You can write the perfect book, pick a perfect cover, and
format without mistakes. But marketing your book like a shopper on Black Friday at Target won’t
get you where you want to be.
Social Media. I
like Facebook for family, friends, news, and postings. Plus I do a little
marketing also. I belong to several groups like Science Fiction and Fantasy
Authors, Book Trailer Videos, Aspiring Authors, and Book Promotion. Information
is traded, advice given, views exchanged. I enjoy them and comment, offering back
in full measure what I am given.
But some don’t use these sites as an introduction. They plaster their books onto the sites then leave without giving back to the community.
Twitter is worse. There’s hardly any
conversation at all over there. I’ve stopped cruising that social media except
for breaking news.
If you are a writer, join these groups, participate, become
a “name” and active member. People will remember you and behave accordingly. To
drop your pile and fly off is rude.
In the same vein: Over-marketing, or plastering your book on all groups on the same day. Too much
is never the way to go.
Politics and Push Button
Issues. I have an uncle who is set in his ways. His mind is made up on all
issues, and he is the reigning authority in all ways...at least in his own
viewpoint. He isn’t above telling everyone how wrong they are on any subject,
especially politics. Arguing with him takes both of you down a dark, circular track with no
end or beginning.
To my way of thinking, expressing opinions on red-hot issues
of the day or stupid things said by presidential candidates goes down that same
path. It isn’t productive.
I loved one author like mad and bought anything and
everything he wrote. Then he started preaching. And not just a page or chapter
but the whole book. I titled my review of his last book Shut Up and Sing and stopped
buying.
You can bet that half of your fans think differently than
you do. Why alienate them? I have very strong feelings about certain issues and
candidates. I do try to keep a handle on my effusions but sometimes those
opinions eek out.
Tips for the Professional Writer.
If you really want
good stuff to read—and who doesn’t—help and encourage writers. Offer to
critique. Be ready with advice when asked.
Our reward is books that keep us
reading until 2 am.
5 comments:
Marketing is a profession that people go to college and get degrees for. But with publishing the way it is, authors have to be pinch hitters scrambling to find a way to get their books noticed. Becoming a "name"otherwise known as branding, is crucial, Your line, "To drop your pile and fly off is rude," is hysterical.
I think the advice of 'be genuine' is the best you can give anyone (as you have). I am on twitter perhaps once a day. I retweet what looks good, maybe tweet a blog post or a news item, and that's it. I'm the same with Facebook. Connecting with friends - I just joined ALLI and am delighted with the help and the attitude and the overall knowledge.
Someone on Twitter tweets her three books three or four times a day with the same information and the same covers shown. After a week of that I groaned whenever I saw the books.
I agree 'To drop your pile and fly off is rude' should be made into a screen background...
Reminds me of Dawn of the Dead.
My experience is the other way around. Twitter was where I have regular communication with multiple writers who actually communicate back on both book and non book related issues. To be facebook is oversaturated and a number of writers I had communication with through blogging fell away when it came to facebook. Too much was going on there.
Overmarketing is annoying and I am glad you covered this topic.
Marketing can be quite tricky, no doubt about it. Interesting thoughts and perspective you have shared. Greetings!
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