Not Just a Writer Anymore by Angie Capozello
“…no one can provide the necessary marketing for a book these days as well as the author. The services offered by any large traditional publisher or self-publishing vendor don’t work. During my long tenure in traditional commercial publishing we finally realized that and joined the other Big-Six publishers in stipulating contractually that an author have a website, a blog, and engage in online social networking. It’s really the best way to sell books, and no one else can do it for you.”
Now, I know everyone says you need to have an online presence, but this is the first time I’ve heard that it would be mandated in the contract when you sign a book deal. And he’s coming right out and saying the big 6 (or 5, now) haven’t got a clue how to market in today’s social world! Yeowza!
Now, before you go running for the self-publishing hills, let’s step back and think about this. Whether you try the self-pub or traditional route, you’re going to need to do these things anyway. So let’s take a look at what you need at a minimum to get started with these requirements.
1: Your website
Trust me, this not as hard as it sounds. There are plenty of companies that offer professional, easy to set up websites where all you have to do is add some text and a few links. Here’s what you need to have on the site:
- A brief bio – take a look at the author bio on the back dust cover of any book, and follow that format. You don’t have to write another novel. To quote Joe Friday, just the facts, ma’am.
- A list of all your books, along with links on where to buy them (if they’re available.) Always have that front and center, make it easy to buy your books.
- Events you’ll be attending, online or in person.
- Media/press page – Whenever you get some good press, list it or link to it here. Also, get a professional photo or two, and have some info on how to contact you, or your agent if you have one.
- A link to your blog, and where to find you on social media
2: The blog
This is also very easy – you can set up a free WordPress blog in minutes. But what do you put on there? It can’t just be full of photos of cute kittens. It doesn’t have to be a magnum opus either, however. Talk about where you are in your latest writing project, talk about any conferences you attend, or simply talk about the genres you love to write. As long as it has something to do with writing and you post at least 2-3 times a month, you should be fine. Just remember that this is not a personal blog, it’s for work. No dishing about your ex or complaining about the election.
3: Social Media
You are already a part of #amwriting community, and probably a bunch of other online writing groups as well. Voila, you have a social presence! And if you’re not out there, go on, talk to people! No, don’t plaster twitter with BUY MY BOOK. I said talk to people, you know, conversation? Talk with other writers, cheer each other on, take part in blog hops and writing challenges, have fun! Social media is all about networking and getting to know people. That is why the big 6/5 fail at it, they can’t connect on a person-to-person basis. But I’m sure you’re saying, no-one knows me yet, how can I reach a big audience? Don’t worry, no-one starts out with a massive network. Let it build naturally over time as you get to know more people. You don’t even have to do it every day, just set aside some time, a few hours here and there during the week.
So there you go – with a little bit of effort and planning, you can have everything you need for when you get that book deal. And once that’s done you can get back to what you love – writing.
-Angie Capozello
http://techtigger.wordpress.com
@techtigger on twitter
http://www.facebook.com/techtigger
