Lately there have been a lot of posts about self-promotion and the marketing responsibilities of the author before, during and after garnering a book deal. It’s a concept that’s thrilling, that’s exciting, and that’s, well, very, very daunting.
But is it true?
Should we really be worrying about establishing a website/blog even before we have an agent? A book deal? Readers?
I think we should–and here’s one reason why:
As part of the materials I am responsible for delivering to my publisher, I was asked to fill out an author Q& A. I was not entirely surprised to find that several of the questions involved my own plans/ideas for marketing. Did I have a website/blog/both? Did I know of any specialty markets that might be suitable to my book, or have any ideas for publicity angles that could enhance my book’s appeal/broaden my audience?
I’ll be the first to admit, these are questions that I might have previously assumed were designed for the author of a non-fiction book with the all-important platform. Now it’s certainly possible that the publisher uses this same form for their non-fiction authors, but I think the better point is that ALL authors of ALL genres should be dressing their hat racks with marketing caps and wearing them frequently.
I recently read an article about Erica Bauermeister’s success in cross-marketing with her successful novel, The School of Essential Ingredients, wherein she explained how accessing cooking blogs and cooking schools proved to be a wonderful way to connect with readers, since her book has a cooking-based plot.
There’s no question that the subject matter of food is perhaps a more straight-forward subject to cross-market with than others, but in this day and age, I have to believe that every subject has an opportunity to draw an untapped audience. The point is establishing your web voice (now that you’ve spent years establishing your writing voice, right?) and shouting it from the rooftops.
Will not having a website/blog before you query agents put you at a disadvantage? Based on my experience, no. I began my blog within days after my offer, but I am glad I did. Most of all because I am delighted to be in the company of so many other writers and readers who enjoy sharing their passion for stories (and, oh yes, food and drink and all-around merriment) as much as I do.
So what does everyone think about all this author-as-marketer business? Excited? Terrified? Undecided?
Dear readers, do you “follow” your favorite authors on Twitter or “friend them” on Facebook, or do you find that whole business on the windy side of foolish?
I’m excited about marketing my work. I say that now, pre-deal and pre-Q&A when I might find myself quite nervous about describing my genius marketing plans.
And like you, I’m delighted to be in the company of so many other writers and readers via blogging. That in itself is rewarding.
Good for you, Suzanne. I agree. I find the idea of having a hand in the process of getting my work out there to be an exciting (and certainly necessary) challenge. I’ll be sure to forward what I learn along the way…
Excellent post. Thank you for the heads up on what I can expect when I get a publishing deal.
I do follow authors on Twitter. And I love getting to “meet” so many writers through their blogs.
Thanks, Linda (love the new pic, by the way). So you do like Twitter? I’m so torn on it…Would you ever consider an account? I’m not sure I would, even though I know many do. And of course, there’s Facebook too. Seems like an awful lot to keep up with…
Do you mean a Twitter account? If so, I’ve had one for a year and have 388 followers as of today. I use it only for writing contacts. But I don’t let it steal my writing time because I’m not on there all day every day. I check in for a few minutes in the mornings, but when I’m busy writing or editing, I may not check again that day … or for two or three days.
There’s not a wealth of authors on Twitter … at least not the ones I would follow, but there are agents, editors, publishers and a mass of other writers. So it’s good for making contacts. I’ve also followed many Tweeted links to terrific writing articles and blogs.
I also have a Facebook account, but I only use that for family and close friends.
Sorry, by “authors” I meant big-name published authors. You will find many lesser known, or debut authors, as well as aspiring ones like me.
Thanks for sharing your experience, Linda–I’ve been wondering how other writers use the two modes of communication. I haven’t found much on the web in terms of people’s experiences with them from a professional point of view, good/bad, etc.
Thanks for sharing with us the insider’s edition of marketing! I had no idea publishers actually Q&A-ed an author.
I think it’s really important to market yourself, because…i do believe that a big chunk of your sales is via Word of Mouth (which is why I adore your blog name). Unless an author is prepared to spend lots of money on a publicist, one must do the best they can through social networks. It all comes down to: You need to be known to be read.
June, you are exactly right–we writers are expected to be a huge part of the marketing plan and we can surely impact that so much more than authors could in previous generations. It’s amazing how far you can reach through the internet–connections that can be made in minutes. It STILL blows my mind.
