspire, or make a real impact.

So what if consistency didn’t mean constant hustle? What if it could feel sustainable and even a little satisfying?

In this two-part series, I’m going to help you reframe what book marketing consistency really means, how to simplify it, and how to stay visible even when you’re low on time, energy, or inspiration.

Let’s start with three key mindset shifts and strategies to help you stay top of mind without burning out in the process.

Why Consistency Feels So Hard for Authors

Book marketing often feels like shouting into a void. You’re posting on LinkedIn, sending newsletters, or even recording videos. Yet engagement is low, and ROI feels nonexistent. That’s demoralizing, to say the least!

You start to wonder if it’s worth the effort.

Why does this happen?

Because marketing your book isn’t just about being seen. It’s about being seen in a way that matters. And that takes more than activity. It takes strategy. It takes purpose. It takes showing up consistently, but not just for the sake of it.

Here’s the mindset shift: Consistency doesn’t mean doing everything all the time. It means doing the right things regularly enough to make an impression.

Pick One Platform and Focus

One of the most common mistakes I see nonfiction authors make is trying to be everywhere at once. Instagram, Facebook, X, TikTok, LinkedIn, Pinterest… and don’t forget that weekly blog and monthly email newsletter.

It’s no wonder you’re exhausted.

Here’s the truth: You don’t need to be everywhere. You need to be somewhere with intention.

Pro Tip: Choose one platform where your ideal reader already spends time and put your energy there. LinkedIn is often ideal for nonfiction authors in niche markets. Share content that matters and concentrate on building relationships.

When you stop spreading yourself too thin, you can actually build traction. That’s where the magic happens.

How to Stay Visible Without Burning Out

Let’s talk about breaks. Everyone needs them. But there’s a difference between taking time to recharge and disappearing altogether.

Platforms like LinkedIn penalize long absences. If you stop posting or engaging, the algorithm stops showing your content to your followers. And, that’s a tough momentum to rebuild.

But don’t worry. There are ways to stay visible without being glued to your screen.

Here are three simple tactics to help you stay present without the pressure:

1. Batch Your Content

Set aside an hour or two every couple of weeks to create and schedule posts in advance. Tools like Buffer, Later, or Metricool make it easy to set it and forget it.

Batching allows you to protect your creative energy and still stay consistent.

2. Repurpose What You Already Have

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel each time. Revisit the insightful post you wrote last summer. Repost it with a new opening or image. Consider the book excerpt you enjoyed sharing. Turn it into a quote graphic.

Not everyone saw it the first time. And even if they did, repetition builds recognition.

3. Engage in Microbursts

Instead of thinking you need to spend 30 minutes a day online, give yourself permission to show up in short bursts. Even logging in for 5 to 10 minutes twice a week to reply to comments, like posts, or share a quick thought can keep your profile active and your relationships warm.

Try This: Choose two days each week to engage, such as Monday and Thursday. Set a timer for 10 minutes. That’s it.

Reflection Is a Powerful Content Tool

Here’s a little-known secret: personal reflection is one of the most engaging forms of content you can share.

But many authors avoid it because they worry about being “too personal” or “off-brand.”

The truth is, your audience wants to know the human behind the book. Share a story about why you wrote your book. Talk about what you’ve learned this year or a challenge you’ve faced. These moments create emotional resonance.

Low-effort, high-impact content ideas:

• A “Top 3 Lessons I Learned This Year” post
• A thank-you post to early readers, clients, or collaborators
• A photo from a speaking engagement with a reflection
• A behind-the-scenes look at your writing or marketing process
• A preview of what you’re planning next (book, podcast, workshop)

Remember: You’re not selling a book. You’re building trust and connection with readers who want to learn from you.

Consistency is a Long Game

Here’s what I want you to know. Most nonfiction authors give up too early.

They think one newsletter should equal sales. Two weeks of LinkedIn posting should lead to speaking invites. And, if they don’t go viral, they must be doing something wrong.

But that’s not how it works.

Real impact comes from sustained visibility. From being someone who shows up with value over time. From being a trusted voice in a noisy world.

Whether it’s one post a week, one article a month, or one webinar per quarter. What matters most is your “stick-ability.”

And yes, you can take breaks. But build systems to support you, so the time your take off doesn’t break your momentum.

Coming Next Week…

Now that we’ve laid the groundwork for smarter, saner marketing consistency, what’s next?

In Part 2, you’ll discover how to stretch your existing content even further, unlock hidden gold in your book and past materials, and use timing to your advantage, especially when your energy is low.

We’ll talk about what to post when you don’t feel creative, how to build a “content vault,” and why timing your message can be just as powerful as the message itself.

If you’ve ever stared at your screen thinking “I’ve got nothing,” you’ll want to stay tuned.

And in the meantime, pick one simple action to take this week:

• Schedule two LinkedIn posts
• Share a quote from your book
• Write a short thank-you to your readers

No matter what you choose, remember you’re making progress. Every step counts. And the next step might be the one that opens a surprising new door.

See you in Part 2.