EP. 99 | How I Sold My First Book Without Social Media (and plans for my second) w/ Johanna Rojas Vann

When we launched Writing Off Social three years ago, we knew in our heart of hearts that it was possible to be a successful writer and author without social media . . . we just didn’t have the social proof to point to . . . yet. That’s why, over the last several seasons, it has been our joy to invite both fiction and nonfiction authors on to the show to share their publishing journeys with you. And today’s episode, we’re sharing yet another story of success, as we hear how multi-award-winning author Johanna Vann landed a book deal with a big 5 publisher and sold that book without social media. If you’re a writer on the cusp of leaving social media, but afraid that doing so means giving up your dreams of publishing, then listen in!

Tune in to Hear:

  • How Johanna Vann landed a traditional book deal without a large social media following or industry connections
  • How she went from writing during her baby’s two daily naps to becoming a multi-award-winning author
  • The surprisingly effective grassroots marketing strategies she used to sell books without relying on social media
  • Why Johanna decided to give books away generously instead of operating from a scarcity mindset
  • What she learned the hard way about being your own best advocate—even when you have a traditional publisher and agent
  • How motherhood, faith, and a willingness to work in the “slim margins” have shaped Johanna’s writing journey—and why she encourages women to embrace being a little more “mysterious” online

More About Johanna:

Johanna Rojas Vann is the multi-award winning author of An American Immigrant. She is the recipient of the Christy Award for First Novel, the winner of the International Latino Book Award for Best First Book and the Silver Winner for The Isabel Allende Most Inspirational Book Award. Her debut novel was also a finalist for the Tennessee State Book Award. She lives outside of Nashville, TN with her husband and children where she spends her days baking bread, chasing preschoolers around playgrounds and libraries, and writing inspirational fiction. 

Links from the Show:

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