I’m a debut author. My first book, a contemporary romance, will hit shelves May, 2012. And as soon as I signed that I-could-kiss-you-you’re-so-lovely contract, my mind jumped from “How can I get published?” to “How can I get read?”
Last Monday, I wrote a post about my marketing philosophy, titled How May I Serve You?
Philosophy is good. Philosophy is fun. But today, let’s get practical.
I’d like to share ten things I’ve done or will do to market my upcoming book.
As you read through the list, I hope you feel encouraged. None of these things are difficult. Many are practical. Most are free. And I’m willing to bet you’re doing some already.
I’ve defined my target audience.
Nobody can write for everyone and the minute we try is the minute we write for no one. Defining our target audience is a prerequisite if we’re going to market effectively.
I blog.
Ever since I signed my contract, I’ve put more thought and time into blogging. Consistency and content is key. I’ve tried to consistently post three times a week about topics that will appeal to my target audience.
I created a Facebook page.
I have to be honest here. I’m not utilizing my page as well I could. But I’m hoping, as my book gets closer to release and then hits the shelves, that my page will be an easy place to connect with readers.
I tweet. (Oh, how I love Twitter.)
If you don’t have a Twitter account yet, get thee to Twitter right now. It’s a great way to meet new people and as Thomas Umstaddt pointed out in a recent webinar, it’s a great place to listen. Listening is key. If you sign up for Twitter, make sure to download Tweetdeck.
I joined a writing community.
Because I write contemporary romance for the Christian market, the best organization for me to join was ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). I can’t tell you how many amazing, supportive, encouraging people I’ve met within this community, many of whom will help promote my book when it releases.
I’m in the process of creating a website.
If a reader finishes my book and Googles my name, I want her to be able to find me easily. A website is like a cyber office. It gives readers an easy way to find information about us and our books. I also hired a professional photographer to take some high-quality photos that I can use on my website.
I’m establishing (I hope) positive relationships.
With readers, yes. But also with the people at my publishing house. I listened to a workshop given by Colleen Coble and she believes one of the smartest things a writer can do to gain a readership is establish positive relationships with their publisher. Sounds weird, maybe, but it makes sense. I want to be a blessing to the people at my publishing house.
I’ve done interviews.
I recently completed a telephone interview with my publishing house. They recorded it and will use it for promotional purposes. More information on this fun adventure is coming soon!
I completed a questionnaire for marketing.
Not a quick one either, but nine pages of questions. I answered as thoroughly as possible in order to best help the marketing department market my book.
I will take advantage of local connections.
I have a friend who writes for the newspaper and a family member who works for a local news station. As my release gets closer, we’re planning on doing an article in the paper and an interview on the news.
So there you go. Ten things I’ve done or will do in order to market my debut novel.
As my release date approaches, I’m sure I’ll give other things a try. Some of which might help. Some of which might not. And that’s okay. Marketing is a try-and-see adventure. One that can be as stressful or as fun as we make it.
Let’s Talk: What are you doing right now to market your work? What marketing strategies have you seen authors do that have been effective?
I drafted this post a few weeks ago, and since then, Jody Hedlund published an amazing post that goes well with this one, titled 10 Ways to Prepare in Advance for Publication.
The clients of WordServe Literary Agency have launched a new blog, The WordServe Water Cooler, where we hope to build community and discuss all things writing and publishing. Please come say hi!
I got an invitation to LinkedIn last night. Unlike with Facebook, you can see each person's professional status right under their photo, without having to click on their info. It appears to be a professional network and less social.
Hey Jordyn – the process of getting blog followers has been a very slow trickle. The more helpful or relevant my posts, the more followers I seem to get. But it's definitely not a fast process!
Katie,
Lots of good information here. What I'd like to know is how you've been so successful at getting blog followers– you're doing great!
Katie,
A lot of great information here. What I'd like to know is how you've been so successful at getting blog followers– you're doing great!
How exciting to know your book will be in the hands of others next May!
Congratulations.
I look forward to learning more as we journey together on the WordServe Water Cooler blog 🙂
Hi Clarice – yes, this was something the marketing department of my publishing house provided. But I think many publishers have similar questionnaires.
Some of the things you can think about now, as you prepare would be….
Who might be willing to endorse your book?
What ideas do you have for marketing your book?
What organizations do you belong to that might be helpful?
What makes your book unique, appealing, or special?
Who is your target audience?
This is just a taste of some of the questions. Very standard questions that are good to be thinking about now.
I checked off many of your ten items (that is, those that pertained to me as an unpublished novelist), but the 9-page marketing questionnaire had me wondering. Did your publisher give you this? Is this something I can start on now? Before my book is published? I want to do all I can to prepare. Thanks.
I LOVE TWITTER TOO!
