Establishing a Remarkable Readership for Your Work
Establishing a Remarkable Readership for Your Work
"The Book Sistah"
My luck was in. In the same month that my book was sold, I also launched my coaching business's newsletter, Living the Dream. I had no clue that 18 months later, with my subscriber list growing, I would have a fantastic platform to promote the book. My book was selling like hotcakes before it ever came out in stores, all because of that list.
Unbeknownst to me, I was building an audience. What I didn't realize before is that a list is a treasure trove of information for selling books and attracting the attention of publishers. Presenting evidence of having a large audience at your disposal can often lead to significant advancements in today's business world. But where may one find a list like that? As your organization grows, these tips will guide you from planting seeds to reaping the rewards.
1. Begin with your own network.
Whether it's the address book in your email system or the simple list you use every year for holiday cards, most of us already have some sort of list. It could be as large as 200–400 or as tiny as 10–25. First, send out a broad email to your list members informing them that you are now organizing your emails and intend to send out notes, newsletters, or whatever else you have in mind on a regular basis. If they aren't interested, let them know they can opt out. People care about you and want to know what you're up to, so they're likely to stick around.
2. Always make sure to obtain permission before adding new people to your list.
Meeting new individuals is crucial for your writing profession right now; try to do it at least once a month. Participate in classes, attend networking events, or—best of all—accept speaking engagements. Speaking publicly on a regular basis is a great way for any author, but especially non-fiction writers, to establish themselves as authorities in their field. Gathering business cards is as easy as having attendees sign in with their contact info at your event or while you're networking or in class. Obtain permission and inform them that they will be receiving communications from you through newsletters, etc. Without someone's consent, adding them to your mailing list is extremely impolite. Another name for it is spamming!
Signing people up is crucial, as I've seen famous authors doing it. I once went to a reading by E. Lynn Harris in the hopes of learning his secret to drawing such a large and dedicated audience. Everyone there acted as if they knew him personally, and the room was jam-packed. He announced that he will sign your book in exchange for your signature when it was time to sign books. He assured you that you might expect to receive emails, birthday cards, and holiday greetings from him. The list-signers couldn't have been friendlier. Very astute!
Three, sign up with a list service to keep your list updated.
As your email list expands, you'll probably find out that you can't send mass mails to groups bigger than 50-80. Additionally, you should keep a backup copy of your list stored somewhere other than just on your computer. Joining a list service is the way to go. Most list services also provide templates so you can send your subscribers professionally designed HTML emails, and they'll carefully maintain your database. People can join your list directly from your website using the code and links you provide. Feel free to try any of them. I make use of both Constant Contact and 1 Shopping Cart. You may find information about both at their own websites. Perhaps Constant Contact is all you need if you aren't in the business of selling goods or services, as a shopping cart isn't always necessary.
4. Maintain consistent communication with your list.
So that they don't overlook you, it's in your best interest to maintain communication with the individuals on your list. You get to decide how to do it. E. Lynn Harris does what I indicated up top: he sends cards and letters to his list. Every day, a coworker of mine sends me motivational phrases. You can keep your readers up-to-date on your activities and deliver them valuable content with email newsletters, which is why I think they're great. Establishing your expertise is possible through the provision of material, such as real estate investment recommendations, marketing ideas, or even cookbook recipes. Additionally, by providing valuable content, you are encouraging them to remain on your list. Discounts on my services, holiday gift cards, and articles with career advice and recommendations for reaching goals are all things I've done in the past. In addition, my book and the rave reviews it has gotten are included in every issue of Living the Dream. Visit http://www.creativecoachingplans.com/newsletter.html to view previous editions.
5. Make your list exciting and intriguing.
You should begin informing your audience of your book's impending publication as its release date draws near. In addition to informing your audience of when and where you will be speaking and signing books, you can also create pre-sale orders and receive alerts when reviews for your books are published. I noticed that my book was offered on Amazon.com around six months before it was supposed to be published. In a "special announcement" I informed people about it and asked them to pre-order the book. On that wonderful day, my book reached a peak of number three thousand on Amazon's list! Although I am not J.K. Rowling, I must admit that I find that quite satisfactory. Also, distributors will find that kind of detail useful when pitching your book to bookshops. People in your industry are aware that you have a massive following of eager buyers.
Copyright 2005 Sophfronia Scott
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