I got into blogging and produced a website on the recommendation of an agent. She also suggested I get author photos done, which I still have not. I don’t think I have used my blog much to be honest in forms of marketing. I don’t strive to gather readers, I am content with those few bloggers I visit and only come to a new sight if I am intrigued by a comment (such as yours ) Yet, at the same time if I am googled I am easily found 🙂
(Oh, and of course I have not updated my website in ages so there is a lot missing, which is not a good thing – that I must get on top off!_)
I am also recently considering twitter, haven’t ventured there quite yet…
and I hate the thought of having to deal with the business side of it all….not for me. oh well, no choice.
Best of luck!
Hi Jennifer–you’ve done a great job, clearly, and are ahead of the game. I definitely credit you and all the bloggers I’ve been fortunate enough to meet in getting in the blog pool with helping me navigate through these often tricky waters.
No twitter yet for you either? Good, I’m not the only one!:)
What a great topic, Erika. When I decided I wanted to start writing for publication again, I studied the market and developed a business plan. I decided I would first write the book, then in year two start looking at marketing techniques. I knew I wanted to start my blog (since it was free) and by year three, when I was preparing to market my novels to agents, I wanted to develop a very simple web site.
I’m glad I did it. Starting my blog early gave me the opportunity to develop my blogging voice and garner a readership. I didn’t want to make my blog genre-specific, but to make it valuable to other writers, so I worked hard on developing a focus.
My agent told me the first thing she does is Google an author to see what she can find online about them.
At first a blog is really enough. The key is getting your name and your work out there.
I love you idea of hitting cooking blogs for your novel. Now that more and more of the marketing is falling to the author, we need to educate ourselves more about marketing techniques.
I found your post very informative. Thanks!
Thanks as always, Teresa, for sharing your experience on these topics. Like I just said to Jennifer, I’ve been so grateful to all of your blogs for helping me to understand both content and presentation.
I don’t have a website yet, and I’m still undecided on whether or not I will make one when the time comes–like you, I think having a blog initially is perhaps sufficient–enough to connect with others and to introduce oneself and one’s work.
I know we are all looking forward to hearing the latest news about your representation. I suspect you and your agent are well into revision talks–and submission can’t be far behind. Such an exciting time for you!!
Erika:
Sure enough there is a “very, very” and “really” in the first few lines of your post!
On the topic of self-promotion, my editor told me right from the get go that I would be the best promoter of the book. She was right. I have been amazed at how many books sold at signings and talks. Can’t wait to attend one of yours. You will plan some Maine venues, right?
Finally, I am just returning from the annual meeting of the New England Museum Association. The power of social media was a huge topic of conversation. Do you realize if Facebook were a country, it would rank third in the world in “population”? The other statistic that grabbed my attention was that it took radio 38 years to attain 50 million listeners and television 13 years to gain 50 million viewers. Facebook had that many participants in a few months. It’s a wired world. You are on the right track with blogging.
Hey, is that one of your cuties walking the plank to one of Maine’s landmark lighthouses?
TTFN,
David
Hi Dave–wired, it is–when are you starting YOUR blog?
By the by, I’ve been meaning to mention that my next book features lighthouses and I just might inquire with you on several historical points, seeing as you’re a growing authority on the subject! Really!
In case you hadn’t noticed, I use my Facebook page like a blog. I have an inordinate number of Notes, which I’m told is a no-no by my ADHD friends.
Fire away with the Maine lighthouse questions.
FB like a blog? Very interesting–I am on FB rarely but I’ll be on the lookout now–and thanks for the offer in advance. I’ll be sending a few questions along soon!
Hi Erika,
I appreciate this thread! I’m a new (but older) writer getting ready to submit a picture book manuscript. I’ve played around with the idea of getting a blog for author purposes and today I finally decided to get serious. I Googled “WordPress author blogs” and . . . wa la! Yours came up with comments that address my questions.
Thank you.
My plan is to develop an interactive WordPress blog which I think will give me the necessary web presence until I can hire someone to help me with a website. I have a Facebook account, but I use it primarily to check in with family and friends now and then.
Thanks again.
LJ
LJ, you are most welcome!–thank you for stopping in and leaving your comment. I still feel very unsure of how to go about the business of social media and establishing a presence in this industry…but I have taken great comfort in knowing there are many very gracious and helpful other people blogging who have helped me along the way. We are all in this together, for sure.
Best of luck to you!
Thanks for this post. I am currently in the process of trying to get myself noticed. Blogging is the most effective way I have found to do that. You are correct. I have picked up some great advice through the sites I have logged onto.
http://timkeen40.wordpress.com
Thanks so much for stopping in–I’ve been amazed and so grateful for the communities I’ve been fortunate enough to be a part of since I’ve started blogging. It’s a tremendous resource and one I’m learning more about every day.