Making Contact

There are many ways for authors to get the word out about their books. Blogging, social media, traditional media, websites, and personal contact are among the effective avenues to reach people.

I have author friends such as Steve Flairty and Don McNay  who write columns for web-based publications such as KyForward.  McNay is also on the Huffington Post.

Romance author Taryn Raye is a prolific blogger, touching on several topics every week, and not just about writing. Children's author Marlis Day writes an effective blog about her books, upcoming events, and personal reflections. 

Personal websites are another important way for writers to connect with readers. Mystery writer Bill Noel recently posted the release of his new novel, "Missing," at his website. Young-adult writer Tim Callahan has an effective website to get the word out about his Kentucky Summer series. 

Most successful authors have web portals, either personal or through publishing houses. You simply need to do a web search to find them.

A lot of authors, such as Sue Grafton and Teresa Medeiros, can be found on Facebook. Just click the "Like" button and you'll get updates on what they're doing. 


Author information can also be found at Amazon.com, BN.com, Goodreads.com, Shelfari.com, and other book-related sites.

Another way is to participate in interviews on other websites. I was  fortunate to appear on Taryn Raye's and Tugboat Design's insightful interview pages.

Other authors, such as Steve Demaree and Lynwood Montel, find that  face-to-face contact with readers at book fairs, festivals and other events create an effective word-of-mouth marketing campaign for their books.

Because of my background, I still treasure traditional media. I enjoy author interviews and book reviews in newspapers, magazines, radio, and television. 

I believe that the most effective way is to have a mix of media.

As a reader, do you have a preference in finding information about authors and books?

Until the next time...

Making Contact

While promotion and marketing a book on the Internet is essential, I believe a mix with traditional media is important for success in sales.

You might not hit a home run but you could get extra bases when you connect in the right places.

I’ve used social media to get the word out about my books. I’ve sent emails (no spamming), blogged, and become involved in an assortment of networks such as Linkedin, Goodreads, Shelfari and Manic Readers. You can find my works in places like Amazon.com, B&N.com, Smashwords.com, CreateSpace.com, and Wings-Press.com.

I recently participated in a giveaway for my latest book, “Laments,“ at Goodreads. It attracted 412 entries for the three copies. You might go there and sign up for drawings conducted by other authors. Be sure and “friend” me while you’re there.

With all of my novels I have mailed postcards to notify libraries, bookstores, friends, and family. One reason is that folks don’t always see what you’ve posted on the Internet. There may have been times when an email went to a junk-mail filter (ouch, that hurts!) and was inadvertently deleted (of course!). Believe it or not, some folks don’t use a computer. And, if they do, there's a chance they may not go to the same websites where you shout to the world about your book. Timing is important.

For "Shooting Star", which was published in 2011, I advertised in the Kentucky Book Fair catalog because it went to great audiences -- readers and libraries.

I also purchase book marks that I hand out at signings, book fairs, and other functions. They include my website and other places where they can purchase the book. When people purchase books directly from me, I always include a book mark.

I believe it’s best to cover as many bases as possible, especially if you want to be a consistent hitter as an author.

Until the next time…

Support Your Local Author

There are several ways to show support for your favorite authors and you don’t even have to purchase their books.

Probably the easiest way is to word-of-mouth. If you like (or dislike) the book, tell other folks. Continue the dialogue by asking others what they're reading or what they'd recommend.

Another way to show support is to visit websites such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads and Shelfari and leave reviews of the books you’ve read. They don’t have to be elaborate and long. Simply a few sentences on why you like,  or didn’t like a book, and give it a rating.

If you don’t like to write (because you prefer to leave that up to writers), you can just leave a rating for a book. Or if you see a review you like, such as  those on Amazon, click to show that it was helpful or wasn’t helpful to you.

You also can join discussion groups that are provided at book-related websites. While you're expressing an opinion about a book, or author, you can also read opinions from others that can help guide you to new books and authors.

And another way to show support for authors is by checking out their books in the library. Librarians keep tab on circulation, and those books that gather dust on the shelves often end up in library book sales. You also can request a librarian to order a book for the their collection. Librarians like recommendations because they realize quite a few good books fall through the cracks.

Of course, if you want to spend a few dollars to support your local author, you can buy their books.  But I think you already know that.

Until the next time...