Today we’re continuing our discussion on practical steps you can take to start marketing you and your book before you’re contracted. Last week we covered the first six tips.
Here are the next seven:
7) Keep a list of research contacts.
Anytime you contact someone for research help—or really anything book-related—add his contact information to your ongoing list. These are people who are guaranteed to be interested in your project because they played a part in it! Thus, they will be great word-of-mouth marketers in the future.
8) Business cards—have them, use them!
The young’uns among us may feel business cards are old school. But when you’re serious about marketing and building a network of professional contacts, business cards are incredibly handy. Let’s say you meet a Lifeway Store buyer at a book convention. Sure, you could tell him to facebook you, but how much more professional do you look when you whip out that business card? (But by all means, include your social media info on the card!)
9) Start building relationships with book reviewers.
Book reviews—especially good ones—are candy to writers. You can start building relationships with reviewers even before you have a book to review…simply by a) reviewing books yourself and b) visiting, commenting and sharing others’ book reviews.
10) Write articles and guest blog posts.
I used to read all the time that aspiring authors should write magazine articles as a way to get their foot in the door. But I often thought, “How in the world am I supposed to have time to research magazines, read submission policies and write queries and articles when I’m trying to write a book?”
Well, traditional article publishing is still worth the effort, I’m sure, but if you’re in the same boat as I was, take heart. It’s easier than ever to find avenues to write articles for online magazines and other websites. Guest blogging can also be a wonderful way to get your name and writing voice out there. Search out blogs and ezines that match up with your interests, book topics and areas of expertise. Many are looking for writers.
11) Speak or teach.
This one won’t be everybody’s piece of cake. But if it’s something you enjoy, give it a whirl. Start with local groups—area writing organizations, book clubs, Bible studies, women’s groups.
12) Post online videos.
I had the chance to visit Bethany House Publishers last fall and three separate people mentioned to me that they’d watched one or more of the short videos I’d posted on my website. It’s easier than ever to use your webcam and shoot a little video. It should be either relevant/informative or fun/entertaining…or both! We’ll talk more about videos later this year.
13) Get in the habit of engaging early on.
Relationship-building might feel heavy on days when we just want to fit in our darn word count! But making a habit of engaging with readers early on—whether they’re blog readers, social media friends or those in our local circles—will get us attuned to the thoughts, wants and needs of our readers. And you’ll probably find you enjoy it!
I’ll never forget a writer who sent me the most encouraging email after I’d left a comment on her blog. We’ve since become friends, and I’ll be first in line to buy her book when it hits shelves.
Seven more tips coming at you next week!
If you’ve got questions about any of the above or last week’s tips, just leave a comment.
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Melissa Tagg is a former reporter turned romantic comedy author. Her debut novel, Made to Last, releases from Bethany House in September 2013. In addition to her nonprofit day job, she’s also the marketing/events coordinator for My Book Therapy. Connect with Melissa at www.melissatagg.com and on Facebook and Twitter (@Melissa_Tagg).