I tend to blog a fair bit about ways to promote yourself as a writer. I see a lot of writers dip their foot into building their online platform, only to lose interest after a time or become disheartened because they've sat at 13 followers for 3 months.
It's a phase that takes time. I won't say there are no short cuts, but frankly you need to organise your time to allow building your profile, by blogging, Facebooking and Tweeting (I can't recommend MySpace, but there are some that say it has value) and to keep up with your actual writing (no point building a great platform if you never finish that novel). Writing and editing will take up most of your time, and most of us find it hard enough to squeeze that in. So why spend time online? Isn't that what your publisher is for?
Even if you are able to land a publisher, or if you even want one, you will still need to promote your work. You can market directly to your audience (romance readers, children, etc) and I've some posts you can check out with links to help you with that:
However, if you've started out by networking with other writers, you needn't think that was a wasted target. Us writers, I've come to discover, are a very supportive bunch. Whenever I come across one of my blogging friends who has published their novel I buy it. I'm just so proud of them. I also purchase novels from any writers who have run workshops for me. Curiosity and gratitude. Those that can't run up a big bill on Amazon, may not make the purchase but will often promote your book online. I think it comes down to the fact that we all enjoy feeling like we're helping. So do reach out to other writers and blog and tweet. We learn a lot from each other and we're a reliable market.
Now, I'm off to Canberra to attend Nicole Murphy's book launch (in a pub! Yay!). AND extra yay! for school holidays, I can finally spend some time reading everyone's blogposts.
I recently purchased three books-- two novels and a memoir-- by author friends I made after having read their blogs. It does feel very good to support a friend, in that way-- and I would not have otherwise been exposed to them or their work (had it not been for their blogs.)
ReplyDeleteMy blog is all writers at the moment, it would be good to start reaching a few more readers, any idea how to do that?
ReplyDeletemood
Moody Writing
@mooderino
Suze - it's a nice personal feel when you get a book after seeing the person's blog.
ReplyDeleteMoody - Your blog is building a good followship (new word?) of writers that will be happy to purchase your novel. To reach readers you can build yourself up on Goodreads and Amazon and get your book circulated around book review blogs by offering a free arc copy. You can also identify your target market, what kind of person reads your book, what would be their other interests? You've got my interest, I'll do a little bit of research on the typical reader for each market and do some posts on this later this week :)
It can be a paradox - lately, the more I blog and comment, the less I write and submit. Bad. And yet the more I blog, the more people I meet, tips I pick up, and sites I learn about. It can be a juggling act, but I think networking is well worth it, because even if someone doesn't buy your book, they may tell a friend, or have you as a guest blogger, or suggest some great software...or just offer a virtual high five! I think the writing community is one of the most supportive and helpful groups on the internet.
ReplyDeleteYour post come at the right time. I've been finding my blogging has taken time from my writing and reading. I need to find a balance. Does it matter if I have blog traffic if I never get my novels finished?
ReplyDeleteYou're right - I've bought dozens of books by blog buddies! It's fun to read their stuff after getting to know them :)
ReplyDeleteThis was a GREAT post.
ReplyDeleteAt this point, good or bad, I'm using my blog as a way of reaching other writers, almost exclusively for camaraderie. I've put a few poems up, and just recently added the first page of my thriller.
I know I need to really pursue this. I'm still trying to get my feet wet after two months.
Again, great post! Hope you are having a good weekend.
Very good point you made. We definitely should help each other.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Charmaine. I love supporting my fellow blogging buddies. If it had not been for my platform I would never have pulled out of the station as a novel writer.
ReplyDeleteMy first blogging friend read a short of mine and said it is the opening of a novel. She was right. From then on I moved around cyberspace meeting lovely folk.
Facebook is not a waste of time, it has proven to be valuable for me. Twitter I try to get to grips with once or twice a week. I think it is important to persist with blogging and never give up if you want to join the wonderful writing community out there.
I am relatively new to all this and the more I think I know the more I realize I don't. I have to admit lately I have not written much of my ms. wrting everyday in my blog takes up alot of time. need to get back to my other writing. its a balancing act.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Joanne
I agree, fellow writers can be your best promoters! Whenever my friends are published, I love to tell everyone to read their books, and I know they do the same for their friends!
ReplyDeleteHear Hear! Charmaine. You've hit the nail on the head again. Yes we all tend to suffer from the same ailments when it comes to finding Balance in all that we do, write, read and learn. But what amazes me is that you find time to manage it better...than me at least! Still it's a fun old game. Like the new Profile pic btw. Enjoy the hollies.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree! Writers support writers and also sometimes review them. Readers do come that way.
ReplyDeletePlus, it's just nice having a community of people who are going through the same thing (bc they will frequently beta you!)
A book launch in a pub ... very cool idea. I never thought of that. But it makes sense. Drunk people will buy anything! I know I do. Now what the heck do I do with twenty blue Snuggies?
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to find a good balancie between blogging and working on my WIP. I guess alternate days? It's a challenge.
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ReplyDeleteHi all at clancytales.blogspot.com. What you thinking about chicken recipes? rnexample: rnApple brandy chicken, made with chicken breast halves, apple brandy, cream, onions, and butter, along with mushrooms. rn 4 chicken breast halves rn rn salt and pepper rn 8 ounces sliced mushrooms rn 2 teaspoons olive oil rn 2 teaspoons butter rn 1/3 cup apple brandy, such as Apple Jack or Calvados rn 4 green onions, chopped rn 1/2 cup whipping cream or heavy cream rn 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or 1/4 teaspoon dried leaf thyme rn rnPreparation: rnFlatten chicken; place chicken breast halves between pieces of plastic wrap and gently pound until thinned out and uniform in size. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. In a large heavy skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add chicken breasts. Cook for about 5 minutes, until browned, then turn. Add mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes longer. Add green onions and apple brandy and cook for another minute, until chicken is cooked through and mushrooms are tender. Add cream and thyme; simmer until thickened. Taste and add salt and pepper if needed. rnHave you else any ideas? [url=http://freerecipesforchicken.info/]recipes for chicken[/url]
ReplyDeleteThis is valuable insight, Charmaine. It really is important to find that balance between our writing and our online presence. One of the great things I love about writers is the way they pay it forward to help each other and cheer each other on. I'm always excited to buy and read the books of my writer friends.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by my blog!