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April 1, 2025

Spies, Lies, and the Secrets We Keep – Spy fiction, what is it and how do we write it?

In this 2-part event, get a a deeper understanding of what makes a novel fall into the spy fiction genre, as well as how to write stories that possess the basic elements of spy novels. The principles also apply to thriller and mystery genres.

Book Pipeline

Book Pipeline connects writers to publishers, agents, and the film industry through competitions and workshops, providing hands-on support to bridge the gap between emerging authors and the industry since 2014.

Script Pipeline

Script Pipeline connects writers with producers, agents, and managers, facilitating over $8 million in sales through competitions and ongoing industry support, helping launch major films and secure high-profile representation since 1999.

Film Pipeline

Film Pipeline connects filmmakers and writers with agencies and executives, focusing on diverse storytelling and playing an active role in developing and promoting projects, reviewing thousands of submissions annually since its launch in 2018.

Marketing for Indie Authors

Recorded

April 13, 2022

Duration

1.5 Hours

Cost

$35

Subject

Publishing

Topic

Business

You did it … you gritted your teeth and laid it on the line to self-publish your first book. Congratulations! Pat yourself on the back, have a glass of wine, and take a deep breath—because that was the easy part.

The biggest question remains: how do you spread the word about your book and get it in readers' hands? The book marketing landscape is vast, and if you don't know where to get started, self-promotion can feel daunting. But it doesn't have to be.

Leila Siddiqui, a book marketer at Simon & Schuster, can help you understand book marketing basics with tips, insights, and suggestions on where to start and how to get organized.

By the end of this session, you'll understand the difference between the various social and advertising platforms, how to drill down your ad targeting, and the tools you need to build awareness and sales for your book.

The presentation will cover:

  • Understanding book marketing basics
  • Online author presence
  • Social-media marketing
  • Metadata, keywords, and how best to optimize your book page
  • Insight on self-publishing platforms such as KDP and Ingram
  • How to do targeted outreach
  • Advertising platform walk-through and best practices

Host

Leila Siddiqui
Leila Siddiqui is a career book marketer currently on the Simon & Schuster marketing team. She previously worked for Dutton, Penguin Random House and is a freelance book marketer on Reedsy. Her titles range from romance, historical fiction and contemporary fiction to nonfiction such as memoirs, history, and popular science. She has worked on titles […]

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April 1, 2025

Spies, Lies, and the Secrets We Keep – Spy fiction, what is it and how do we write it?

In this 2-part event, get a a deeper understanding of what makes a novel fall into the spy fiction genre, as well as how to write stories that possess the basic elements of spy novels. The principles also apply to thriller and mystery genres.
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