Author success story

How can an older, "second act" but first-time author get their book noticed?

Former customer service executive and corporate leader Bill Leinweber knew he wanted to fulfill his dream of publishing books in the second act of his retirement. He set out to create a professional brand and online home to showcase his books and build his email list.

Author at a glance

Bill LeinweberA book by Bill Leinweber

Bill Leinweber

  • Thriller
  • Nonfiction
  • Personal Growth
billleinweber.com

The Situation

Bill Leinweber has been able to customize his Tertulia site to successfully showcase both a career development book for teens and a vampire novel through professional design and clear communication. He shares his story, blog and monthly newsletter from one centralized home, while also selling his books directly. He incentivizes direct sales with a free shipping promotion, and offers plenty of content to give readers a taste of the books.

Why This Strategy Works

Bill's strong design and communication let wildly different genres coexist clearly on one site, while a centralized home, free shipping, and sample content give readers every reason to buy direct!

How They Use Tertulia

  • Website
  • Custom Pages
  • Blog
  • Direct Sales
  • Email Marketing
  • Reader Magnet
  • Reviews

In Their Own Words

I'm a new author in my retirement and adopting Tertulia was the smartest thing I've done for my writing journey. Tertulia Pro is so flexible and customizable, yet brilliantly easy. I'm able to make changes quickly, and the blog and newsletter features are amazing. Now, I can focus on writing without being a full-time 'tech guy'.

Bill Leinweber

Thriller, Nonfiction, Personal Growth

Key Takeaways for Authors

  • Don't be afraid to combine fiction and nonfiction on one site if your story ties them together clearly.
  • When selling directly, try promotions like "free shipping" or other incentives.
  • Showcase your awards, accolades and reviews prominently for social proof and credibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can an author have both fiction and nonfiction on their website?

    Absolutely. As long as you're cohesively telling your story, and clear about what each book is about and who it is for.
  • How can I keep readers engaged on my website?

    Post consistent blog updates, share behind-the-scenes stories or a reader magnet, and give visitors an easy way to follow along via your email list.
  • How do I turn website visitors into subscribers, and hopefully, future buyers?

    Make your email signup prominent with a pop-up.

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