MARCH BOOK MADNESS is something where people share their thoughts on writing and books and we’ve had two awesome posts already (see the links below).
Fun stuff. Great people. I’m totally lovin’ this!
Today JoLynne Lyon is talking about marketing and social media for authors. I must say, I really appreciate JoLynne’s sense of humor. Her post made me laugh which is always a good thing. So here it is:
JoLynne: Using social media to build a bestseller in 10 easy steps
Bio: JoLynne Lyon is the public relations specialist in a unit in a college in a university on a hill in a mountain town. (Utah State University wants you to know that her opinions don’t represent her employer.) She’s never sold a book, but she’s observed all the strategies presented here. You can find her at www.mountainlyon.blogspot.com and on Twitter, @jensenborger6.
Rebecca: The first time I read JoLynne’s post I laughed. It’s awesome! I think we’ve all been there, seen that. The annoying self-promoter. They’re everywhere with an in-your-face kind of approach. But I have to say the second time I read it, I thought, “Oh shoot! Have I done those things?” If so, I’m very, very sorry to all of you. It’s hard to remember that other people aren’t as excited about my book as I am. (By the way it’s called Sadie, and it’s about this girl who . . . just kidding.)
Like everything else in life, I think it all comes back to balance. You want to get your name and product out there because you believe in it. Otherwise you wouldn’t have created it. And the reality is that in today’s publishing world, most of marketing falls to the author. So how do you do it without bugging the snot out of people? I love the suggestions JoLynne gave of what not to do. If I had to add one thing to do, I would say: Be nice. That’s it. Everything you ever needed to know you learned in kindergarten, or something like that. Just be nice.
I’ve become a people watcher of late, especially an author watcher. My favorite ones, the ones I look up to, are genuinely nice, classy people. (Classy. That’s a word I’d love to be some day.) These authors mention their product, sure, but they also mention others they love and believe in. They’re always grateful for their readers and supporters. When praised, they’re humble and acknowledge that they didn’t get to where they are solely because of themselves. I love that! When they talk to people they’re appreciative. They’re real. They’re nice. That goes a long way in my book. In fact, I’ve met some authors who impressed me so much I’ll buy anything they write for the rest of their lives. How’s that for reader loyalty?
So that’s my marketing tip. Be nice. And please don’t do the things JoLynne mentioned. It really bugs people. :)
What do you think? What marketing strategies have you seen that you like? That you hate? What authors do you respect and why? What are you having for dessert? (Sorry that last one crept in there. Craving chocolate right now.)
Rebecca, thanks for saying what a writer should do. I've seen some great class acts out there, too, and you're right–I buy everything they do.
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Haha! Love this post. And I plan to implement every one of these strategies the minute I get my first book published.
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Great post! Thanks JoLynne for the laughs! I'm so glad to find your site, Rebecca…and now I must go and check out JoLynne's too. Yea!
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That loyalty thing runs strong in readers. Once you find an author you like, you just don't let go. :)
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:) Fun, right?
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I think we've all met and identified at least one of these – visit my blog: http://www.iamthegreatestintheworld.com. Ha. No thanks.Happy Weekend!
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Haha, exactly. Thanks for dropping by and hope you have a great weekend as well. :)
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Thanks!! Definitely go check hers out.
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Oh my gosh, I'm sad I missed this post when it went up. Giggled my butt off through the whole thing!And you can follow me at…;)
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Haha, me, too. Love the follow plug. :)
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