| Your Writer Platform

Build Your Writer Platform & Fanbase: A Fiction Author Case Study

May 14, 2020 by Kimberley Grabas

I had the opportunity (and the pleasure) of working with fiction author, Abby Arthur, a few months ago. During our one-on-one session, we worked on defining her author brand, identifying her ideal audience, and developing her online presence (building her author website, email list, and network). We uncovered some specific promotional campaigns that would entice her readers and help her meet her objectives. In this post, Abby is sharing the steps she’s taken and her results (so far), so you too can learn how to grow your audience and writer platform.

Are you an author trying to grow your mailing list and fan base?

Are you lost at what to do?

I was right there with you. And though I’m not done with my marketing mission for the year, I’ve made some steps towards building my fan base that I’m sure can help and encourage you.

But first, who am I?

I’m Abby Arthur. I write young adult fantasy in a fascinating modern world full of magic and adventure for teens who want an escape from reality.

For the last twenty years, writing has been a passion and way of life for me. I can’t count how many novels I’ve written while I’ve learned to perfect my craft (not all are great, I promise).

[Read more…]

Marketing your Book and Author Brand During COVID-19

April 23, 2020 by Kimberley Grabas

This is a guest post by Yen Cabag, blog writer of TCK Publishing. In this post, she shares her recommendations on how authors can balance their book marketing and promotional needs with the current heightened need for public safety and social distancing.

Building your author platform is a must-do for anyone wanting to become a successful author.

After all, if you believe in the importance of the message or the experience you offer with your book, you shouldn’t be hesitant about getting it in front of other people.

Authors aren’t just writers – you also need to be intentional at marketing and selling your book, too.

There are many ways to market your book, including exciting things like book tours and book signings, as well as more mundane tasks like keeping up a presence on social media. And, of course, many experts recommend you start building your author platform even before you get your book out.

But, with the coronavirus pandemic upon us, what’s an author to do?

First things first: you definitely don’t want to capitalize on people’s fear by feeding on their uncertainty.

Unfortunately, some writers have done so in order to grab attention and short-term sales. But this strategy never works in the long-term, and can often backfire on the author rather spectacularly.

[Read more…]

Book Marketing 101: The Crucial Basics of Promoting Your Book

February 13, 2020 by Kimberley Grabas

Karen Ferreira’s creative agency specializes in providing high quality, affordable illustration services for authors.

As a keynote speaker at her annual conference, Children’s Book Mastery, Karen interviewed me about the crucial basics of promoting your book.

We explored the following:

What mindset should authors adopt when promoting their book?
What are the most crucial elements of promoting your book?
What are some creative and unusual ways to promote your book?
How can authors come up with their own marketing ideas?
How can an author create a promo kit for themselves?

Because book promotion is such an important – but challenging – topic, Karen generously provided a transcribed copy of our discussion to use here on the blog.

We wrapped up our chat with Karen asking me what my top tip is to help authors succeed. (You’ll have to scroll all the way to the bottom of the post to find my answer. ??)

[Read more…]

How Writers Can Make the Most Out of Co-working Spaces

February 7, 2020 by Kimberley Grabas

Writing can be tricky at times. It can be a grueling and monumental task that often requires the stars to align.

It can also be socially isolating and mentally exhausting.

This is why we’ve discussed the topic of persevering through the difficulties of writing and of life in our article on How to Stay Motivated When Life Gets in the Way.

We recommended getting rid of all distractions to get you over your writing slump. And while turning the TV off and ignoring your apps may help, sometimes what you need is a change of scenery.

Luckily, the rise of co-working spaces gives you many affordable and accessible options.

Co-working spaces can spark motivation and get you back into writing. They also provide a platform for writers, freelancers, and startups who want to experiment with new ways of working.

[Read more…]

Book Promotion Ideas for Authors: How to Plan Events in Unique Venues

January 23, 2020 by Kimberley Grabas

If you’ve been considering hosting a local author event in a unique or non-traditional venue, this guest post by Beatrice Beard will be a big help. By getting out into the community, building relationships with local businesses, clubs and organizations, you can strategically create some buzz and excitement around your book AND create a win for the venue, as well.

If you’re trying to come up with creative or unique ways to promote your book through events, there are a lot of options.

The reality is, you can book an event for book promotion at nearly any kind of venue. From coffee shops to craft beer breweries, there are so many options out there.

One of the great benefits of doing an event in a non-bookstore venue is that there won’t be any author competition.

Here’s what you should keep in mind when you consider your next venue.

Be Creative

There are many venue options if you want to do an event in a non-bookstore market. If it makes sense for your buyer audience and the venue’s customers, then it should be considered.

[Read more…]

But, with the coronavirus pandemic upon us, what’s an author to do?

Be Creative

Authors with Platforms Sell Books.