September 2: the second day of InSeMaMo
Today's challenge is to take the first step in introducing yourself to your potential readers.
From yesterday's challenge you now have two lists. The first is a list of your readers' attributes--what they are like, are interested in, and some of their emotional/ intellectual triggers. The second is an initial list of where you might find them. We'll use these lists throughout this month, so keep them handy and add to them as we go.
The biggest social media site for readers is Goodreads. If you aren't already on Goodreads, sign up today. (Start with a regular profile, then you can set up an author's page and move your books onto it.)
It's not enough to be on Goodreads, however. You need a solid presence there. Set up some bookshelves and review books you've read and enjoyed. People will find and friend you on Goodreads by following your reviews.
Join at least one group - of course, you're looking for a group with your readers in it, and there are plenty to choose from: mystery, spec, YA, romance, literary, humor, memoir. (There are plenty of non-fiction authors on Goodreads, too, although I admit it's best geared to fiction writers. So tomorrow's challenge will be something best geared to non-fiction writers, but useful to fiction writers, too.)
Marketing is about building relationships, getting to know people and letting them get to know you. When you join a group, don't introduce yourself as an author, and don't mention your books. Join the discussion in the group. Add value to the discussion and they will want to friend you, and that will lead them to your books. Take some time over your comments - they say a lot about your writing style. Is your writing style clever, witty? Knowledgeable? Sincere and frank? Write that way when you comment (and when you tweet, blog, etc.)
To recap: today's challenge is to
Mine is: J. A. McLachlan. Connect with me on Goodreads and I'll connect with you!
P.S.- don't forget to tweet or like this post to let your friends follow what you're doing!
Today's challenge is to take the first step in introducing yourself to your potential readers.
From yesterday's challenge you now have two lists. The first is a list of your readers' attributes--what they are like, are interested in, and some of their emotional/ intellectual triggers. The second is an initial list of where you might find them. We'll use these lists throughout this month, so keep them handy and add to them as we go.
The biggest social media site for readers is Goodreads. If you aren't already on Goodreads, sign up today. (Start with a regular profile, then you can set up an author's page and move your books onto it.)
It's not enough to be on Goodreads, however. You need a solid presence there. Set up some bookshelves and review books you've read and enjoyed. People will find and friend you on Goodreads by following your reviews.
Join at least one group - of course, you're looking for a group with your readers in it, and there are plenty to choose from: mystery, spec, YA, romance, literary, humor, memoir. (There are plenty of non-fiction authors on Goodreads, too, although I admit it's best geared to fiction writers. So tomorrow's challenge will be something best geared to non-fiction writers, but useful to fiction writers, too.)
Marketing is about building relationships, getting to know people and letting them get to know you. When you join a group, don't introduce yourself as an author, and don't mention your books. Join the discussion in the group. Add value to the discussion and they will want to friend you, and that will lead them to your books. Take some time over your comments - they say a lot about your writing style. Is your writing style clever, witty? Knowledgeable? Sincere and frank? Write that way when you comment (and when you tweet, blog, etc.)
To recap: today's challenge is to
- Join Goodreads, write an interesting profile, add your photo
- Write a Goodreads book review of a book you enjoyed
- Join a Goodreads group and contribute a comment to the discussion
Mine is: J. A. McLachlan. Connect with me on Goodreads and I'll connect with you!
P.S.- don't forget to tweet or like this post to let your friends follow what you're doing!
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