Voices Carry
That was a great 80's tune, wasn't it? It's not at all what we're discussing today, though. Today we're going to discuss self-promotion.
There are many things an author can do to promote their work. The first, most obvious thing (I would say), in this day and age is that you need a website and, if you have the time, a blog. Soon my website will be undergoing a metamorphosis as I gear it more toward a YA audience and focus on promoting Vlad and EGB. (It'll also be relocating to heatherbrewer.com--so watch for it!) A website doesn't have to be complicated to be effective. Just show your readers who you are, give them a taste of your work, and offer them a way to contact you. Communication, as in any relationship, is key with your readers. As for writing a blog, you've got to have dedication. Topics can be difficult to come by when your head is stuck in revisions or whatnot. And readers are fickle. If you don't write several times a week, they'll get antsy and move on.
The next best way to promote your work can be summed up in one word: bribery. Give stuff away! Especially if it's promotional stuff like refrigerator magnets, buttons and bookmarks (all with your book cover & web address, of course). But give away the fun stuff too. Autographed copies of books, ultra cool objects that carry the theme of your book, shirts printed with your book cover. Give all this stuff away and don't you dare scoff at price. These are your fans, your readers. Consider this promotional investment a thank you gift to them for sticking with you. Besides, people talk--they spread the word whether you're a good writer or bad. Always keep that in mind.
Now...does anyone know where I can buy a few hundred pairs of cheap, plastic fangs?
There are many things an author can do to promote their work. The first, most obvious thing (I would say), in this day and age is that you need a website and, if you have the time, a blog. Soon my website will be undergoing a metamorphosis as I gear it more toward a YA audience and focus on promoting Vlad and EGB. (It'll also be relocating to heatherbrewer.com--so watch for it!) A website doesn't have to be complicated to be effective. Just show your readers who you are, give them a taste of your work, and offer them a way to contact you. Communication, as in any relationship, is key with your readers. As for writing a blog, you've got to have dedication. Topics can be difficult to come by when your head is stuck in revisions or whatnot. And readers are fickle. If you don't write several times a week, they'll get antsy and move on.
The next best way to promote your work can be summed up in one word: bribery. Give stuff away! Especially if it's promotional stuff like refrigerator magnets, buttons and bookmarks (all with your book cover & web address, of course). But give away the fun stuff too. Autographed copies of books, ultra cool objects that carry the theme of your book, shirts printed with your book cover. Give all this stuff away and don't you dare scoff at price. These are your fans, your readers. Consider this promotional investment a thank you gift to them for sticking with you. Besides, people talk--they spread the word whether you're a good writer or bad. Always keep that in mind.
Now...does anyone know where I can buy a few hundred pairs of cheap, plastic fangs?
posted by Heather Brewer at 8:17 AM
2 Comments:
Cheap, plastic fangs? Oriental Trading Company, ofcourse. You can buy almost anything there! Especially if you like cheesy holiday stuff, like I do!
I used to live near OTC! It's headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska. :)
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