As I wander deeper and deeper into the world of book marketing and publicity, I get the feeling that I’m spinning my wheels. I am going where authors have gone before and feel as if I am offering very little that is new or unique. I have good books. My product, according to the reviews, my editor, my agent and my mother is good. So how do I sell the book? How do I get noticed in a world that is filled with noisy people yelling, “Look at me, look at me.” Yelling louder isn’t really an option for me. It makes me uncomfortable and I am not sure it’s effective. Besides, it makes my throat hurt.
One thing I have learned is that marketing and publicity are built on relationships. Last week, Jane Porter invited me to be her special guest at a reader’s tea here in Portland. She did that because we had a relationship that dates back about eight years. Last Wednesday. I had another media event fall in my lap because of a relationship I have with entrepreneur and 30 Second Mom founder, Elisa All. I’ve known Elisa for even longer than Jane, about ten years or so. The #30secondmom Twitter chat garnered me even more publicity and followers. Will that result in readers? I believe so. But these opportunities were the result of relationships, not vocal sales pitches.
I have built trust with these people. I am not using them simply to sell books. My association with them goes far deeper. As I write this blog, I am forging new relationships and though some of them have stemmed from the business of blogging, selling and producing, they are like friendships in that they are based on mutual respect. Am I wrong in thinking that friendship, respect and business can go hand in hand? Am I being naive?
For instance, yesterday I was interviewed by a media chica yesterday who writes for lifestyle blogs and online magazines. Smart, savvy, funny and a good writer—all things I admire. I met her online and now she is doing a story on me that may garner me more followers, readers, sales. But that isn’t what struck me about the conversation, rather, it was how fun and natural it was. This wasn’t just a business conversation for me— I wasn’t selling: I was connecting.
Sales, marketing, publicity, platform, brand, etc., are all sales terms that I’ll be delving into much more deeply in the coming months. I’m starting a marketing group with several authors to explore some of these ideas and more, and plan on taking several online classes concerning these topics. I am confident I will be able to find a marketing rhythm and style that is not only effective, but uniquely my own. And happily, I am starting in a place that is comfortable for me.
Relationships.
Loved your post T.J., especially about connecting with people and having relationships, not just marketing on the mind. Sounds like you have the right approach! ~ Viola
Thanks for stopping by! I hope I have the right approach… time will tell!
I am 100% convinced that building relationships is the ONLY thing that really works–relationships with readers, relationships with other authors, relationships with people who have similar interests and goals. Yes, it’s important to get the word out on a release. But people tend to buy the book because they either know and like you already, or someone they trust recommends you/your book. That means relationships.
In the end Karma always wins. 🙂
I agree. I feel like I am on a really interesting journey here… where it will lead, no one knows!
Promotion is so tough. There are authors who barely make a squeak, and then there are those who cram their books down people’s throats. No one is quite sure what’s the best way to go about it. Like you said, you have to do what feels comfortable for you. Good luck with your new book. 🙂
Thanks Karen… I worry about the throat cramming part, but most of my throat cramming is during the Downton Abbey showing, which is when I should be doing it.
Hi T.J.
I absolutely adore your blog design. I can’t wait to read more posts.
Like the other comments, I think that connecting is essential for a writer. Social media requires connecting as does marketing and promotion. That said, selling books is all about connecting with your readers in whatever form that takes. If you can make friends from business relationships, that probably makes you a stronger sell because you’ll have generated empathy. It’s those emotional connections that makes readers want to continue to read what you’re offering.
I agree… also ease of use. Right now I am trying to reconfigure the blog to make it easier to comment and more interactive. That way when my blog evokes an emotional response, they can actually respond! LOL
So far everything on this site looks good, and it shows up in my google reader feed as well. I think I gave you the promo card at Jane’s Tea but please check out our authormarketing101.com site to feel confident about what you do, and how much you take on.
You’ve got good products and a great Author Persona already so everything else stems from your website, which is good, and verifying your BUY links all work. 😀