Building a following is crucial to success as a new writer. To sell books, you must have readers, but finding those readers is not a simple task. Below, you'll find five tips every new writer should incorporate into his or her career.
Bragging rights. Writing a book is hard work. Don't ever forget that. You should be proud of your accomplishment. Be comfortable telling anyone you meet that you're a writer. Explain your current work in progress (WIP). Remember that it only takes one seed to sprout the flower. Sharing your story with one person could result in one hundred readers.
Marketing. Promotional tools are invaluable. Create a website. Make it clean and keep it current. Start a blog, and post to it regularly. Make a social media page for every platform you're willing to actually utilize. Meaning, don't make a Twitter page if you're never going to use it. Potential readers could find that page before finding your website or book, and that alone could stop them from making the purchase or hitting the "follow" button. Finally, always, always keep business cards on you--especially when traveling. Think simple, classic--like your website.
Giveaways. Have regular promotions on your social media pages and your website/blog. Run a weekly, bi-monthly, or monthly reader appreciation day. Offer free e-books or exclusive short stories. Giveaway gift cards or e-readers. Carry signed paperbacks, and give those away, too. Don't think of a giveaway as losing money, even if you opt to giveaway something worth more like an e-reader, because putting more copies of your book(s) in more hands will bring in more readers, who, in turn, will purchase more copies of your other books.
Book signings. Independent bookstores are a godsend for new writers. Stop by as many as you can and speak to the owners. Most will even sell books by self-published authors. Once they're selling your books, ask them to host a book signing and reading. Offer to regularly sign their stock. Remember, customers of small bookstores are loyal, avid readers.
Writing groups and workshops. Join a local writing group, offer free writing classes at your local library, contact your local college's radio station for an interview, and/or email your local paper's editor. Everything listed here will help to spread the word about you and your new book.
There are ways to grow your readership around every corner. So tell me, what's your favorite marketing plan?
Bragging rights. Writing a book is hard work. Don't ever forget that. You should be proud of your accomplishment. Be comfortable telling anyone you meet that you're a writer. Explain your current work in progress (WIP). Remember that it only takes one seed to sprout the flower. Sharing your story with one person could result in one hundred readers.
Marketing. Promotional tools are invaluable. Create a website. Make it clean and keep it current. Start a blog, and post to it regularly. Make a social media page for every platform you're willing to actually utilize. Meaning, don't make a Twitter page if you're never going to use it. Potential readers could find that page before finding your website or book, and that alone could stop them from making the purchase or hitting the "follow" button. Finally, always, always keep business cards on you--especially when traveling. Think simple, classic--like your website.
Giveaways. Have regular promotions on your social media pages and your website/blog. Run a weekly, bi-monthly, or monthly reader appreciation day. Offer free e-books or exclusive short stories. Giveaway gift cards or e-readers. Carry signed paperbacks, and give those away, too. Don't think of a giveaway as losing money, even if you opt to giveaway something worth more like an e-reader, because putting more copies of your book(s) in more hands will bring in more readers, who, in turn, will purchase more copies of your other books.
Book signings. Independent bookstores are a godsend for new writers. Stop by as many as you can and speak to the owners. Most will even sell books by self-published authors. Once they're selling your books, ask them to host a book signing and reading. Offer to regularly sign their stock. Remember, customers of small bookstores are loyal, avid readers.
Writing groups and workshops. Join a local writing group, offer free writing classes at your local library, contact your local college's radio station for an interview, and/or email your local paper's editor. Everything listed here will help to spread the word about you and your new book.
There are ways to grow your readership around every corner. So tell me, what's your favorite marketing plan?
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