The Writer's Workshop 
Building an Author Marketing Plan That Attracts Readers, Sells Books, and Won’t Make You Miserable
It’s no one’s favorite part of publishing, but establishing some kind of public-facing presence (marketing) is essential for writers today. So let’s talk about how to do it well. In the course of my spring writing class, Beth Jusino shared what she’s learned, as both an author and a consultant, about specific, practical, and inexpensive ways writers can take advantage of their own strengths and interests to gather a community, even before their first book comes out. (Surprise: it doesn’t HAVE to be social media.) Author and publishing consultant Beth Jusino spoke to The Writer’s Workshop spring writing class about how to make this happen.
What do we really mean when we talk about author marketing?
Marketing is NOT a bad word. Marketing is a collection of things you do over time to build positive name recognition. No time is too soon to start. Marketing is a long-term process. There is no formula. It starts as soon as you think about publishing. What can I commit to doing regularly over time?
What do you hate doing?
You can take this off the list.
What do you love doing?
Focus on this.
What is an author platform?
Platform is long-term engagement with target audience that establishes name recognition and trust. How are you engaged in your community? Who is your audience? Who are the first 100 stranger who bill buy your book?
Do you know influencers who can bring their followers? Do you know published authors who can blurb your book? Media person, editors?
How will people find you?
Here are four common ways start building platform 1) publish short stories or articles. 2) Blogging. 3) Contests for writers? 4) Social media (know your audience and know where they are). Facebook is different from Twitter.
For more on building an author platform, please subscribe to my email newsletter or contact me about taking a writing class!
