Today’s guest post is from my colleague, Dana Lynn Smith, The Savvy Book Marketer.
Some authors are introverts, preferring to remain in the background and write, rather than interacting with others.
But promoting the author is an integral part of promoting a book. That’s especially true for nonfiction authors, where promoting the author as an expert in their subject is key. But even novelists and children’s book authors need to promote themselves.
Authors, don’t hide under a bushel (or a paper bag). Here are some tips for promoting your author persona:
1. Write an engaging author bio.
An interesting author bio helps to generate interest in you as an author and a person, and it also shows off your writing skills. See Roni Loren’s article with some terrific tips for author bios.
2. Flaunt your author status.
Let the world know that you’re an author. Add your book title to your email signature. Call yourself a romance author in your Facebook profile. Call yourself “author of award-winning travel guides” in the Title field on your LinkedIn profile. When you meet someone new, tell them that you write crime novels. Remind your friends and family about your books – mention them on your social networks, personal blog, holiday newsletter, high school reunion, etc.
3. Make it easy to be found.
Don’t make it hard for people to locate you or make contact. See this article for tips on adding contact information to your website.
4. Learn to engage.
If you’re shy about speaking or engaging personally with readers, take baby steps to increase your comfort level. Start by responding to blog comments and chatting with people on social networks. Attend book signings and events done by well-known authors to watch how it’s done. Do some taped podcast interviews before moving up to live events. You’ll gain confidence with each interaction or appearance.
It’s great to be an author – let your light shine!
About the Author
Dana Lynn Smith, The Savvy Book Marketer, helps authors and indie publishers learn how to sell more books through her how-to guides, author training programs, blog, newsletter, and private coaching. Get her free report, Create a Book Marketing Plan that Sells Books at http://www.CreateYourBookMarketingPlan.com.
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