How to Market Yourself Before Publication
Although I haven’t realized my dream of publication yet, I do have a game plan so when the call comes, I’ll be in a better position to market myself effectively.
Here are some of the things I’ve done to prepare for the future.
Volunteer:
If you belong to writing groups, I urge you to volunteer. I had been a member of Virginia Romance Writers (VRW), my local Romance Writers of America (RWA) chapter for five years. I didn’t know any one when I joined. But shortly after, there was an opening on the board for Secretary. I figured it would be a good way to learn names and meet people. I served in this position for two years (the term limit) and got to know the people that attended meetings.
Later when asked by NYT best-selling author Cathy Maxwell to serve as Co-Vice President/Program Chair with her, I accepted. This experience has been invaluable to me. Cathy has shown me the ropes and been an invaluable resource and great friend.
I’ve had the privilege of networking with writers, agents and editors that I wouldn’t have gotten to know if I had declined Cathy’s invitation to serve with her. Through the hostess aspect of the VP job, I’ve introduced speakers at meetings, practiced my small talk and expanded it to include some great conversations about writing and the business of writing. In the process, I’ve learned a lot, and I hope to have life-long contact with the people I’ve met.
Conferences:
Even though I’ve attended workshops and conferences since I started seriously pursuing a writing career, I’ve made it a point to attend more conferences (locally, regionally and nationally). I’ve networked by meeting new people and handing out my business card. Some of the people I’ve met have been invited to be speakers for my chapter. Others are on the list of speakers to be recommended to the next program chairs. It’s a win-win situation.
As a strong believer in the power of gratitude, I write a thank you note or email speakers and people I meet to let them know they are appreciated and to tell them how they have impacted my life and career. People remember this. And they remember you.
Book signings:
Over the last several years I’ve upped my attendance at book signings. I chat with the writers, ask questions, and let them know that I’m seeking publication. Without exception, all have been encouraging and helpful. I even met a detective/profiler who gave me his card and told me that I could call on him as a resource whenever I needed to.
Another thing in connection with book signings that I’ve done is to make myself known to my local booksellers. I meet them face-to-face and let them know that I’d really appreciate a book-signing slot when I’m published. I’m collecting their cards and putting them in a database.
When I visit my doctors, dentist, or other professionals (including my hair stylist), I let them and their staffs know that I’m a writer. People want to hear about what you write, are impressed that you can write (whether published or not) and are eager to know when they can buy your book. Many have offered to schedule signings in their offices or shops when my book is published. They’re all in my marketing database, too.
Recently, I’ve promoted the book signings of the published authors in my chapter as well as those of our visiting speakers. If I know of a signing, I put a message on our chapter listserve and announce it at our chapter meetings.
Getting the word out about signings is another win-win situation. I’m getting to know more people, and I’m providing a service to both the authors and people who’d like to know about the signings.
And one day, I’ll have a signing that can benefit from this free promotional opportunity.
Name recognition is very important. All of these things help to promote my name. I may not have a book to sell – yet – but I have my name to build on.
Career Coach/Mentors:
Although these next categories aren’t about promoting prior to publication, they are vital to your growth and success as a writer.
The first thing I recommend is to select a career coach. This will be another writer whom you respect and who respects you. With this person you will establish goals and career plans for the next five years and be responsible to each other for helping to stay on target and achieve those goals.
My career coach and I meet monthly (or more frequently if our writing permits) to go over where we are and what we could do to better position ourselves so that we meet our goals and achieve our dreams.
By mutual consent, I’ve also picked mentors – people (mostly writers) that I admire and have learned from. I also meet with them, although less often than with my career coach. But I know they are always there should I need their help or advice. I’m also available to them and will help them in any way that I can. It’s very much a two-way street.
Positive Energy:
The other vital thing that I think you need to do is to surround yourself with positive, energetic people. Toxic or negative energy can drain you and your creativity faster than anything. If you encounter someone who always seems to pull you down or drag you into their personal or professional quagmires, run. It’s not worth your time or effort. And in the end, you will not be able to help them. It’s definitely a lose-lose situation.
There are enough things to bring you down in this business. You must stay positive and focused. Not only must you write your books, but you must also think about the business end of writing and promotion. It’s a lot to do and you wear a lot of different hats that require different skill sets from you.
In Closing:
Give yourself every opportunity to succeed. I hope these things that I’ve tried will help you with your own pre-publication promotion and place you in the ready to go spot when you receive the call that you’ve made a sale.
Best of luck to each of you.
Kathy
This is an expanded article of an alumni contribution to the Introverts/Extroverts class taught by Gwen Shuster-Haynes.
© Kathleen R. Jorgensen, 2006