If you are a writer, it is likely you don’t want the
limelight. You work best in the quiet of your own space. You don’t need people
around and you don’t want to be bothered. You are happy working on your book –
whatever it may be.
But eventually you have to think about what you will do when
the book is finished, published or ready to be read by the public. Wouldn't it
be nice if you could just mail the manuscript to someone who would take over
and print it, promote it, sell it, and send you a big fat check each month? You
could just write and write and never leave the house.
I see many writers who seem to think that is the life of an
author. Sadly, that is one of the myths the public has believed for years. In
today’s world the author must be seen and heard. The author is the one who
markets his/her book.
I want to suggest some painless methods an author can use to
reach an audience. Take on a role of leadership. Don’t volunteer for more than
you feel comfortable doing, but try the following suggestions.
- If there is a writing
organization in your town or area, join and attend the events.
- Find ways you can help the
organization – lead a critique group, become the helper to the leader, and
if there is no job, make one that you want to do, then do it.
- Offer to do the publicity
for your writing group. Write articles on the members and publish them in
the local newspapers with your name listed as the writer. Be the one to
put your local literary group on the map. Use photos with each article.
- Join your state literary
group. Know the leaders and call them or email them with suggestions of how they might best serve their members. Better—call or email and tell
them what a great job they are doing for the members.
- Become a mentor for
beginning writers.
- Hold an open mic event in
a local coffee shop or book store once a month. Write an article for the
local newspapers about who attends and who reads, and be sure the event is
on social media with your name attached.
- As soon as you feel you
are ready, volunteer for a major leadership position in a literary organization.
When your name is well-recognized, your book will soon follow. Be sure you
make as many speeches or appear at as many events as possible where you
can mention your book.
Tell me what you think of these ideas. Do you think they would help you?