Thanks Donna!
Joylene – yeah, that is always a tough decision. Writer's conferences are unfortunately expensive. But man, they are so valuable too. I pray God gives you the resources and the wisdom to know what steps to take.
At this moment I'm stewing over whether to attend the SiWC in October. It's expensive, and let's face it writers don't write to get rich. So, do I go into debt and attend with the off chance I'll land an agent for my novels yet to be published? Or do I wait another year?
Decisions, decisions. My 2nd novel is just out, but my 3rd could be another 2 years.
Oh, the cost is approximately $1500. CAD
Great post, Katie. Thanks.
Yes, yes, and YES girl! I'd also add respond to every single reader that comes to you. It's tough and takes time but it creates a bond like no other. Readers are great and we should thank them in every way possible. =)
Great post, Katie! I can't wait to see your book, as well as use your great advice to promote my first one, as well.
Hey Martha – I either get them from Flickr, in which case I make sure to credit them at the bottom of the post. But if they aren't credited, it means I bought them from istock. Searching for a picture drives me nuts! It usually takes longer than writing the post.
P.S. I have a question – I love the pics that accompany your posts. Where do you find them?
Great tips Katie! Looks like you're well on your way to great success.
p.s. So many great ideas by the commenters here! Heather, I feel the same way about making my blog reach out to more people than just my fellow writers. Jennifer, making friends with bookstore owners and librarians is something I haven't done yet because I'm so shy in person, but something I so would like to have in place.
Awesome, Katie! You are doing a wonderful job so far. Thanks for sharing your list, it's so helpful to someone like me who wonders what's just beyond the curtain, lol. And, WOW on the newspaper and the news connections!! How awesome is that? =)
Ha, Marji – I sure don't feel ready!
Thanks for the comments everyone! I love reading them. 🙂
Oooh, good tips! I need to work on my strategy. I've been debating a facebook page. As for a website…still working on that too. lol
Great list, Katie! Can't wait to hear more about your journey.
Sounds like a lot of fun and good ole hard work too. Things are coming together nicely!!! :O)
What a great list! And I'm so excited to find I'm doing most of your suggestions. Maybe when my turn comes I'll be as ready as you are??? I hope!
Katie, you sound like you're very much on track.
How's home life keeping you? It's been a while since I've had time to surf blogs and wonder how you're enjoying your retirement from teaching.
Take care!
Love the list. I was going to suggest business cards too! CJ beat me to it 🙂
I can't wait for May 2012 when we can read your book! And I'm excited to see your website. How exciting!!
I have to admit I'm scared witless at times by how much hinges on marketing to get my book read. I've got a Facebook author page, but it's languishing at the moment. I think I might need to get back to forums as well.
I'm looking forward to the unveiling of the website. 🙂
GREAT tips, Katie!!! Thanks for sharing!!!
Hey Katie,
You are busy! And that's great. I cannot wait to promote your book (out the w.). 😉
I recently created a FB page and I'm loving the interaction there so far. I feel like those who've "liked" my page are essentially helping me build my books. I also connect like crazy…I take risks with this and have cemented some beautiful relationships b/c of those risks.
~ Wendy
Another thing to do is make friends with your local bookstore owners and librarians. This is a small-scale move, but they have connections who have connections, and word can spread.
I worked at our local Christian bookstore when I was in high school, and I've tried to maintain those connections because people I worked with now run the two largest bookstores in our town and have good CBA connections. Also, librarians can work out book-signings and such as well! 🙂 Another little idea to add to the list.
Great post, Katie!
Jessica – you're right! I totally forgot about the pictures. It's so important that an author gets a professional-looking head shot!
Excellent tips, Katie! Can't wait to hear about your interview stories. And don't forget your fab new pictures you took too! They're awesome. 🙂
That is a great list, Katie. There are many items on the list for all writers to do early on in the process. The one that I've been thinking a lot about lately is writing with the reader in mind. In theory, that sounds like a no brainer. But in actuality, I think some bloggers (like me) might need to take a small step back and make sure I'm writing to the readers I hope will one day read my book. this includes writers, but I want to think about the non-writers in some way, too.
Two other simple things you can add: business cards (Overnightprints.com has them uber cheap) You never know where business cards will end up. Carry them with you at all times. And word of mouth. Talk about what you do while waiting in line if the opportunity presents. I got a commission at Sears waiting in line.
Very informative Katie! Sounds like you are going along the right pathway. Consistency is a great tool, i try to be consistent with my blogs, and since i want to get more serious with the art of writing, i have tried to blog 3 times a week (M,W,F) just to get myself in the habit of being consistent. Seems to be working so far. This gives me an idea to probably create a "writing bucket list" to be accomplished within the year. Great post as usual! Have a wonderful week!