Okay readers, listen up. This one is for you. Being an author isn't easy, in
fact it's a pretty tough job. We write our books for you and, in return, we'd
love a little help now and again.
Most of my articles are around marketing, social media, and advising authors
on what they can do. Often I am sure that authors read these pieces and feel
like they need a nap. Yes, there's a lot to be done, but you shouldn't go it
alone. Your readers can be your best ally to help you market and readers, listen
up: it's not easy being an author in a world where everyone can get published.
Often readers do want to help, but aren't really sure what to do. Also,
there's a bit of a mystique around authors. Many readers think, "Well, the book
has been published, they probably don't need my help." But this couldn't be
further from the truth. Authors (especially those who are starting out) do need
our help. Here are a few things you can do to help support your favorite author
and for authors, don't hesitate to post this list somewhere on your website. If
you need help (and who doesn't) you need to ask for it.
* Review the book: I've been doing an experiment with a book that I
published anonymously. I included an email address for readers to write to share
their thoughts on the book and I was shocked at all of the emails I got. Most of
them complimentary (whew) and many of them asking when I'd write another book
(something every author wants to hear). I would write them, thank them and ask
them if they had the time, would they consider reviewing it on Amazon. This has
netted me over fifty reader reviews. Authentic opinions about the book, written
by a reader. Fantastic, yes? Readers are some of the best resources for reviews.
If you are an author, ask for a review. You might even include a note at the end
of the book to your readers inviting them to review it and telling them why. I'm
surprised that many readers don't do this, it's not because they're lazy but
because they wonder if their opinion matters. Guess what? It does! Like a book?
Please review it. Even if you don't like it review it, too. Most authors welcome
feedback if it's constructive. Always be positive.
* Video reviews: If you're ready to take this a step further, why not
offer a video review? Amazon lets you do this and I know, as an author, I would
be thrilled if someone reviewed my book on video! If you do this, send the video
clip via Dropbox or YouSendit and keep the clip to under a minute. Hold up the
book and smile!
* Photo sharing: This is another thing that I would love so much. A
reader holding up my book, snapping a picture and posting it on social media!
This is a fun, visual way to share your love for a book. Even better, snap a
picture where you're reading it. Taking a book on vacation? Why not show
yourself enjoying the book (cover out!) reclining in a hammock or sitting
somewhere sipping espresso (Paris?). If you don't have any travel planned, take
a picture anyway. Authors love, love this so much!
* Local bookstores: Though it may seem like every author who is
published gets a shot at bookstore shelf space, the truth is that most don't. If
you've found a book you love and had to buy it on Amazon because your local
store didn't carry it, tell them. Bookstore managers have told me if they get
multiple requests for a book they will consider stocking it.
* Reading groups: This is often a tough one for authors to get into.
Reading groups are a fantastic way to get the word out about your book but many
are tough to reach and often pick their books months in advance. Unlike The
Pulpwood Queens which has a website and a strong online presence, most local
book clubs don't have that kind of exposure but their regional reach can be
fantastic. If you know of a local book club let them know about this book and
then put them in touch with the author. It's a quick thing to do and I speak
from experience when I say that any author would be very, very grateful to have
this kind of a connection.
* Buy the book for a friend: This is pretty basic. If you love the
book you just read, buy a copy for a friend. I do this almost every year for
Christmas. If I love a book, I gift it. When you gift it, remind the person to
review it.
* Social Media: Sharing has become part of our lives. We share good
and bad news but when was the last time you shared what you are reading? Here's
where that great picture you just took of you reading a book can come in handy.
Or even better, hop on over to Goodreads or Library Thing and share your love
for this author to the millions listening there.
* Bookmarks: Most authors will get things printed up like bookmarks,
postcards, etc. Bookmarks are especially fun because despite the eBook surge,
many of us are still reading printed books. Email the author and see if he or
she will send you a stack of them that you can share with your local library or
bookstore. Leave them at the counter or pop them inside of similar books. Sort
of like Amazon's "Other customers also bought" which pairs up similar titles. I
know of a few times when this has happened, meaning readers contacting authors
and the authors are blown away and grateful. Again, this takes very little
effort. Ask for the bookmarks and the next time you're at a bookstore drop them
off. Easy and the authors will really appreciate the local exposure.
* Authors on tour: It's not often that authors tour anymore but if you
have someone coming to your area why not offer to help them get the word out?
Maybe drop off fliers, or if you are so inclined, call your local paper and let
them know this author is coming to town and as a reader, you'd love for the
paper to do a story on it. Getting a heads up about an author coming to town
from a reader can be ten times more effective than even a well-polished pitch.
Why? Because the media is serving the local community and if a resident is
sharing an idea, they're bound to listen.
* Libraries: Authors can have a tough time getting into libraries so
why not buy an extra book and donate it? Then let the author know that you did
this so they can let readers know where they can check out the book at a local
library. I know most authors would love to have a reader do this. It's
impossible to reach everyone and most authors don't have the budget to do a
library pitch on top of everything else. Many will submit their books to
publications librarians read and hope for the best. Having a local connection is
a fantastic way to get a book some local exposure.
When I've offered these tips in a session sometimes someone will pop up and
say, "But big named authors don't need this kind of help." That's possibly quite
true, but if you're only reading big names you're missing out on a whole crop of
wonderful new writers. And, candidly, most authors, no matter how big they are
will appreciate the help. The publishing world isn't just shrinking for the
little guy, it's shrinking for every author. As a reader, you have a unique
opportunity to make a difference and help out an author who has poured his or
her heart and soul into a book. As an author, if you need help from your readers
ask. Post this article on your website or excerpt pieces of it that you feel
best fit your needs. Even better, create your own list. When you ask for help,
you might be very pleasantly surprised by the results.
Reprinted from "The Book Marketing Expert newsletter," a free ezine offering
book promotion and publicity tips and techniques. http://www.amarketingexpert.com
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