So Gabi paid for a blog tour. It was legit. It was well-organized. And it did absolutely nothing for her book sales. Instead of throwing more money at the problem, she decided to do it herself—reach out, make real connections, and see what happens.
Gabi Batel shares her experiences discovering the challenges of cold outreach, the power of finding the right audience, and the unexpected ways the pandemic reshaped online networking for authors.
From rebranding her editing business to overcoming personal hurdles in self-promotion, this convo on the evolving book industry shares some hard-earned insights for any indie author looking to make their mark.
ABOUT GABRIELLA BATEL | Website
Gabi Batel is a thriller author, editor, and founder of Bone Piercer Media, where she helps indie authors sharpen their stories through expert editing, book formatting, audiobook narration, and video production. With a degree in English Writing, Rhetoric, and Technology, she combines storytelling expertise with marketing savvy, ensuring books don’t just read well—they sell well. A mentor LegendFiction and an indie author herself, she knows firsthand the highs and struggles of publishing. Whether she's crafting her own pulse-pounding fiction or guiding others through the process, Gabi is all about making stories unforgettable.
Paid Blog Tours Aren’t Guaranteed to Work – Even when done right, a blog tour might not lead to sales. Visibility doesn’t always translate to engagement or purchases.
Oversaturation Makes Standing Out Harder – With so many books being promoted daily, readers quickly move on unless they are deeply interested in a specific title.
Niche Targeting Matters – A big mistake in marketing is promoting to the wrong audience. Personal outreach allows better alignment with readers who genuinely care about your genre.
DIY Marketing Can Be More Effective – Directly reaching out to book reviewers and influencers who fit your niche may take more effort but can yield stronger connections and engagement.
Cold Contacting is Uncomfortable—But Necessary – Overcoming the fear of reaching out is key to success. The worst that can happen? Someone says no.
The Pandemic Reshaped Networking – Online connections are more viable than ever. From social media to Zoom calls, authors can build meaningful relationships without in-person events.
Indie Authors Wear Many Hats – Writing the book is just one step. Marketing, networking, and even understanding design and branding are essential skills for independent success.
A Good Editor is a Lifesaver – Even experienced authors miss things in their own work. Having an editor who understands the craft can elevate a book to its best version.
Fear Can Hold Back Growth – Avoiding outreach, networking, or taking big steps in business can be the biggest roadblock. Pushing past discomfort leads to major breakthroughs.
Success Comes from Consistency and Connection – Whether marketing a book or growing a business, showing up, reaching out, and building genuine relationships are the real game-changers.
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