This is a tough one for me. I seem to be completely flummoxed by the many and varied ways I should be marketing myself online to generate interest for myself and my book.
If I spent the time I would need to to learn about the best blogs, best twitter people to follow and the best way to get my electronic presence I would not have any time to write. Anyway, Twitter baffles me, I just really don't see the point.
I know having a great pitch is integral to getting interest in your story but once you have a finished story and an amazing pitch, well then what?
You can create an author page on Good Reads, you can have a blog, a twitter account, do a blog tour, give out review copies, have a give away contest, put part of your story on Wattpad and a link for interested readers to purchase your book.
But how do you get people to follow your blog, twitter account, visit your author page, find your give away contest or your story on Wattpad?
I would love to hear your advice. What has worked for you in the past? What didn't work?
I don't feel qualified to give any advice but I can definitely relate! I love blogging but the rest of social media is very difficult for me. I think marketing is a bit of a nightmare. I think it's great that there are so many options to get yourself "out there," but on the flip side this also makes it feel kind of overwhelming.
ReplyDeleteSo glad to meet you thanks to the AtoZ!
Untethered Realms
Julie,
DeleteThanks for visiting. What a great idea to share a blog. More creativity and more work hours available than only one person can give plus the support of others.
I hear you. I didn't start out blogging (almost 8 years ago) to collect followers and "brand" myself. But it worked out that way. I didn't start out blogging to become a published writer either. But it worked out that way. I don't have a huge following on any of my social sites, but word of mouth is still one of the best ways to get "the word" out there. I don't understand Twitter either, but I use it every once in a while. And, I'm new to Facebook, which I think has been helpful.
ReplyDeleteIn the end the best way to be seen by other bloggers is to become a follower and follow those who choose follow you. It takes time to build relationships. When I first started blogging I had no idea that in 6 years or so I'd be seriously considering self-publishing. I took the plunge because I read about the journeys my "blog buddies" were taking. Plus they were encouraging me. They helped me have confidence in myself. I have "met" and become friends with some wonderful people for which I am very grateful.
I have learned that the blogger writing community is, on the whole, extremely friendly, very helpful, and willing to share what they know. All you have to do is ask. But you do have to participate. You have to visit blogs, you have to leave comments, you have to take an interest, you have to give your time.
Bish, That is great advice. I started blogging to support my writing when Arlee spoke at our writing group a week before last year's A to Z and get a following because being a published author was always my goal. I had to stop thinking of it as a drain on my time and then it became a pleasure and a valuable resource.
DeleteThe less I expect from my blog and my interactions from social media, the more I actually get from them both. Funny how that is. Reminds me of the old chestnut, "To have a friend, be a friend." Seems like the more I reach out to others with genuine interest, the more they respond to me with the same.
ReplyDelete~Tui Snider~
@TuiSnider on Twitter
My blog: Tui Snider's Offbeat & Overlooked Travel
I am also part of the #StoryDam team, a friendly writing community!
Tui, Nice to see you again. Good advice. Something to remember and share with my kids.
DeleteDear Kathryn;
ReplyDeleteThank you for expressing what we all feel.
How about linked in and checking other social media sites like reddit, stumbleupon and so on?
Garden of Eden Blog
Good luck,
Susan
Thanks for the ideas. I will check out reddit. I just found stumbleupon thanks to another blogger.
DeleteI think it's all about authenticity across all platforms (regardless of how many or how few you choose). This won't get you readers/subscribers overnight - but I'm looking for people who want to hear from me, not just clickers.
ReplyDeleteI agree you have to be true to yourself. It is just hard to find the time to find content and something interesting that I have to say.
DeleteLove your opera singing. That is one art form that I have yet to explore. I love the theater and go often. I will have to search out an opera this year.
I'm in the same boat as you. Sometimes I feel like I'm doing an adequate job, then I see others and wonder how in the world do they have time to eat, much less write, with all their online posts, etc.
ReplyDeleteGreat post and great replies!
I assume they don't have jobs or sleep a lot less than I do. Maybe their kids are older and more self-sufficient. I am also easily distracted which slows down my efficiency. :)
DeleteThings like a to z are useful, but can be frustrating when folks don't return the favour. I think as long as you are passionate about what you are writing you will eventually get the followers. So nice to follow and connect with an a to z challenger, and I look forward to more posts. http://aimingforapublishingdeal.blogspot.co.uk/
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting. I love the title of your blog. Why not ask for exactly what you want? More women, especially, need to learn how to do that.
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